Asheville's Biz Beat: No-Pitch Networking & a Fiery Fitness Face-Off

Welcome to this issue of AVL BIZ Magazine—a weekly roundup of Asheville business events, marketing insights, and a dash of local flavor to keep your entrepreneurial spark alive.

My name’s Jason and I’m writing this (connect with me here).

Last week we hosted our very first Anti‑Networking Business Meeting—huge thanks to everyone who came, swapped zero pitches, and actually relaxed instead of power‑selling from behind a banquet‑table fortress. Folks loved the “no‑sell” vibe but agreed those long tables need to go. I’m on it!

This week we’ve got smart event picks, bite‑sized marketing tips, fun local outings (including a gym throwdown), and a can’t‑miss gallery show. Let’s dive in.

On Deck

• 📅 Upcoming Events: What’s happening business‑wise.

• ⚡ Marketing Quickies: Fast tips to boost your biz.

• 🎭 Fun Stuff Around AVL: Because you need a break.

• 🎨 Artist Spotlight: Celebrating local talent.

Upcoming Events

🗓️ Meetup – Buying & Selling Asheville Businesses – Wed, Apr 23, 2025 · 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM @ The Canteen at Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins. By Alex Simon: Kick off a community for folks serious about buying or selling local businesses—hear success stories, swap leads, and build the future of Asheville’s economy.

🗓️ 1 Million Cups Asheville – Wed, Apr 30, 2025 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (weekly) @ Hatch Innovation Hub. Grab your coffee and curiosities at this free, founder‑focused meetup—share your 6‑minute pitch (and your best war stories) in a zero‑pressure setting.

🗓️ Click‑Worthy Copy: Writing Website Words that Sell for You – Wed, Apr 30, 2025 · 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM @ Focal Point Coworking. Learn the sneaky science behind headlines and calls‑to‑action that actually convert browsers into buyers.

🗓️ Next Level: Entrepreneurs Living the Dream Now – Thu, May 1, 2025 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ Hatch AVL. Hosted by Sarah Leslie, this monthly meetup is designed for passionate, hardworking entrepreneurs ready to make their dreams a reality. Bring a notebook and pen!

🗓️ Chamber Challenge 5K – Fri, May 2, 2025 · 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM @ Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce (36 Montford Ave). Get your heart rate up for a good cause—friendly competition between local businesses with training tips and big cash‑prize incentives.

🗓️ Justice Matters Tour Info Session – Thu, May 8, 2025 · 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM @ Pisgah Legal Services, Charlotte Street Office. One‑hour deep dive into PLS’s community‑law initiatives. Great for nonprofit leaders and socially‑minded entrepreneurs.

🗓️ Jazz for Justice Fundraiser – Wed, May 28, 2025 · 5:30 PM @ Highland Brewing Company Event Space. Cocktails and smooth tunes in support of Pisgah Legal Services. Ticket prices rise Apr 30, so snag a seat now.

Hosting something cool?

Email me the details below and I’ll try to share it in the newsletter or on LinkedIn.

Marketing Quickies

I’m a marketer and educator at heart. Here I’ll share interesting links that you can apply to your business to get more leads, make your life easier, hire better, and grow your business.

• Plan your Instagram Stories with this up‑to‑the‑minute guide—discover step‑by‑step how to grow your audience, deepen connections, and drive real business results in 2025:

• Custom GPTs Secrets. Thinking about letting AI help with your marketing? This walkthrough shows exactly how to build and refine your own GPTs for reliable, high‑quality outputs every time:

Fun Stuff Around AVL

🦋 WNC Farmers Market Spring Festival – May 2–4, 2025 @ WNC Farmers Market (348 Sand Hill Rd). Three days of local produce, live bluegrass, kids’ crafts, and a food‑truck cook‑off—because nothing says “Asheville” like a rhubarb galette and a banjo trio. https://www.facebook.com/WncFarmersMarket/posts/pfbid0V9ypdM9XVQ8M4UJpPQfdSMZPo3PuiDAfR2fPswvmj4FBAMqNwGWDugjuZCK6tRg7l

🎨 Pop‑up Mini Craft Fair – Sat, May 3, 2025 @ Southern Highland Craft Guild (26 S. Lexington Ave). Browse handmade ceramics, textiles, and woodwork from River Arts District makers—perfect for snagging that one‑of‑a‑kind Mother’s Day gift. https://southernhighlandguild.org/

😂 Comedy at Catawba: Naomi Karavani – Fri, May 2, 2025 · (Two Shows) @ Catawba Brewing Co. South Slope. NYC‑based stand‑up star Naomi Karavani brings her sharp wit down south—good laughs, good beer, no airfare required. https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/naomi-karavani-at-catawba-brewing-two-shows-3593659

That’s all for this week!

Alright folks, that’s your weekly download—now go swap some stories, flex those GPT muscles, and maybe compete for cash at the gym. Go make something awesome happen this week, Asheville—and I’ll see you next week!

Email me here and tell me what you think, or let me know about an event you’re hosting.

Until next week,

-Jason

Jason De Los Santos
Pixelated Stories
(828) 585-4293