Join the journey as Francisco Martinez, a vibrant force in economic development, shares his transformative story from graphic and web design to spearheading growth initiatives in Wilkesboro. Together, we explore the impact of the Entrepreneur Grant Program and the vital role of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College in cultivating a fertile entrepreneurial landscape. We also delve into the boons of co-working spaces for startups, painting a picture of a community that's not just surviving, but thriving through collaboration and support.

Get ready to connect with the heart of our business community at the Wilkes Entrepreneur Network's monthly gatherings. I'm thrilled to welcome you to conversations with Doren Tripp, Laurie Brown-Straps, and other local luminaries, where we stitch together the rich tapestry of our area's entrepreneurial spirit. Discover how these networks expand business horizons, and stay abreast of the economic pulse with updates from the Wilkes Economic Development Corporation. Embark on this episode with us, celebrating the collective efforts propelling Wilkesboro's economic future.

For more information visit https://wilkesedc.com/

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Embarking on a voyage through the transformative world of co-working spaces, we're joined by Doren Tripp, the quintessential serial entrepreneur whose life tapestry is interwoven with threads of innovation from Oklahoma City to the bustling optimism of Wilkesboro. With a backstory that spans continents, Doren's eclectic upbringing has honed his savvy in marketing and real estate, eventually leading him to play a part in the realization of Masthead Coworking. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone intrigued by the potential of communal workspaces to ignite passion and purpose in today's professionals.

Craving connection and collaboration in your work life? You'll be captivated by the community-centric haven Doren and others have fostered, where isolation is ousted by an orchestra of networking opportunities and productivity sings in harmony with work-life balance. We traverse the landscape of Masthead Co-working, exploring how the flexibility and diversity of this venture not only bolster individual prosperity but also energize local economies. Join us as we unveil the profound impact of co-working spaces on entrepreneurial ecosystems, where the next wave of innovation is just a shared idea away.

Visit https://mastheadcoworking.com/ for more information.

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Have you ever been struck by the allure of a hand-crafted piece of art, only to wish you knew the story behind its creation? That's the magic Jim Lyall and his business partner Steve Key capture in Taupe Gallery, a haven for art lovers nestled in the scenic  foothill of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On our latest episode of 'Find your Backroad,' we chat with Jim about the transformation from a modest clay gallery to a vibrant cornerstone of the regional art community. Journey with us as we explore their mission to infuse their area with bright, ever-changing art, and discover how Taupe Gallery has become a magnet for those seeking both beauty and a glimpse into the creative souls of Western North Carolina. "It's worth the drive!"

Our conversation with Jim is an odyssey through the gallery's unique collecting process—a testament to their dedication to the arts. They didn't just amass artwork; they ventured into the studios of southern Appalachian artists, gathering not just stunning pieces but the artists' narratives as well. Jim's anecdotes about these 'art adventures' are a compelling invitation to envision how every sculpture, painting, and pottery work is more than a visual treat—it's a chronicle of passion and place. Whether you're an aficionado of Appalachian culture or simply someone who revels in the power of art to enliven spaces, this episode promises to dazzle you with tales from one of the most eclectic collections in the region, all lovingly curated by a former interior designer and a farmer who never met a stranger.

Visit their website HERE> 

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

From Megan White:

We own a Scottish highland cow farm in Hamptonville, North Carolina. We bredScottish highlands and we host events including paint parties, yoga, photographysessions, meet and greets, and educational farm tours. We are passionate abouteducating the public and allowing people to get to know these beautiful animals.

A little more about our farm, we are situated in Wilkes County, the foothills of NorthCarolina on 80 acres. Our farmland has been used by our family for over 200years. My husband, Evan and I moved back here after living in Huntersville, NCfor 10 years to pursue our dream of owning a farm. We are currently building ourhouse on the property. We have two young children, Evy (age 2.5) and Beckham(1 year). Evan works for Principal Financial and I am a practicing attorney whenwe are not working on our farm.

We have 14 Scottish Highlands, 3 British White Parks, 2 black angus (werescued), 2 donkeys, a horse, a pony, and 9 adorable goats (four are named afterthe Golden Girls.)

This fall, we have also taken cows for a little "cow therapy" to 5th Street Ministriesin Statesville and Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center in Wilkesboro. They had thechance to pet, brush, and love on our highlands. As an attorney myself, I know how important these resources are for the community so we like to bring somesmiles! We also attended the 1st Annual Davie County Farm Fest and will bedoing the Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival in Elkin this year.

Additionally, we had 60 Wilkes Early College Students visit last week which was really exciting and a firstfor many of them to visit a farm. We really enjoy giving back to the community.

Please check us out on our social media accounts and website.

Website: https://www.crookedcreekhighlands.com/
FACEBOOK       INSTAGRAM
Email: [email protected]

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

The Annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is one of the largest one-day arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. The Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club owns, operates, and organizes the event each year. The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is not just this club's largest fundraiser, but has become one of Wilkes County's biggest fundraisers. Over 100 civic, church and other non-profit organizations participate in the festival. For many of them, the festival has become the biggest fundraiser of the year. Over 160,000 people visit this festival during the day and it's FREE.

The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro, NC are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, 4 different music stages consisting of Blue Grass, Country, Folk, Gospel, and Appalachian Heritage. Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues for festival goers. Appalachian Heritage crafts are highlighted such as woodcarving, chair making, soap making, pottery throwing, and quilting. When walking through the streets of the festival observing and buying lots of the arts and crafts, Appalachian dulcimers can be heard while the smells of the variety of foods are enticing everyone's appetites. Let us not forget the apples, apples, and apples. Local apple growers set up throughout the festival selling their apples, apple cider, and dried apples. After all, this festival also pays tribute to the fruit grown and harvested each fall by apple orchardists from Northwestern North Carolina.

Get more information by clicking   

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

The Walker Center was created to address Wilkes Community College’s mission components of culture, business, industry, and training. Dr. David Daniel, WCC president at the time, took the lead in the effort to construct the center and WCC’s Foundation, the development arm of the institution, embarked on a fundraising drive that would raise $2.2 million.

In March of 1983, ground was broken on the building thanks to the 1,500 donors who contributed to the vision of the center. When construction was completed, WCC was enhanced by a 33,000 square foot building that featured an 1,100 seat auditorium, lobby, backstage area, and management area.

The dedication and ribbon cutting were held on August 24, 1984 and featured the opening performance of Gordon MacRae and Anna Maria Alberghetti. On October 24 of that same year, WCC Theatre held its production of “The Music Man” in the center as a special performance for alumni.

Over the years, interest in the John A. Walker Community Center grew as more people realized the tremendous asset such a facility provides. In addition to a vibrant performing arts center and exciting school events program, the center has hosted many business and community events. The increasing demand on the facility indicated a need for expansion. In 2000, a $1.9 million renovation expanded the ballroom, provided additional restrooms, and created a full production kitchen.

Get more information and check out the show calendar at https://www.walkercenteronline.org/

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Swan Creek Wine Appellation within the Yadkin Valley, family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards brings Tuscan charm to North Carolina. Known widely as “Chianti in the Carolinas” Raffaldini currently produces only classically dry Italian style wines ranging from reds like Sangiovese Classico, Montepulciano Riserva, Sagrantino and Grande Riserva with the white being Vermentino and a sparking Prosecco style wine called Auguri. Raffaldini hosts public and private events throughout the year and is the definitive place for lovers of dry wines.

The Festa Italiana is held every year during the third week in September. The Festa Italiana is one of the largest Italian celebrations in the southeast and features food vendors, artists, and entertainment from across the United States. Visit their Festa Italiana page for more information.

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

FaithFest is a tremendous undertaking and planning is a year-round endeavor. It takes hundreds of volunteers and an army of supporters to make this happen. Organizers say, "this is not a money-making event, rather it is for the single cause of lifting up and glorifying Jesus Christ."

Find out more information or grab your tickets at https://faithfestnc.com/

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

From White Lightning to Lightning Fast! The "Wilkesboro: Find Your Back Road" Podcast covers all the people, places, and things that make Wilkesboro a one-of-a-kind Mountain destination. Enjoy lively conversation with hosts as they welcome artists, local business leaders, event organizers and creatives from Wilkesboro. To request an interview spot or to advertise in front of this podcast, email us at [email protected]. (This program is also aired on BizRadio.US.)

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

As the daughter of a minister and kin to a lot of church folk Nikki grew up listening to traditional gospel/christian music and spent much of her grade school days involved in school band playing clarinet and oboe. But, despite her early exposure to music, it wasn’t until the tender age of 28 when she finally began to start making music of her own.

Nikki was born and raised in North Carolina but Chicago is where she found her first home as a performer and songwriter. Starting out in the open mic scene it didn’t take long for her to garner local support and make her way to some great stages around the midwest: opening for acts such as Jaime Wyatt, Caroline Spence, Boo Ray, and Sean Watkins.

She is a former winner of the awarded Uncommon Ground Songwriting competition; she has been voted as a ‘Judge’s Pick’ in the Nashville Rising Song contest, and recently had her single Love.Save.Me make it to the semi-final round of the International Songwriting Competition.

Nikki finds a way to combine captivating melodies and insightful lyrics with a voice full of raw passion.  Her music is unapologetic in it efforts to grapple with real life; and yet elegantly embodies the essence of her “Carolina Soul”.

Connect with her and her music at https://missnikkimorgan.com/

This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect.

Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.