GATE
Greater Access to Tourism Entrepreneurship
A 12-month program featuring two entrepreneurial retreats and monthly meetings. Our program delivers direct support through cohort learning, coaching, referrals, and networking opportunities. GATE facilitates the entry of entrepreneurs into the tourism sector, providing comprehensive readiness education for success. The program aims to achieve outcomes such as increased income, enhanced business revenue, job creation, and expanded staff hiring, contributing to the overall improvement of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Video testimonials
MEET OUR MENTORS
Dr. Joseph Fox
FOX MANAGEMENT CONSULTING ENTERPRISE, LLC
Fox Management Consulting Enterprises, LLC, a HUB Certified company, offers top-notch training for companies and religious organizations in management, HR, organizational behavior, strategic planning, project management, and ethical business practices.
Aisha Adams
EQUITY OVER EVERYTHING
Adams is an influencer with a heart for community economic development who champions social change advocates, thought leaders and courageous disruptors.
Nicole Lee
DOULA ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Warrior Mom of 3, Self-Published Author and Owner of The Doula of Entrepreneurship where my mission is to eradicate negative thinking through emotional well-being tools, entrepreneurial strategies, and empowerment. My goal is to positively impact relationships, nurture environments and build cultural interconnectedness.
MEET OUR GATE COHORTS
Pierre Andre Etienne
EMBODY TO EVOLVE
Embody to Evolve is here to serve you, whether that knee or lower back pain limits your experience, or you need a "breath and energy" session to help you relax.
Bab Philips
PHILIPS GLOBAL ENTERPRISE LLC
Imagine a world where travel serves as a bridge to empowerment and equity, connecting the cultural vibrancy of Asheville with the rich ecosystems that define the Caribbean Island of Dominica, and beyond.
Dejah Gallagher
PECULIAR PERSONA
Blessings, we are a holistic clothing brand and lifestyle! Peculiar Persona, LLC represents the seven energy centers of your body (Chakras) with corresponding colors of clothing.
LaTosha Qahhaar
ROSEMARY+LAVENDER
A product w/all natural ingredients that could be used from head to toe. I embarked upon a journey towards a simpler, more effective approach to skincare.
Priscilla Robinson
PRISCILLA ROBINSON, LLC
Priscilla Robinson, LLC's mission is to galvanize community, raise awareness, and preserve Black history through fact findings and storytelling. The mission extends to empowering community members in overcoming life's challenges and adversities through support and networking.
Allyson Deese
ALLYSON'S DESIGN
Allyson has something for everyone, from a gripping read, to the perfect gloss to bring out your favorite beauty maven's smile. Books, Shirts, and more!
Anthony Lynch
ALTITUDE PRINT
Altitude Print solves your event branding challenges. Elevate your brand at festivals with our expert printing; from dazzling embroidery to flawless screen printing. Stand out, stress-free, with Altitude Print as your trusted partner. Let's make your vision soar!
Jazmin Whitmore
MORE TO LOVE, PLUS-SIZE CONSIGNMENT
I sell new and used plus-size women's clothing sizes 12 and up. Although this town offers much in the way of unique fashion, it offers relatively little for large bodies. We have had tourists come in for last-minute outfits for events and those who made a special trip while in town to experience shopping in a store that caters to them.
Pearl Debellott
STELLA STELLAR NETWORK, LLC
The DeBellott Sisters have provided childcare for Private families, Corporations, and centered equity and justice organizations. Focus on providing healthy meal options for every child by working closely with local nutritionists and farmers market.
Ramona Young
KENTE KITCHEN MARKET, LLC
Kente Kitchen Market is a drum circle of West African flavors dancing on your tongue to the Motherland!
Ameran Lattimore
PURPLE PIGS TABLE LLC
Local caterer, pop-up sales and festivals.
Hot and healthy made from scratch prepared meals. Using fresh and local ingredients. Fresh and local seasonal, fresh fruit.
DeChristen Demory Wright
DAZZLING D'S
Dazzling Ds specializes in helping you unleash your dazzle by offering wrap-around hair services, fashion, and products. Natural hair care such as braiding, dreadlock maintenance, silk press, and trims, extensions, and chemical services such as relaxers and perms, fashion colors temporary and permanent, grey coverage, and scalp treatments for all hair types.
Lakeisha Lee
LUV LEE NATURALS, LLC
My business offers skincare and self care products and strategies geared towards changing the relationship people have with themselves. My business also focuses on hiking trails in NC to explore Asheville’s natural surroundings.
Phyllis Utley
SOS / INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT & ARTIST
Black Indigenous cultural products for tourists. Historical literary artist bringing the past to the present to create a better future. Facilitator, racial equity and human justice.
How to apply?
December 15
Application Opens
December 20
Application Closes
January 29
Final Decision Notice
