Grant to Impact Outdoor Industry

Mitchell County is part of a $940,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support outdoor equipment companies.  The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization, known as POWER grants are congressionally funded initiatives targeting economic development. This award will add $787,000 in regional matching funds to further the outdoor industry across Western North Carolina. The project called “Growing Outdoors: A Regional Approach to Expanding WNC Outdoor Industry and Jobs”, is expected over the next five years to start 35 new outdoor businesses and expand 100 more. It also will train 125 students in new outdoor degree programs, create at least 150 jobs and is expected to bring $10 million in new business investment to the area. Mitchell County Economic Development Director Mickey Duvall believes  that with the natural outdoor areas of Roan Mountain, Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain, the grant has the potential to significantly impact the economy in this area.