Helping After Hurricane Helene: Women Entrepreneurs in Asheville Pay it Forward

With a mission to raise $1M to save women-owned businesses

Asheville, NC – November 12, 2024

Asheville-based entrepreneurs Allison Blake, Ginger Frank, Margit Ragland, and Elisa Van Arnam share a special bond; they all brought brilliant business ideas to life with the support of the Asheville start-up ecosystem. These women are the founders of SoulKu, Poppy Hand-crafted Popcorn, and Plum Print and now further bound by the fact that their businesses survived the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Other women entrepreneurs in the Western North Carolina community weren’t so fortunate.

Moved to help, Allison, Ginger, Meg, and Elisa created the Women Entrepreneurs Asheville Recovery Endeavor (WE ARE), a grant fund to provide other women-owned businesses with the significant financial aid and support system they need to recover and thrive. 

To celebrate Asheville’s incredible spirit these women entrepreneurs are launching a raffle unlike any raffle you’ve ever seen to raise critical recovery funds. Starting December 1, twelve weekend get-away raffle baskets will be available featuring unique products, experiences, meals, and hotel stays that capture the heart and talent of this vibrant community. Each weekend basket has a theme, including the Biltmore, Outdoor Adventure, Brewery Getaway, Art Lover’s, the Foodie’s Delight, and the Classic Asheville. Raffle winners will find amazing items from businesses including East Fork Pottery, French Broad Chocolate, Chai Pani, Highland Brewing, Hi-Wire Brewing, Eno Hammocks, Grove Park Inn, and more, with each basket valued at over $2,000. 

For just $20 a ticket, people all around the world have a chance to win one of these incredible baskets while making a meaningful impact this holiday season. Every ticket purchased between December 1 and 15 will directly support women entrepreneurs as they rebuild, one raffle ticket at a time. 

Additionally, WE ARE is accepting individual and corporate sponsorship to help us reach our 1 million dollar goal. WE ARE is working with Asheville-based Hatch Innovation Hub as their non-profit fiscal agent. 

For more information, please contact Allison Blake at Allison@soulku.com