City of Hickory Business e-Newsletter

City of Hickory Business e-Newsletter | December 2025

Hickory Recognized 2025

Business. Well Crafted. Award Winners

The City of Hickory is proud to announce the 2025 Business. Well Crafted. Award winners:

🏆Boundary Fencing
🏆Lilly Thomas Boutique
🏆DeFeet
🏆Ella Blu
🏆Ideal Office Worx
🏆Jason Yates and Steven Lyerly, Olde Hickory Brewery
🏆Hickory Community Theatre

Presented by the City’s Business Development Committee (BDC), the Business. Well Crafted. Awards annually honor businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs that support and affirm the City of Hickory's vision for economic vitality.

Congratulations to all 2025 Business. Well Crafted. Award winners!

Read more about the businesses at the link below.

Learn More

Hickory Presented WHKY the

Business. Well Crafted. Legacy Award

The City of Hickory is proud to present the Business. Well Crafted. Legacy Award to WHKY. For the past 85 years, WHKY has been a trusted voice for the Unifour as one of America’s longest-running, family-owned radio stations. From reliable local news to small-business features and event spotlights, WHKY keeps residents engaged and proud to call Hickory home.

The Legacy Awards acknowledge and celebrate businesses that have made a significant impact in Hickory through their longevity, commitment to excellence, and enduring legacy.

This program celebrates the rich history and continued success of these businesses, highlighting their remarkable achievements and celebrating notable milestones. Want to nominate a business for the Legacy Award? The application is open year-along.

Legacy Award Nomination Form

Business Resources - Mountain Bizworks ScaleUp program

Are you a growth-oriented entrepreneur ready to scale your business? Since 2015, 200+ companies have participated in ScaleUp to get the expert guidance they needed to grow.

Program Details & Dates:

The program includes eight core sessions focused on strategic growth planning, leadership, and scaling operations. Plus, each business will receive 10 hours of one-on-one technical assistance.

✅ Applications are open through Jan. 15, 2026

🏔️ Program starts March 13, 2026

📍 Up to 15 WNC businesses will be selected

Businesses must meet the following eligibility standards:

Be a for-profit company based in Western North Carolina
Have been in business for at least two years
Ideally have annual revenues between $150,000 and $2,500,000
Have at least one full-time employee (can include founder/owner positions)
Have identified opportunities for business expansion.

The program is offered by Mountain Bizworks, a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution based in Western North Carolina.

Learn More

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family from the City of Hickory Office of Business Development. May your heart be filled with the magic of the season and may success follow you in all your endeavors. Happy holidays!

Useful Trainings, Events & Meetings Links

CVCC Small Business Center Webinars (Start-ups, Marketing & Finance): link

City Meeting Calendar (Board Meetings & Council Meetings): link

City Brand Event Calendar (Farmers Markets, Outdoor events): link

Book a consultation meeting with Business Development staff: link

Sign Up for this Newsletter!

The City of Hickory is committed to promoting business and economic development and offers a range of incentives to new and expanding businesses. For more information on available programs and incentives, visit Business Development or contact Dave Leonetti in the Office of Business Development at 828-323-7422.