City of Hickory Business e-Newsletter

City of Hickory Business e-Newsletter | September 2026

2026 Business. Well Crafted. Awards

The City of Hickory’s Business Development Committee (BDC) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Business. Well Crafted. Awards program. The City of Hickory’s Vision for Economic Development is to serve as a regional economic leader by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth across key high-potential sectors to enhance the quality of life for all. The BDC’s Business. Well Crafted. Awards program seeks to recognize businesses and individuals that support and affirm this vision.

Awards may be presented in the following categories:

Individual (Entrepreneur of the Year)
Youth (Entrepreneur 25 years of age or younger)
Woman-Owned Business
Veteran-Owned Business
Historically Underutilized Business
Business or Organization (10 or fewer employees)
Business or Organization (11 to 50 employees)
Business or Organization (51 or more employees)

To qualify, businesses must have operated for at least two years, and the business or its owners must not have received a Business. Well Crafted. Award within the past five years.

Nominations may be submitted online at www.hickorync.gov/business-well-crafted-awards through 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. Questions about the Business. Well Crafted. Awards may be directed to Amy Le at ale@hickorync.gov.

Nomination Form

Chart Your Path with Mountain BizWorks

The Mountain BizWorks 2026 Trail Map is your guide to courses and resources, mapped out from your first step to your next big milestone. Explore the Main Treks for core business planning and growth, or venture onto a Side Trail for specialized support and sector-specific cohorts. For more information, please visit the Mountain BizWorks website.

Mountain Bizworks is a US Treasury certified nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution whose mission is to build a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community in Western North Carolina by helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive.

View Trail Map

CORE Networking Event Recap

We had a great CORE networking event last month at L.P. Frans Stadium. Special thanks to all who attended! An official chapter of the Outdoor Business Alliance (OBA) has been formed for the Hickory region, and we can't wait to partner with all the outdoor businesses and the OBA to continue driving the growth of the outdoor industry right here in the foothills.

Want to join the movement? Please contact us or visit the CORE website for more information!

What is CORE?

Business Outreach Meetings

We have had great visits with local businesses in the past few months!

Our business outreach meetings are a great opportunity to connect directly with City staff, get your questions answered, and share any feedback you have about operating in Hickory. These conversations also allow us to highlight helpful resources, discuss ongoing City projects, and learn how we can better support your success. If you’re interested in booking a business outreach meeting with us, please contact us for more information!

Office of Business Development Official Website

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

Sails Original Music Series: 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.