September 24, 2025

Asheville to Host Public Events for Local Startups and Arts

Asheville, North Carolina, September 24, 2025

News Summary

Asheville, North Carolina will host a series of public events organized by the British Consul, aimed at supporting local startups and the arts. The events include the Start Up Showdown, where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, and The Creative Intelligence Panel, discussing AI’s impact on artists. Residents are encouraged to attend both events for networking and learning opportunities. Additionally, a community celebration will honor the resilience of Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene, featuring live music and fireworks.

Asheville, North Carolina is set to host a series of public events organized by the British Consul, who is temporarily opening a “pop-up” office in the city this week. These events aim to support local startups and the arts, providing residents with opportunities for learning, networking, and engagement.

The Start Up Showdown is scheduled for Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Hatch CoWorking, located at 45 South French Broad Ave. During this event, local entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy food and drinks provided at the event while engaging with the entrepreneurial community. The Start Up Showdown is open to the public, encouraging community support for local businesses.

On Friday, The Creative Intelligence Panel will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., also at Hatch CoWorking. This event, hosted by Malcolm Bird, COO of Toybox Labs Inc., will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on artists, both locally and globally. Panelists will discuss current impacts and potential future challenges related to AI in the arts, and demonstrations from various AI engines will be featured. Similar to the Start Up Showdown, free food and drinks will be available at this panel, inviting a diverse audience to participate in the discussion.

Local officials are actively encouraging residents, particularly artists, to attend both events to explore opportunities in learning and dialogue with industry experts.

In addition to the events organized by the British Consul, the Duke Energy Foundation recently hosted an event recognizing Western North Carolina nonprofits for their efforts following Hurricane Helene. This recognition event coincided with the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the region. The event included remarks from nonprofit leaders and announcements of grants at various levels.

A community celebration ceremony is planned for Saturday, September 27, at the Henderson County Courthouse, starting at noon. This ceremony aims to honor the resilience of Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, featuring live music and a fireworks display.

Moreover, Root Cause Farm is organizing a gathering to celebrate recovery and community bonds on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. In preparation for emergency situations, firefighters will be set up at Home Depot on Fairview Road on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., providing information on emergency preparedness. The table will showcase key items to include in a 72-hour disaster kit for emergencies, equipping residents with essential knowledge for disaster preparedness.

FAQ

What is the Start Up Showdown event?

The Start Up Showdown is scheduled for Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Hatch CoWorking, where local entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts. Food and drinks will be provided, and the event is open to the public.

What topics will be discussed at The Creative Intelligence Panel?

The Creative Intelligence Panel, hosted by Malcolm Bird, will focus on the impact of artificial intelligence on artists, exploring current impacts and potential future challenges in the arts.

What is the purpose of the community celebration ceremony on September 27?

The community celebration ceremony aims to honor the resilience of Western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene and will feature live music and fireworks.

Key Features of the Event

Event	Date and Time	Location	Focus	Open to Public	Food and Drinks
Start Up Showdown	Wednesday, 3-5 p.m.	Hatch CoWorking	Local startups pitching ideas	Yes	Yes
The Creative Intelligence Panel	Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.	Hatch CoWorking	Impact of AI on arts	Yes	Yes