Mountain Raise

Something's cooking in WNC. Mountain Raise, Mountain BizWorks' annual "barn raising" for the local economy, returns with an all-food-and-beverage lineup for the first time. Five local entrepreneurs each get five minutes to share where their business is headed and exactly what they need to get there: capital, customers, space, partners, or introductions. Stay after the pitches to meet the founders, network with people invested in WNC's future, and taste some of what makes the region's food and drink scene special. Tickets $25 early bird through Oct. 14; $30 after.