ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — What will 2027 bring for businesses in Western North Carolina? That’s the question at the heart of an upcoming summit at Blue Ridge Community College.

Business owners, economic development leaders and other experts will gather Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the college’s Flat Rock campus to look at economic trends, workforce challenges and opportunities for growth in the year ahead.

The Blue Ridge Business Outlook Summit, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., will focus on helping businesses prepare for changing economic conditions, whether they’re just getting started, looking to expand or considering a change in ownership.

Gary Heisey, executive director of Vision Henderson County, will open the summit with a look at national economic trends and what they could mean for businesses in Henderson and Transylvania counties.

His presentation will examine inflation, operating costs, workforce trends, population changes and other factors that could influence business decisions in 2027.

The goal is to help business owners put that information to work as they make decisions about hiring, pricing, expenses, marketing and future growth.

The summit comes a little more than two years after Tropical Storm Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina, as the region continues its recovery.

Following the keynote, participants can choose from several workshops tailored to different stages of business ownership.

One session will walk prospective entrepreneurs through the steps of starting a business, from testing an idea and developing a business plan to securing financing and understanding legal requirements.

Another will bring together local business owners to share lessons learned while expanding their companies. The discussion will cover managing cash flow, hiring and retaining employees, improving operations and finding new customers.

A third session will focus on buying or selling a business, with speakers including John Wilantowicz, a business adviser with Mountain BizWorks.

Later sessions will explore challenges facing companies with employees, as well as those operated by a single owner.

Artificial intelligence will also be on the agenda. A panel featuring local technology, marketing and business professionals will examine how companies can use AI for tasks such as customer service, financial analysis, hiring and inventory management, along with ways to protect confidential business information.

Among the scheduled speakers are representatives of Blue Ridge Heating and Air, Jackson Electrical Contractors, Turf Mountain Sod and ACTIVATE Business Solutions.

The summit is free, but advance registration is required. It will be held in the Conference Hall at Blue Ridge Community College’s Technology Education and Development Center, 49 E. Campus Drive, Flat Rock.

Doors open at 8 a.m., with the keynote beginning at 8:30 a.m. Workshops continue through noon, followed by a brief wrap-up.

More information and registration are available through the North Carolina Small Business Center Network.