Asheville-based wellness tourism company joins 12 Western North Carolina businesses selected for the accelerator and investment program
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Asheville Wellness Tours has been selected to participate in Cohort 2 of Optimist Ventures, an initiative powered by Venture Asheville that supports ambitious companies based in Western North Carolina through funding, education, mentorship, and entrepreneurial resources.
Asheville Wellness Tours is one of 12 companies selected for the second cohort, joining a diverse group of Western North Carolina businesses representing industries ranging from food and beverage and childcare to outdoor recreation, commercial services, and the arts. Seven of the 12 companies selected for Cohort 2 are female-founded.
For Asheville Wellness Tours, the opportunity comes at an important point in the company’s growth.
Through wellness experiences rooted in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville Wellness Tours creates opportunities for visitors, private groups, corporate teams, and retreat guests to slow down, connect, and experience Western North Carolina in a more intentional way.
Participation in Optimist Ventures will give the company an opportunity to strengthen the business behind those experiences while exploring its next stage of growth.
“This is a huge opportunity for us as we head into winter and think about the future of Asheville Wellness Tours,” said Nicole Will of Asheville Wellness Tours. “We’re excited not only about the funding, but also about the 12-week accelerator, one-on-one mentorship, and the opportunity to learn alongside other ambitious businesses here in Western North Carolina.”
The selection also reflects Asheville Wellness Tours’ continued commitment to growing within the region that has shaped the business.
As the company looks ahead, the Optimist Ventures program will provide an opportunity to refine its growth strategy, strengthen operations, build new relationships, and continue exploring ways to expand the reach and impact of wellness tourism in Western North Carolina.
“We’ve always believed that Asheville’s wellness community and the natural beauty of this region are incredibly special,” Will said. “Being able to grow this business while remaining connected to the people, businesses, and community around us is important. We’re grateful to Venture Asheville and everyone involved with Optimist Ventures for investing in Western North Carolina businesses and giving us the opportunity to be part of Cohort 2.”
Asheville Wellness Tours joins 11 other companies in Cohort 2: Devil’s Foot Beverage, Evolve Early Learning, Full Moon Tea Company, Ginger’s Revenge, Habibi Village, Highlands Hydro Clean, Rockgeist Bikepack USA, Savage Supply, Spice Witch, The Flying Bike, and The Village Potter.
About Asheville Wellness Tours
Asheville Wellness Tours creates wellness-focused experiences designed to help individuals and groups connect with themselves, one another, and Western North Carolina. Experiences include Yoga Hikes, Forest Bathing, Sound Baths, Goat Yoga, and other thoughtfully curated wellness offerings for travelers, private groups, retreats, corporate teams, and special occasions.
To learn more about Asheville Wellness Tours, visit www.ashevillewellnesstours.com.
About Optimist Ventures
Optimist Ventures, powered by Venture Asheville, supports Western North Carolina companies through investment, education, mentorship, and a 12-week accelerator program. Cohort 2 includes 12 companies from across the region and a diverse range of industries.
