Welcome to AWE

Appalachian Women Entrepreneur (AWE), a program of HandMade in America, welcomes you to discover the rich entrepreneurial talent of the women living and working in these ancient and timeless Appalachian Mountains. Often negatively stereotyped, the real Appalachia is as rich and diverse as it is rugged and spectacular.

The Appalachian Culture

Legendary for its independent-minded folks, many residents continue to exemplify this trait by their choice of livelihoods - very small businesses and farms. The Appalachian counties of North Carolina are home to a higher percentage of small businesses and farms than any other area of the state. Many of these rural entrepreneurs are women who are creatively fashioning their livelihoods around sustainable, place-based enterprises.

The networks of business women in rural Western North Carolina

We welcome you to explore some of these hidden treasures, both on our website and on the main streets and backroads of the rural communities dotting the landscape of western North Carolina. Read the descriptions of the businesses and the networks based in these rural communities. Sign up for our E-News to keep up with what's happening with the women's businesses out on the rural routes. Support the Appalachian Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and the communities they call home.