Catawba Vale Innovation Market

The Catawba Vale Collaborative (CVC) is a collaborative economic development effort focused on the sustainable and equitable growth and prosperity of rural America. Rooted in a novel process that is centered on community feedback and engagement, the CVC aims to take a holistic approach to community growth that prioritizes inclusivity and restorative innovation through recreation and outdoor activities.

‍

The mission of the CVC is to drive equitable community development through sustainable strategies that utilize public land and encourage outdoor recreation.

‍

The first project through the CVC is our innovation Hub in Old Fort, NC. This project remains open while under development and will be a mixed-use commercial facility, featuring a state of the art film studio, commissary kitchen, meeting space and a manufacturing facility. This community space currently offers a coffee shop, co-working space and serves as a pay agent for Duke Energy customers.

‍

1st Floor Design

McDowell Chamber of Commerce – Business Incubation Hub (9,000 sqft)

As the anchor tenant on the first floor, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce will operate a

9,000-square-foot business incubation hub designed to accelerate entrepreneurship in McDowell

County. This space includes 2,800 square feet dedicated to flexible meeting and conference

areas, co-working offices, and small business support services. Through strategic partnerships

with McDowell Technical Community College and the Marion Business Association, the

Chamber will deliver programming focused on startup development, business coaching, and

access to capital. By locating our operations in the heart of Old Fort, we are establishing a

visible, accessible resource for entrepreneurs, while generating sustainable revenue to support

our mission. The incubator will serve as a launchpad for scalable businesses, with a focus on

creating jobs, building resilience, and strengthening the regional small business economy.

‍

2nd Floor Design

Creative  Production Cluster

Accelerator:  Creative Mfg. Production Makers Space, 7500 sqft; Creative Production Digital

Film Studio, 5000 sqft; Creative Expo and Event Production Center, 7500, sqft; 

These businesses will work in a B2B workforce development capacity to help smaller producers

take their businesses to scale; 1.) to become job creators, 2.) to be able to participate in the

mainstream market space and 3.) to grow their revenues yr/end

‍

Farmers & Artisans Healthy Food Market

Retail:  3500 sqft 

‍

Furniture Mfg

Local furniture manufacturer, utilizing 10,000 sqft

‍

*EMSDC has signed term sheets/or committed leases for all business owners

occupying these spaces

‍

‍