Starting a business is a big step for anyone, but starting one from a different state is another matter entirely.
Originally from New Hampshire, Erin Tuveson fell in love with Western North Carolina, where she worked in outdoor adventure programs for over a decade. After returning to New Hampshire, she took on the role as the manager of a local hostel. Continually feeling inspired by the Appalachian Trail, that’s when she got the idea to start Rambling Roots Hostel - a place for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and travelers to stay while exploring the Nantahala Gorge.
Tuveson reached out to Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center, and Director Marne Harris was more than willing to take on the challenge, which ultimately resulted in her receiving the Business Success Story – Business Start-Up award for the 2024 Excellence Awards of the North Carolina Small Business Center Network.
“The journey to launching Rambling Roots Hostel is a true testament to the power of passion, perseverance and collaboration,” said Harris. “It’s stories like these that exemplify the mission of Southwestern’s Small Business Center – empowering entreprenuers to turn their visions into reality.”
Harris collaborated with Small Business Center counselor Sharon Oxendine to help Tuveson over the course of 14 counseling sessions. Through these sessions, assistance was given with loan packaging, financial projections, marketing strategies and community connections.
“The first time I reached out to Erin to discuss her business plan and model, I was so impressed with her passion and vigor for life,” said Oxendine.
Over the span of 14 months, Harris and Oxendine assisted Tuveson in creating a business plan and obtaining a loan, which was secured in November of 2023. That December, she made the move from New Hampshire to Bryson City to live, work and build Rambling Roots Hostel, which opened in August of 2024.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of Sharon at the Small Business Center. She was a wealth of knowledge and support during a time where I had lost hope in ever making my dream a reality,” said Tuveson. “Having someone in the area who knew and understood the challenges and benefits of opening a business in a small and tight knit community was integral to how I approached my business plan.”
On receiving the award, Harris added: “We are honored to have played a role in Erin’s remarkable success and to be recognized with a state excellence award for our efforts.”
As part of a network of experienced Small Business Centers across North Carolina, Southwestern’s Small Business Center serves startup and existing small business owners with complimentary seminars, counseling and a resource center.
For more information, to reserve a seat or to request one-on-one confidential counseling, visit www.SouthwesternCC.edu/SBC or call 828.339.4426.
