Unite & GROW!
All events are open to the public.
Come and join us for a delightful tasting experience featuring treats from downtown eateries, mingle with local business owners, and connect with Chamber members. If you're not yet a Chamber member, drop by to learn about their services and the process of joining. One fortunate business owner will be awarded a one-year Chamber membership courtesy of Gateway CDC.
Hosted by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at The Gateway Center.
The Gateway Center
314 S. Garnett St. Henderson, NC
5p-7p
11:30a-1:30p: Visit Flex Desk 360 to explore small business banking products offered by local and regional banks. Learn about statewide resources available for small businesses, access to capital, and enjoy a light lunch.
5p-6:30p: Attend an after-work session with PNC to enhance your understanding of small business financial literacy.
Flex Desk 360
100 S. Garnett St. Henderson, NC
An empowering competition tailored for entrepreneurs, offering valuable resources and opportunities to develop their business or innovative concept. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres during the event.

Are you an entrepreneur seeking a chance to establish or expand your business? Reach out by emailing hello@thegatewaycdc.org for further details.
Southern Charm
200 S. Garnett St Henderson, NC
4:30p-7:30p
Get together with your family and friends for an enjoyable afternoon indulging in top-notch dishes at Vegan Mami, the trendy new restaurant in Downtown Henderson.
Don't miss out on the event hosted by the amazing Danielle Ellis Wilks, an entrepreneur from Henderson, NC, who is making waves in the business world with her chic business, Distinctive Designs By Dani, and her annual "DD by Dani Blinging Business Empowerment Summit."
Flex Desk 360
100 S. Garnett St.
Henderson, NC 27536
5p-7p
Take a leisurely walk down Garnett St. on a lovely Friday evening and discover the delightful retail shops that Downtown has to offer.
Whether you visit Rustic Barn Boutique, Juice & Moore, Vegan Mami, Gear and Beer, or Nella Roo's, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Flex Desk 360 will feature a small business pop-up.
Immerse yourself in the music, artwork, and photography showcased by local and regional artists.
100 S. Garnett - 427 S. Garnett St.
Henderson, NC 27536
4:30p-7:00p
The 2nd Annual Way to GROW! Festival shines a light on our beautiful community and historic downtown. We can't wait to see you there!
100 S. Garnett - 326 S. Garnett St.
Henderson, NC 27536
11a-6p
See you at the festival!
We’re seeking visual artists, musicians and photographers to join the Friday night Art and Retail Stroll. Sign up to be a part of this fun event.

We are seeking volunteers that would love to be a part of our Festival Day Team.
The Way to GROW! Festival is an annual celebration dedicated to fostering community spirit and celebrating beautiful Downtown Henderson, NC. Filled with family fun, and entertainment, it's about gathering together to support our community and our entrepreneurs. Our mission is to create an experience where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together and grow as a unified community.
Our community is a vibrant tapestry woven from a diverse array of entrepreneurs and creatives. From farmers and fashion designers to jewelry makers and artists, from bakers and chefs to skilled craftspeople, barristers, brewers, and craft cocktail artists, our festival represents the best of our community. It is important to us that everyone is represented, as we believe that our strength lies in our diversity and the unique contributions of each member.
This year's theme, "Bloom Together, Cultivate Community," highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in our journey toward growth. By coming together, we can create a nurturing environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The Way to GROW! Festival began in 2023 as a small community event aimed at promoting entrepreneurs. Since last year, we have expanded our focus to, in part, reflect the spirit of the beloved Colorfest, a revered community event that attracted visitors from near and far, and to honor the importance of the growth and development of Downtown Henderson.
In the coming years we look forward to growing with our community. This year's theme resonates with our community's values and aspirations, and we have tailored Way to GROW! week activities to reflect that theme.
New Paragraph
The festival offers a diverse array of activities and experiences designed to engage, educate, and entertain:
Come Paint your Petal on our "HENDERSON" mural at the Way to GROW! Festival on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Once complete, our community art project will proudly hang downtown and reflect our community spirit for all to see. Paint your Petal will be located between The Gateway Center and the Henry A. Dennis on S. Garnett St. Let your colors bloom!
Our festival showcases a wide variety of 50+ vendors including food trucks, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural diversity of our community. From artisanal jewelry makers and fashion designers to bakers, chefs, and skilled craftspeople, you'll find an array of unique items and delicious foods. Check out the Beer Garden at local favorite Gear & Beer. Grab a margarita from Mazatlan's downtown location and take a stroll and enjoy the festival day social district.
Hosted by Vance County Chamber Youth Leadership Cohort 2024 Cohort member, Jayden Watkins. Enjoy fun activities, with music from DJ Chris X playing the latest hits and amazing performances by local youth artists and cheer teams. Interactive and fun filled activities for our youth, fostering early interest in creativity and community.
A dedicated space for activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing.
The festival kicks off with a weeklong series of activities centered on the entrepreneurial spirit of our community. This includes:
Join Us! Whether you are a part of this vibrant community or visiting for the day, together, we can create a vibrant, supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to bloom.
Let's Bloom Together!
We are looking for a diverse array of vendors, including farmers, artisans, fashion designers, jewelry makers, bakers, chefs, skilled craftspeople, barristers, and craft cocktail artists. We welcome vendors offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, gourmet foods, specialty beverages, and unique products that reflect the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural diversity of our community.
To apply as a vendor, please visit our website at waytogrowfest.com and complete the vendor application form. Ensure you provide detailed information about your products and any special requirements you may have.
We're excited to announce that vendor fees for the 2024 Way to GROW! Festival are waived! We believe in supporting our local entrepreneurs and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate. This includes space rental, a listing on the festival website, and promotional opportunities.
Vendors must begin setting up their booths at 8:00 AM on August 24, 2024. Breakdown must be completed by 7:00 PM on August 24, 2024. Detailed instructions will be provided upon acceptance of your application.
Yes, food vendors must comply with all local health and safety regulations. This includes having the necessary permits and food handler certifications. Additionally, food trucks should ensure they meet all fire safety requirements. Detailed instructions will be provided upon acceptance of your application.
Yes, vendors selling alcohol must comply with all local and state liquor laws and regulations. This includes obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to sell alcohol at the festival. Vendors must also ensure that all staff are trained in responsible alcohol service. Detailed instructions will be provided upon acceptance of your application.
No, there will not be electricity or water available on-site for vendors. Vendors who need power must bring their own generators. Please ensure that your generator is quiet and efficient to minimize disruption to other vendors and attendees.
Vendors will be featured on the festival website, social media channels, and in the festival program. We also encourage vendors to promote their participation through their own networks.
The safety of our vendors and attendees is our top priority. We will follow all local health guidelines and implement necessary measures such as sanitization stations, social distancing protocols, and mask requirements if mandated. Detailed safety guidelines will be provided closer to the event.
Yes, we suggest that vendors set up tents over their vendor space to provide shade and protection from the elements. Please be aware that the festival may experience high temperatures, so it’s important to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions. We recommend bringing plenty of water, using fans if possible, and setting up your space in a way that maximizes airflow. Be prepared for a heat advisory and ensure you have the means to stay cool.
Yes, the Way to GROW! Festival is a rain or shine event. Please come prepared for all weather conditions. Tents and appropriate weather gear are highly recommended to ensure a comfortable and successful experience, regardless of the weather.
For more information, please contact our vendor coordinator at 252.492.6298 or via email hello@thegatewaycdc.org. We're here to help with any questions or concerns you may have.