Michele D. McClure

from Staff reports

A year ago Michele D. McClure was at a crossroads. After attending NC Central University and UNC Asheville she still had no idea what to do with her education. A mother of two, working full-time, she had returned to college in 2004 to earn degrees in criminal justice and Spanish. Yet she still felt frustrated: Michele had always wanted to own her own business.

In the summer of 2007 she sat down to talk with Chris Fay and Elizabeth Caldwell, two advisors in Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s Criminal Justice Department, about opening a restaurant downtown. They gave her information about the Small Business Incubator Program at the A-B Tech Enka campus, of which Jill Sparks is Director of the Center.

“A National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) study reports that 87% of incubator startups are still in business after 10 years, compared to a survival rate of only 44% of non-participants after four years in business,” says Sparks. “This program is designed to provide a nurturing supportive environment for those who want to start their own business and, at the same time, guide them toward becoming sustainable contributing members of the economic community.”

In addition to office space, technical equipment, networking opportunities, and business counseling, students in the program are eligible to receive grants and have access to no-interest loans. By providing critical assistance during the start-up phase, the Student Business Incubator Program helps to overcome the odds of business failure.

Michele’s concept was to take the two things she liked the most and put them together. “My business is Soul-n-Spirit Jazz Supper Club, which features Caribbean soul food and great jazz,” she says. While she doesn’t yet have a permanent location, she is starting out by hosting traveling supper club events throughout the region.
Michele has worked for the Asheville Housing Authority for six years and is a Board member of Asheville-Buncombe Crime Stoppers. “Working for the Housing Authority has given me the opportunity to volunteer with a lot of programs and participate in numerous initiatives,” she says.

Michele considers being chosen for the small business incubator programs a personal honor, but believes it brings her an opportunity for something different. “It’s deeper for me than just starting my own business. It gives me the opportunity to encourage other single mothers to work towards making their dreams become a reality. It also gave me the opportunity to become a support system for anyone interested in opening their own business.”

Michele credits her friends Linda and Jackie, her congregation at New Vision Baptist Church, and her family with giving her support and encouragement. “My 18-year-old son Joshua was a tremendous help in getting me ready for some of my interviews. My faith is a big part of what keeps me on track toward my goals.” She also shares another dream: to use the restaurant to help support the community, especially by providing scholarships for African Americans to obtain their education.

Michelle notes, “Hard work and education are the two important keys that will open doors to being successful. In addition, having a good support system encourages people to strive for better goals and opportunities. By seeing me go after my goals it has encourages other to pursue their goals as well. Remove the word “can’t” from your vocabulary, and take a personal responsibility in making your dreams come true. We must press toward the high mark. I press toward that mark everyday.”

For more information about Soul-n-Spirit Jazz Supper Club, call Michele McClure at (828) 335-8132 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it