Tonya has served in the economic development arena in Western North Carolina since 1998 through various roles including management and leadership, lending, consulting, classroom facilitation, and Advisory Boards. She served for ten years as a regional director for an economic development non-profit, focusing on training, lending and consulting for new and existing small businesses. Tonya continued
her passion to help business owners in her role as a commercial banker for one of the most successful and stable banks in the Country. In addition, she has worked in both the financial and marketing sides of the private sector and has trained teachers and educators across the state in an active-learning style entrepreneurship curriculum through REAL Entrepreneurship, a non-profit organization focused on education. Through her company tenBiz, Tonya continues to work with both the private and public sectors, focusing her efforts on helping businesses realize their full potential and assisting various economic development agencies to positively impact local economies through increased revenues and the creation of jobs. Her areas of expertise include project management, leadership, team building, human resource issues, financial and marketing analysis, professional networking and relationship building. Tonya has been recognized on a regional level for her contribution to business in Western North Carolina by receiving the TWIN (Tribute to Women of Influence) from the YWCA of Asheville, NC. This award is designed to recognize women who have made significant achievements impacting economic development and empowerment of entrepreneurs. in Business Administration and Law from Western Carolina University. In addition, she is a certified trainer in REAL Entrepreneurship, as well as a certified mediator. There are few things she is more passionate or excited about than entrepreneurship. Because of her extensive background, continuing education and personal experiences, she is prepared to assist businesses and organizations recognize the challenges and opportunities that come their way… and face them head-on.
