AIR’s Financial Empowerment Program Application

About the Program
AIR’s Financial Empowerment program gives participants the keys to long-term financial success. Led by experienced financial coaches Annice Brown and Jane Hatley, this is not your average finance class, and it’s designed specifically for restaurant employees.

As an added incentive, participants will receive a 2:1 savings match at the end of the program. That means if you save $500, you’ll receive $1,000—up to a maximum match of $1,000.

About the Course
This program includes 20 hours of structured financial education between July 2026 and December 2026. Attendance at all sessions is required.

  • Full-day kickoff workshop (July 13th) using the Best Year Yet model—a proven system designed to connect participants with their goals, values, and potential. This immersive session builds skills in planning, habit development, and mindset. Your restaurant of employment must agree to pay you for your time in the one-day workshop, so please be sure you’ve checked this with your supervisor. 
    Note: Participants must be paid for this session by their employer at their regular wage or a minimum of $20/hour.
  • Monthly Group Sessions (1 – 3 pm on July 27, August 24, September 14, September 21, October 19, November 2)
    Topics include saving and spending, budgeting and debt management, understanding credit, beginning investing, home ownership, and entrepreneurship.
  • Individual Coaching Sessions:
    Held on Mondays or Tuesdays—to dig deeper into participant’s personal goals and track progress.
  • Final Group Session & Celebration (December 14, 2026)

Program Cost: $25 registration fee per participant.

Location:
Sessions are typically held at Explore Asheville, which offers free parking and is accessible via public transit. Any location changes will be communicated well in advance and will remain transit-accessible.

Who can participate? Employees of AIR member restaurant, with priority given to applicants who have worked for an AIR member for at least six months, at an average of 30 or more hours per week.

Financial Empowerment Pilot Program Participant Application Session 5

Your Name(Required)
Preferred Name
Your Address(Required)
For example: Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Henderson
Email Address(Required)
I agree to accept texts or calls from FEPP coaches and AIR in regard to this program.(Required)

Applicants must have permission from their supervisor or restaurant owner to participate in the program. Wage and hours info will be verified by supervisor. Restaurant is expected to pay employee to participate in the one-day workshop.

The following questions are to assess eligibility for the program. In line with the requirements of the Dogwood Health Trust grant, preference will be given to candidates at or below 51% of the Buncombe County AMI for family size.

Do you work full-time or part-time?(Required)
Do you own your home?(Required)
Do you have a savings account?(Required)
What other benefits do you receive?(Required)

Demographic Information

Race(Required)

Availability and Commitment

Program sessions are important for participant success, please agree to the following.
Attending mandatory two-day workshop.(Required)
Attending monthly group sessions, 1 per month for 6 months, 2 hours each(Required)
Attending 30-minute monthly individual coaching sessions, 1 per month for six months.(Required)
Creating a monthly savings plan and making 6 different monthly savings deposits each month.(Required)
Paying $25 for the initial workshop.(Required)
Scheduling all of your participation time in advance with your employer.(Required)

Thank you for applying to the FEPP Program. We appreciate your commitment to enhancing your financial stability/growth, and we look forward to working together on your goals. By submitting this application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate, and you agree to actively participate in the FEPP. Successful applicants will be notified via contact information provided.

CONNECT

P.O. Box 2254
Asheville, NC 28802
hello@airasheville.org
(828) 575-9220

AIR White Logo

SIGN-UP FOR AIRFARE

©2026 Atlas Branding, Inc. Schooner Web System ©2026 AIR Asheville Creative Content  |  SITEMAP  |  ACCESSIBILITY  |  Brand + Website by Atlas Branding