Financial Empowerment Program for Restaurant Employees

Session 5 is underway! 

Applications were due June 15th for initial program consideration.

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.

Here’s what former participants have to say about the program:

The AIR Financial Empowerment Program has been an immense help in my journey to find financial freedom. As a restaurant worker in a town that relies on tourism, the budgeting, planning, and saving skills I’ve learned have been invaluable in helping set my money goals for today and for my future, even with the ebbs and flows of non-traditional income sources. The knowledge and resources I’ve been given have allowed me to understand my finances better and to feel confident managing them in the ways that most benefit me. Thank you for empowering me to get the most from my money through this amazing opportunity! (Lauren – Cultura)

I love just how positive and interactive Annice and Jane were the whole time. This program has really made me think about my financial situation and future, not only for myself but for my children as well. The speakers were very nice and I learned about so many resources that I didn’t even know were out there. All in all this program has been a blessing for me and I would love to see it continue to help other people in the future. (Alex – Chai Pani)

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.

This program is made possible by our generous sponsors: