Asheville -- May 18, 2026: Kudzu Brands, a leading branding and marketing agency in Western North Carolina, has announced the launch of its newly reimagined annual giveaway initiative: Kudzu Brands Summer Camp.
The pro-bono program will award one selected regional organization a comprehensive brand-building package valued at $10,000. Applications are officially open and will be accepted through Friday, May 22, 2026.
This year’s initiative marks a significant shift from the agency’s past social-media-driven contests, pivoting instead toward a deeply collaborative, hands-on experience. The winning business or nonprofit will work side-by-side with agency experts in live, intensive workshops held at Kudzu Brands’ Asheville office over a three-month period.
High-Impact Deliverables for Regional Growth
According to the agency, the immersive "Brand Camp" is designed to build foundational assets from the ground up, providing the winner with professional tools to facilitate sustainable long-term growth.
By the conclusion of the three-month program, the selected organization will receive:
A Compelling Brand Story: Clarified core messaging and narrative strategy to effectively communicate their mission.
A Custom Logo: A tailored visual identity designed for instant recognition.
Marketing Collateral: Production-ready assets optimized for both print and digital platforms.
A Tailored Marketing Plan: A strategic operational roadmap aligned directly with the organization's unique vision and goals.
Commitment to Community Equity
The program is specifically geared toward supporting regional nonprofit organizations and minority-owned small businesses. To qualify as minority-owned, a business must be at least 51% owned and operated by individuals who identify as women, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-Pacific, or Asian-Indian.
Heather Johnson, Owner and Brand Strategist at Kudzu Brands, underscored that community reinvestment is central to the agency’s culture.
"Giving back to the community is at the heart of Kudzu Brands," Johnson said. "Individually and corporately, our team members volunteer with nonprofit organizations and minority-owned businesses. The Kudzu Brands Summer Camp is a way to make the brand story, brand identity, and marketing plan process an intensive and immersive experience."
Past winners of the agency’s annual giveaway have seen immediate regional success. Jazmin Whitmore, owner of More To Love Plus Size Consignment, noted that the collaborative environment was invaluable to her business development.
"From start to finish, I felt at home with Kudzu Brands," Whitmore shared. "From the beginning, they were a pleasure to talk to, and I really felt like they heard me when I spoke about what I needed and my vision for my business."
Selection Criteria and How to Apply
The Kudzu Brands team will review all submissions internally, selecting a winner based on the overall strength and clarity of the application. Key considerations include:
Demonstrated community impact and the "why" behind the organization's work.
A clear, foundational need for brand redevelopment or rebranding.
Strong organizational goals and emotional resonance.
The ability to commit to the required in-person working sessions in Asheville over the three-month duration.
The official winner will be announced on June 1, 2026.
Full camp details, complete eligibility guidelines, and the online application form—including the full list of qualifying Western North Carolina counties (such as Buncombe, Haywood, and Transylvania)—are available on the official Kudzu Brands Website and their corporate social media channels.
Interested media parties or applicants seeking further details can contact Heather Johnson directly at heather@kudzubrands.com.