Our story
Mindful Solutions for a Brighter Future
ZenRise Consulting exists to help mission-driven organizations and growing businesses turn strong ideas into funded, well-run projects. We work with nonprofits, local governments, schools, startups, and sustainable agriculture organizations across Asheville and Western North Carolina.
ZenRise started as a project management and grant strategy partner for organizations that had the ideas and the drive, but not always the internal capacity to chase funding, document processes, or track results. That gap is still what we exist to close.
Founder’s Note
I’m Nicolai Solomon, founder of ZenRise Consulting. Before starting this firm, I spent years on the federal side of grant management, including USDA and ARPA-funded programs, and worked in the energy sector and with the Peace Corps. More recently, I ran day-to-day operations as Director of Operations at a regional food hub, which gave me a close look at what it actually takes to run a mission-driven organization day to day, not just fund one.
I hold an MS in Sustainable Technology. That combination, federal funding experience plus hands-on operations, is what I bring to every client. I’ve built systems on the funding side and implemented real fixes for operational problems.
Nicolai Solomon
Founder, ZenRise Consulting
Our values
Sustainability. Integrity. Empowerment. Collaboration. Impact. Efficiency.
Ready to talk?
Schedule a free discovery call, or reach out directly at nicolai.solomon@zenriseconsulting.com.
Got questions?
Feel free to reach out.