Charlotte, NC

Events

City of Charlotte events
 View more events here - https://calendar.online/e8504c27c635500384c6

Resources

Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI)

CBI assists certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) with growth and development, particularly in securing city contracts. The program offers technical assistance, business development, and financial guidance to small, minority, and women-owned firms, helping them grow, build capacity, and secure bonding to successfully bid on city projects. Website

Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development

This office provides a Small Business Concierge Service—a one-stop shop that helps small businesses and entrepreneurs navigate the resources available across Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte Region, and the State of North Carolina. They also offer Meck Lending, providing loans of up to $75,000 at accommodating rates and terms to qualified small and start-up businesses in Mecklenburg County. Website

Central Piedmont Community College – Small Business Center

The Small Business Center at Central Piedmont provides resources and courses to the local business community to help start-ups and entrepreneurs. Services include free seminars, no-cost counseling, networking events, and access to a business resource library. Central Piedmont Community College

Foundation For The Carolinas – CLT City Grants

Through the Access to Capital Program, more than $30 million in federal funding was distributed to over 2,500 small businesses across Charlotte. This initiative supports businesses such as restaurants, salons, and fitness studios, helping them recover and grow. FFTC

Beyond Open CLT

This program offers a compilation of small business resources, including organizations and programs that provide technical assistance, learning and mentoring opportunities, competitive accelerator programs, and organizations that offer grants and loans to small business owners. Beyond Open CLT

Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber provides a range of business resources, including the Small Business Concierge Program, which helps small businesses and entrepreneurs navigate the resources available across Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte Region. Website

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance

This organization offers resources such as market research, networking opportunities, and data to support business cases. They provide an interactive dashboard with information on local population, projected growth demographics, and more. Website

Women's Business Center of Charlotte

Part of The Institute, this center offers technical assistance, small business counseling, and resources tailored for women entrepreneurs. Services include business plan development, financial management, and access to capital. Website

Urban League of Central Carolinas

The Urban League provides programs focused on employment, education, and racial inclusion. They offer services such as evening computer classes, mortgage counseling programs, and basic skills training to promote economic self-sufficiency among African American families. Website

Self-Help Credit Union

A nonprofit CDFI offering personal and business banking, home loans, and financial coaching.

Website

Latino Community Credit Union·

Serves Latino and underserved communities with accessible financial services.

Website

Carolina Community Impact

Offers microloans and financial education to support small businesses and individuals.

Website

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Supports community development initiatives through financing and technical assistance. 

Website

Aspire Community Capital

Partners with CDFIs and MDIs to provide capital to underserved communities.

Website