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Small Businesses Getting Big Help: Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity

Archive CLT, Bookstore and Coffee Shop located within Charlotte’s Beatties Ford Corridor, at 2023 Beatties Ford Rd Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28216

A new program led by Foundation for the Carolinas is giving small businesses owned by minorities grants to grow within Mecklenburg County. “Beyond Open,” is a small business grant program made possible by the support of Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund. Earlier this year, the bank chose the greater Charlotte area out of five cities to assist small businesses owned by minorities grow, build wealth and expand.

Owner of Archive CLT Cheryse Terry, right, and customers

“The grant program is administered by the Foundation for the Carolinas on a budget of $20 million. Once those who qualify apply, they may be awarded a grant of $5,000 to $250,000,” said Rocio Gonzalez. “Those who qualify must have a business registered in Mecklenburg county and once the funds are administered, they must use it in capital assists,” she continued. The grants are given based on the information within each application and once received it does not need to be paid back. 

Those interested in applying for a grant must have a small business, it’s that simple. Though every business that is registered in Mecklenburg county may apply, a priority will be given to those companies located in or near the six Corridors of Opportunity. These are: Albermarle Road/ Central Avenue, Ferry Beatties Ford/ Rozzelles, Freedom Drive/ Wilkinson Boulevard, Graham/ North Tryon Street, Sugar Creek Road/ I-85, and West Boulevard. Approved applicants can receive anywhere from $5,000 to $250,000 plus. The application opened last month and will close on Friday, Oct. 28, with additional opportunities to apply in December.

Click here for information on the Foundation for the Carolinas “Beyond Open” grant opportunities. Photography by Sir Will.

Charlotte Pinc

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