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City of Charlotte Neighborhood
Its vision is that Charlotte will be the most prosperous and liveable city for all citizens through quality economic development and strong neighborhoods. Resources it provides include small business development, City of Charlotte contracting opportunities, business corridor revitalization programs, workforce development and referrals to its community partners.
Small Business Opportunity Program (Selling to the Government) The City of Charlotte Small Business Opportunity Program objective is two-fold: first, to enhance competition in City contracting by increasing Small Business Enterprise (SBE) utilization; and second, to promote and support small business growth and development in the Charlotte regional area. In order to participate in the Small Business Opportunity Program, a business must first become certified as a SBE through an application process. Firms must meet size requirements in order to be eligible for SBE certification. Contact 704.432.1395 for additional information.
Financial Assistance Programs Business Equity Loan Program: An equity gap financing program that participates with private sector lenders to provide project financing for start-up or expanding businesses located in priority business corridors. Façade Improvement Grant Program: Provides 50% reimbursement for eligible architectural renovations to commercial buildings in priority business corridors and/or to bring signs, parking and landscaping into conformance with current codes. Funds also provided for Big Box demolition expenses. Maximum grant awards are based on building square footage. Security Grant Program: In partnership with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the program provides 50% reimbursement, up to $3,000, to businesses located in priority corridors for eligible security improvements to create safer environments for employees and customers. Retail shopping centers may be eligible for additional funds. Brownfield Assessment Grant Program: Provides 50% matching funds, up to $20,000 per site suspected of environmental contamination, for environmental assessment activities that will lead to site redevelopment. Business District Organization Program: Provides matching funds to qualified business district organizations operating in priority corridors for eligible operating and administrative expenses. Business Corridor Worker training Grant Program: A 2009 pilot program to provide funding for educational and skills training to current workers of businesses located in priority business corridors. Business Investment Program: Provides grants to companies for investing at least $3 million in new or expanded services or processes and adding 20 jobs or more. Grants typically last for three years and are based on the amount of property tax generated by the new business investment being made. Visit edo.charmeck.org for more information on the assistance programs above.
Small Business Enterprise Loan Fund: A partnership between the City of Charlotte and other major corporations and foundations to provide access to capital for small businesses that represent a higher credit risk profile than that of traditional bank clients. Program is administered by Self Help, a non-profit community development lender: Visit www.self-help.org or call 704.409.5900 for more information on this program.
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Charlotte Chamber of Commerce |
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