Applications are now being accepted for Beyond Open grants from $5,000 – $250,000 to help diverse small businesses obtain capital assets such as equipment, technology, real estate, and inventory.
Beyond Open is a small business grant program led by Foundation For The Carolinas and made possible by support from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund to help diverse (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ) small business owners grow businesses, build wealth, and expand economic mobility in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Beyond Open grants do not need to be repaid.
Application eligibility requirements for Beyond Open grants include:
- Diverse – minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ business ownership;
- 1-499 employees;
- Business located inside Mecklenburg County. Priority for grants will be given to diverse small businesses that are within or adjacent to the six Charlotte Corridors of Opportunity, but all eligible diverse small businesses are encouraged to apply.
Diverse small business owners in Charlotte-Mecklenburg are invited to participate in upcoming virtual and in-person community information events to learn more and prepare to apply. Application support, guidance on next steps, and answers for questions are also available from Beyond Open community partner organizations, with direct contact information available through the Beyond Open website.
Applications for Beyond Open round one close on Oct. 28 at 5:00 pm. Applicants will be notified by Foundation For The Carolinas this November, and grants disbursed by Dec. 30, 2022. Round two timelines will be shared early in 2023.
Complete information about Beyond Open in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and the open application, are available at beyondopenclt.com.
