May is Small Business Month and counties across the region are uplifting the entrepreneurs and small businesses that make up the backbone of the local economy.
Charlotte is home to more than 40,000 small businesses, accounting for 75% of businesses in the region, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Each year, Mayor Vi Lyles of the City of Charlotte declares May as Charlotte’s Small Business Month. The city showcases success stories of small businesses propelling the local economy forward, and hosts events designed to celebrate, support, and grow local small businesses.
On Wednesday, the City of Charlotte hosted a Small Business Month kickoff networking event at Heist Brewery, where it highlighted dozens of small businesses in the city.
This month, CLT Alliance Foundation will ramp up its efforts to catalyze transformative growth in the Charlotte Region and help dynamic small businesses thrive. A major joint announcement later this month will provide a historic access to capital opportunity for Charlotte’s small businesses. The CLT Alliance Foundation is also partnering with Hooky Wellness to launch a free health and wellness series designed to bring wellness education to Charlotte’s entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, all month long, Mecklenburg County will bring its free small business support services to Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville – meeting current and prospective business owners, and their needs, where they are.
The Office of Economic Development will host “Township Connections” events across Mecklenburg County in May and June. These meet and greets will connect people who are starting or growing a small-to-midsize business with free county resources.
To learn more about upcoming events, visit the Office of Economic Development website at OED.MeckNC.gov, and follow the City of Charlotte’s Economic Development social media. They will be highlighting local businesses all month long.
