Charlotte Unveils First Three Business Support Centers With Three More Opening This Week

Three new support centers opened their doors in Charlotte recently, giving local business owners direct support and training. The sites started work in Freedom/Wilkinson, Sugar Creek/I-85, and West Boulevard as part of the city's growth plan.

Next week brings three more openings. On Sept. 25, centers will start work in Albemarle/Central, North Graham/North Tryon, and Beatties Ford/Rozzelles Ferry. The work stems from $259 million in mixed funding, with twenty local groups pitching in to help.

"These hubs are about creating access to opportunity, support, and a community that believes in the potential of every resident," said Erin Gillespie, executive director of Corridors of Opportunity, according to WCNC.

At 1525 Enderly Road, the Freedom Business Center runs workspace and startup programs. Do Greater Charlotte, The Boost Pad, and Goodwill Industries work together at this site to help new owners.

The second site trains women in building trades. It offers pre-work training, job matches, youth classes, and help with child care needs. She Built This City runs these programs to boost women in trades.

On Caronia Street, the NEO Foundation gives tech tips and funding advice. Staff members guide owners through permits, plans, and rules to help them grow.

Starting next week, three more sites will open their doors. Spark Centro Hub will focus on minority firms. A second site will teach building skills and safety rules. The West End site will help with money matters and growth plans.

Gillespie spoke about bringing help closer to home. "Charlotte has a lot of opportunity across the city but when they don't reach all the way into the neighborhoods that need those services and resources the most, that's a huge barrier," she said per WCNC.

The city wants strong blocks and streets where people work and live well. Six main spots get special care: North Graham/North Tryon, Sugar Creek/Interstate 85, Albemarle Road/Central Avenue, Beatties Ford Road/Rozzelles Ferry Road, West Boulevard, and Freedom Drive/Wilkinson Boulevard.