Though many of Charlotte's startups and small businesses are still battling the economic effects of Covid-19, others have been able to weather the storm.
Mike Barugel, general business counselor with the Small Business and Technology Development Center at UNCC, said the organization developed a program called NxLevel for Entrepreneurs, aimed at giving those small businesses the tools and knowledge they need to continue growing.
"Of course, we're sensitive to the fact that some businesses are just trying to figure out how to stay afloat," he said. "But the ones that have been able to ride the wave of the last few month, if they see a path forward and are ready to focus on the next stage, we'll teach them how to rebuild or grow."
SBTDC is an organization located throughout North Carolina and is associated with universities and colleges statewide. Barugel said its mission is to provide no-cost counseling to North Carolina businesses and training programs.
"We exist to help these small businesses that have the potential to grow through tough times and great times," he said.
Applications for the 10-week-long virtual program are open through Aug. 19, and sessions begin on Aug. 26. Barguel said the SBTDC received a $50,000 grant from the City of Charlotte to fund the program for up to 25 participants. To qualify, businesses must have at least 10 employees and be located in Charlotte or Mecklenburg County.
Participants will meet once per week for two hours where they'll join in working sessions, listen to guest speakers and work on personalized profit analysis.
"The goal is to find businesses that want to grow over the next six to 12 months," he said. "They'll come out of the class with a comprehensive growth plan, direct contact with subject matter experts and will have access to all of the resources we provide as an organization."
