As one of the twenty largest cities within the United States, Charlotte is home to over 850,000 individuals and growing at a steady rate each year. The city of Charlotte consistently provides important services to support the population, including small business growth throughout the Queen City. The city provides the resources necessary to start and grow a successful business by convening a network of the region’s top government agencies, non-profits, chambers, and educational institutions. Together, these partners have already assisted thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the complex stages of starting, funding, and growing a business concept through CharlotteBusinessResources.com.
In light of the recent outbreak of COVID-19, small businesses are shouldering the increased pressure that comes with a global pandemic, affecting the business and the overall community in a way that touches many. The city of Charlotte has created a resource guide that will allow businesses to easily find the federal, state, or local support necessary during this time, including partner tools and disaster recovery resources.
Health Updates
City of Charlotte COVID-19 Updates – The City of Charlotte is actively monitoring the pandemic to plan and protect Charlotte residents, visitors, and city employees. Service impact details will be updated here.
Disaster Preparedness and Recovery – While you can’t plan for everything, you can be prepared. Creating a strategy to fall back on in times of disaster and considering the steps you must take to recovery are essential topics for any small business or entrepreneur to consider.
Mecklenburg County Health Updates – The Mecklenburg County website is hosting all updates from the County Health Director.
Small Business Administration Funding – The SBA continues to update its services for small business assistance and support, including its loan and funding options during COVID-19.
Business Continuity Plan – Dept of Homeland Security has created a comprehensive checklist to outline what’s needed to create a business continuity plan.
NCDHHS COVID-19 Updates – Keep up to date on all North Carolina Coronavirus updates and responses.
Business Assistance
Small Business Administration Funding – The SBA continues to update its services for small business assistance and support, including its loan and funding options during COVID-19.
Business Continuity Plan – Dept of Homeland Security has created a comprehensive checklist to outline what’s needed to create a business continuity plan.
NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan – A consortium of public, private, and nonprofit partners recently launched a recovery-lending program for North Carolina’s small business sector.
Central Piedmont Small Business Center Business Counseling – The SBC provides free one-on-one confidential counseling for small business and startup ventures. You can also volunteer to be a business counselor.
Small Business and Technology Development Center – The SBTDC is offering technical services and virtual appointments for those who need assistance with disaster loans and other counseling.
Prospera Seminars & Assistance – All counseling and seminars will now be conducted virtually, even on the weekends.
Latin America Chamber of Commerce – All offerings will be conducted virtually and is serving as a multilingual resource center with translated information available.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library – While the CM libraries are closed, there are numerous online resources available including Lynda, a database of classes for skill-building. The libraries also have Wi-Fi that reaches to their parking lots even though the branch itself is closed, so individuals without internet access can use public Wi-Fi safely from their cars.
Women’s Business Center – The WBC is offering all sessions until June virtually, including one-on-one business counseling.
The Institute NC – This nonprofit management consulting and services firm offers webinars and other helpful resources for the business community.
Business Link North Carolina – BLNC has a variety of resources gathered specifically to answer questions during COVID-19.
Charlotte Works – The Career Center is still open but has moved to a virtual job seeker platform.
SCORE Charlotte – SCORE is still offering some upcoming workshops and events virtually, and there are many recorded webinars and resources available on their website.
Carolina Small Business Development Fund – CSBDF is working diligently to put businesses in touch with the right resources during COVID-19. Any scheduled training will now be hosted as webinars.
The Employers Association – TEA will hold 45-minute Q&A webinars three days a week, and there will be an increase in resources and support for virtual teams.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce – In partnership with Heal Charlotte, the CMBCC have come together to support local restaurants and chefs to feed families in need. Reach out to see how you can help.
National Association of Women Business Owners – NAWBO is offering a variety of digital resources for women business owners and entrepreneurs.
For more information on the variety of resources available to the Charlotte business community, visit us online at charlottebusinessresources.com.
We will continue to update this guide as things develop. Did we miss something? Let us know.
Last updated March 27, 2020.
Photo credit: Clay Banks.
