Business LaunchPad
Empowers small businesses and minority- and woman-owned businesses to be successful in governmental, institutional, and private contracting opportunities.
Mecklenburg County's Business LaunchPad program is a no-cost, 4.5-month program that empowers small businesses and minority- and woman-owned businesses to be successful in governmental, institutional, and private contracting opportunities.
The program helps local business owners build a toolkit and build their capacities on topics like capability statements, proposal writing, certifications, and contract compliance. Participants receive access to subject-matter experts, business development resources, and real-world workshops and events.
Fall 2024 Business LaunchPad graduates
Eligibility Requirements
The business must be located in Mecklenburg County, NC
The business must be 51% owned and operated by a minority or woman
Participant must be the owner and/or CEO of the company
The business must be a for-profit business
Spring Program Schedule
Dates: January 28, 2025, through May 15, 2025
Times: Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m. (virtual), and Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. (in person)
Location: In-person sessions at Central Piedmont Community College's Central Campus in Charlotte, N.C.
LAUNCH your business to the next level! Apply for the upcoming cohort.
Partners in attracting new businesses...
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Why you should participate
This progressive economic development program is created to capitalize on the synergy and collaboration of organizational resources and the establishment of an effective toolkit for success. The program includes classroom instruction, subject matter experts, guest speakers, practical exercises, and participation in 'real-world’ workshops and events.
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Business LaunchPad is designed to...
- Advance entrepreneurs/small business owners’ understanding of business solutions.
- Build capacity and competitive advantage when seeking to participate in government and institutional business Bus opportunities.
- Assist in the creation of processes used to navigate through pre- and post-award contract opportunities.
Program Benefits
What are the advantages of participating in the Business LaunchPad program?
- Enable businesses to develop, grow, and have a competitive advantage.
- Create opportunities for additional capital investment and job creation.
- Enhance Minority and Women Owned Small Business participation in government contracting opportunities.
- Engage with Subject Matter Experts and Guest speakers, who understand and facilitate in government processes.
- Participate in mentorship and coaching sessions.
- Receive MWSBE certification assistance.
- Opportunity to participate in a case study.
- Ability to increase your business Net worth and Network.
- Receive a program certificate and acknowledgment of completion.
BLP Graduates
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Fall 2024 Business LaunchPad Graduates
View a list of the Fall 2024 graduates.
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Free Trainings for Small Business Growth Available Spring 2025
Small business owners can get free training from the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development next spring, and gain the tools they need to grow their businesses.
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Spring 2024 Business LaunchPad Graduates
View a list of the Spring 2024 graduates.
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Fall 2023 Business LaunchPad Graduates
View a list of the fall 2023 graduates.
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Spring 2023 Business LaunchPad Graduates
Graduates from two programs offered by the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development (OED) received their certificates at today’s dual ceremony held at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.
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Fall 2022 Business LaunchPad Graduates
The third cohort of the Business LaunchPad Program (BLP) graduated during a hybrid ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at Mecklenburg County’s Land Use & Environmental Services Agency in Charlotte.
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Spring 2022 Business LaunchPad Graduates
Listing of the 2022 Business LaunchPad graduates.