Meeting leader engaging with audience.

Business LaunchPad

A program that empowers small businesses with the toolkit, knowledge, and resources to successfully launch, compete, and grow in government, institutional, and private contracting.

Launch your business to the next level! Mecklenburg County’s Business LaunchPad Program is a free, 4.5-month program specifically designed to empower small businesses to thrive in the competitive world of government, institutional, and private contracting.

This progressive program is a game-changer for local business owners looking to scale their operations and gain a foothold in lucrative contracting opportunities. What you will get is expert guidance, essential skills, hands-on learning, competitive advantage and much more.

Eligibility

An African American man and woman examining a report. Representing a minority-owned small business.

Schedule and Application Process

Business LaunchPad operates on a rolling application process.

Fall Term

  • Application Review Period Begins: April 1
     
  • Interviews/Decision/Selection Period: May - July
     
  • Program Class Schedule:  August – December
    • 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 (CPCC) Central Campus in Charlotte, N.C.

Spring Term

  • Application Review Period Begins: September 1
     
  • Decision/Selection Period: October - December
     
  • Program Class Schedule:  January – May
    • Times: Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m. (virtual) and Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. (in person)
    • Location: In-person sessions held at Central Piedmont Community College's (CPCC) Central Campus in Charlotte, N.C.
Apply

Partners in attracting new businesses...

  • Why you should participate

    A group picture of the Spring 2025 Business LaunchPad graduates

    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.

    (Pictured above: Spring 2025 Cohort)

     

  • Business LaunchPad is designed to...

    Shop worker next to a storefront's "Open" sign.
    • 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

1 - 7 of 7 Results
  1. Fall 2024 Business LaunchPad Graduates

    View a list of the Fall 2024 graduates.
  2. 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.
  3. Spring 2024 Business LaunchPad Graduates

    View a list of the Spring 2024 graduates.
  4. Fall 2023 Business LaunchPad Graduates

    View a list of the fall 2023 graduates.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.  
  7. Spring 2022 Business LaunchPad Graduates

    Listing of the 2022 Business LaunchPad graduates.