Free, 16-week program training minority and women business owners to succeed in governmental, institutional and private contracting.

Grow a Small Business
Opportunities and knowledge to get your business off the ground and sustain long term success.
The Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development offers several opportunities and resources to help get your business off the ground and sustain long term success.


How We Can Help You
We can help you find financing that fits your needs and aligns with the financial institution’s lending objectives.
Mecklenburg County is committed to working with local businesses to deliver high-quality goods and services to our community.
We make the process to become a registered County vendor straightforward and transparent. Once registered, vendors gain access to bid notifications, procurement resources, and support to help navigate the government contracting landscape.
Business planning involves identifying the current state of your business or organization, determining where you want to go, and developing a strategic roadmap to get there.
We can help you create a framework for decision-making, resource allocation, establishing your mission and vision, setting benchmarks, and mastering miscalculations and processes for success.
The County works to help small businesses be competitive for governmental purchasing. We offer technical assistance with certifications through the N.C. Department of Administration’s Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, and the Charlotte Business INClusion program.
We can conduct a financial assessment of your business and/or help you develop a credit-building program
Meck Lending is Mecklenburg County’s revolving loan program that offers business loans of up to $75,000 with accommodating terms. Need money for your business? Schedule a meeting with us.
We can help you navigate the complexities of being an entrepreneur and guide you to resources and solutions. Whether you are starting a nonprofit or for-profit business, we can help you with:
- Legal structure
- Market research
- Permits and zoning
- Regulatory requirements
- Taxes