A recently completed assessment of Charlotte’s small business ecosystem is already helping to shape how small businesses access resources, capital and long-term growth opportunities.
The Charlotte Small Business Ecosystem Assessment, completed in November, drew on extensive community engagement to capture a comprehensive view of the local small business landscape in Charlotte. The report included input from 860 small business survey respondents; more than 40 virtual and in-person focus groups with entrepreneurs, business support organizations and community partners; and interviews and discussions with city staff and City Council members.
The findings offer fresh insight into the current state of Charlotte’s small business environment, including what’s working and where gaps remain. The work was led by TPMA, a national workforce and economic development consulting firm, in partnership with Charlotte Economic Development.
“Now that we have the results, there’s a big opportunity to turn those findings into lasting impact,” said Christi Floyd, senior manager in Charlotte Economic Development. “This work will help us better align our support structures to ensure that businesses in Charlotte don’t just survive but thrive.”
This fall, the study moved into the implementation phase — with Charlotte Economic Development engaging stakeholders through workshops, focus groups and community outreach. These conversations will inform a long-term action plan aimed at improving access and resilience across Charlotte’s small business ecosystem. The implementation plan, expected to be presented to city leadership in early 2026, will guide how the city aligns its investments, programs and partnerships to directly address the needs revealed in the survey.
For details, visit here: https://www.charlottenc.gov/City-News/Charlotte-Small-Business-Ecosystem-Report-Launches-Action-Plan