CLT Economic Development

Education doesn’t stop when the school day ends 📚 For #31DaysofBiz, we’re spotlighting Ashley Wade of Knowledge on Wheels, empowering students and families across Charlotte. Nominated: West & Wilkinson Merchant Association 🎥 bit.ly/4cWovZh

For #31DaysofBiz, meet Ronette Baptist & Tara Smalls of T&R Beauty Supply, serving Charlotte's West Boulevard community and nominated by the West & Wilkinson Merchant Association. They say small businesses are the 💛 and soul of the Queen City. 🎥 bit.ly/4t8ixuC

The city of Charlotte honored community leaders and international businesses Wednesday evening at the 28th Mayor’s International Community Awards. buff.ly/N2qRdrA

Thank you to all who joined us Wednesday for the 28th annual Mayor’s International Community Awards as we celebrated the philanthropic impact and community leadership of international firms and individuals across the Charlotte region. 🌍🏆

"West & Wilkinson Merchant Association helped me access grants and connect with our community." For #31DaysofBiz, meet Joyce Cunningham of Joyce's Child Development — 31+ years of hands-on, play-based early learning in the West Boulevard Corridor. 🎥 ow.ly/uEgj50Z0lK3

Next week, our gBETA Charlotte Health cohort — in partnership with @AdvocateHealth — will take the stage at the Final Showcase @ThePearlCLT, pitching in front of investors and the city's health innovation community. Join us 👇 gener8tor.one/programs/bb5aa… #31DaysofBiz @gener8tor

For #31DaysofBiz, meet Rasheda Sanders of Sanders Law Firm, located in the West Boulevard Corridor. She's building an accessible, bilingual practice rooted in trust. "I wanted people to see a professional business." 🎥 ow.ly/gm2w50Z0lxc

"We want every person to come in and feel comfortable." 🩺 Meet OML Solutions, a lab focused on holistic diagnostic testing. Owner Charlotte Townsend says Freedom Business Collective helped her secure certifications & a city contract. 🎥 ow.ly/aJHU50Z0lsb #31DaysofBiz

Graduation season wrapped up in Charlotte last weekend 🎓 8,400+ students earned degrees this semester from Charlotte-based @UNCCharlotte, @JCSUniversity, @CPCC, @QueensUniv and JWU Charlotte. Charlotte’s talent pipeline keeps growing. #CLT #ClassOf2026 🎉

Building skill, confidence & community 💈 For #31DaysofBiz, meet Lucky Spot Leadership & Barber Academy — training the next generation of barbers in the Freedom/Wilkinson Corridor. Owner Shaun Corbett credits Scale Up CLT for helping him grow. 🎥 bit.ly/4t3ucuB #CLT

Creating peace of mind for families ⚖️ For #31DaysofBiz, meet Robyn Hicks-Guinn of Hicks-Guinn Law, turning personal loss into purpose. Nominated by @clt_alliance Scale Up CLT. "I was really grateful for my mentor and classmates." 🎥 bit.ly/428Auy3

"When you see people wearing your shirts, it gives you a sense of pride." 👕 For #31DaysofBiz, meet Robyn Oden of Imprint Wave — helping businesses amplify their brand in the Freedom/Wilkinson Corridor. 🎥 bit.ly/3PekMyw #CityofCharlotte #SmallBusiness

We're less than a week away from the 2026 MICA Awards, as we recognize the philanthropic efforts of foreign-owned firms and individuals who have made significant international contributions. Reserve your tickets: blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/…

Beginning today Charlotte Water will implement mandatory water restrictions to help protect our region’s water supply. These measures are an important step to reduce non-essential water use and ensure we can meet the needs of our growing community, especially during changing conditions. I encourage everyone to do their part—small actions like limiting outdoor watering and reducing unnecessary use can make a big difference. Learn more about the restrictions and how you can help: charlottewater.org Thank you for working together to conserve this vital resource.

"I'm a third-generation entrepreneur." For #31DaysofBiz, meet Chris Davis of Buff Beauty Academy, Charlotte's first and only nail & aesthetics academy. Supported by @CLT_Alliance's Scale Up CLT program. 🎥 bit.ly/4uGB7LJ #CLT #Entrepreneurship #CorridorsofOpportunity

Congratulations to Spark Centro and the Charlotte Latin American Chamber of Commerce on a successful groundbreaking ceremony this morning among so many friends, partners and @ProsperaUSA Board members. sparkcentro.org #31DaysOfBiz

Did you know you can roast coffee in a popcorn popper? #31DaysofBiz ☕️🍿That fun fact sparked Tony Santoro's journey to founding Enderly Coffee—named after Enderly Park. "It's important that local small businesses thrive in every neighborhood." bit.ly/4eUF4HN

"There was never a time I thought about being a doctor or lawyer — I just knew I wanted to work for myself." 💼 For #31DaysofBiz, meet Kimberly Wilkinson of Juice Box 🥤 — serving all-natural smoothies & more in Charlotte's Historic West End. 🎥 bit.ly/4t8uL6A #CLT

🌸 Beautifying the Beatties Ford Corridor for 50+ years. Stroud's Flowers has grown alongside the community it serves. "When they grow, we grow," says owner Christina Givens. 🎥 bit.ly/4taBwEV #31DaysofBiz #CLT #SmallBusiness

It’s not just golf that won in Charlotte this weekend: Small businesses report higher-than-expected sales during last weekend's @TruistChamp. Via @WBTVnews: wbtv.com/2026/05/11/2-c…