Every now and then I like to point out some cool events and resources that are valuable for entrepreneurs in Charlotte. Today I went to check out the calender on CharlotteBusinessResources.com, and ran across some great resources that start-ups can use to get funding for their businesses. I decided to write this post today because I stumbled upon it, but also because one of the application deadlines is in just 2 days. (Better late than never)
1. The first resource that is ending in just a couple of days is NC Idea.  Their mission statement is quite simple and tells you everything you need to know: “The mission of NC IDEA is to foster economic development in North Carolina by helping young startups commercialize their innovations.” To be eligible for the grants you either have to be based in NC or have plans to move here, but the CEO and/or management team must reside in NC. They also look for businesses that focus on
- Information Technology
- Medical Diagnostics and Devices
- Material Sciences
- Green Technologies
If you fit these requirements than it is sure worth filling out an application. I checked out some of the companies that have won in the past and there were companies all over the state. Most were in the Raleigh-Durham area or Charlotte. Either way this is a great way to get money to put towards your business, so if you fit the requirements get moving on an application.
2. The second way for start-ups in Charlotte to get some funding is through SEED20. SEED “stands for Social Entrepreneurs Empowered, and the 20 represents the twenty individuals/organizations selected to receive our seven-week communications skills training and mentoring program.”
What they mean by “social” is that the recipients are non-profits helping the community socially. Some past winners of the awards were great non-profits like Beds for Kids & Community Culinary School of Charlotte. The awards are actually available to non-profits in Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area, so if that’s you, check out their website, and try to get some well deserved capital.
3. The third resource for start-ups in the Charlotte area is Ventureprise, which is affiliated through UNC-Charlotte, and is located in the University Research Park. One of the biggest things they do is run a business plan competition which awards $75,000. No matter what type of business you are running, or how long you’ve been around that is a lot of money.
Besides giving awarding an enormous amount of money they also offer up a lot of other help. On the website you find a tools, resources and downloads section which can help you get started. Once you apply you can be awarding all sorts of different things like seminars with area CEO’s, mentorship programs, business advisory services, and even affordable office space.
Charlotte is an area that is growing everyday, and more and more businesses are seeing the Queen City as a great place to start and run a business. There’s all sorts of new things coming to area ranging from insurance headquarters to breweries. It’s an exciting time to be an entrepreneur in Charlotte, and there are all sorts of ways to get funding. All’s you need to be is a little proactive, search them out, and take advantage of them when you see it. Who knows what receiving a grant can do for your business, but you’ll never know if you don’t try.
