A new initiative in Charlotte’s low-income Corridors of Opportunity aims to help small businesses grow alongside the city’s rapid development.
The Here for Good Business Cooperative supports businesses such as hair salons and coffee shops along the Freedom Drive and Wilkinson Boulevard corridors. Sherry Waters, who helps lead the effort through the nonprofit QC Family Tree, said the program focuses on strengthening both mindset and practical skills.
“Equipping them with a mindset and skill set that will help them to brand better and how to reach their customers,” Waters said.
The cooperative launched last year with support from a $220,000 city grant. Several initiatives have been launched recently to support small businesses in the Corridors of Opportunity.
Last year, the West End Wednesdays initiative from Historic West End Partners was launched to support Black and minority-owned businesses along the Beatties Ford Road corridor. Businesses such as barbershops, restaurants, a flower shop, and a car service shop plan to offer discounts and special offers.
Waters, who also owns a tea bar in Charlotte, said the initiative comes at a critical time for local entrepreneurs.
“The city is growing and thriving,” Waters said. “It can be really easy to get afraid of this growth. With the rent prices rising, we can be priced out easily.”
Community members can learn more about the initiative during monthly gatherings held the third Monday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. at Enderly Coffee on Tuckaseegee Road.
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