Business Diversity and Inclusion Programs
2023 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Mecklenburg County, N.C., NC
Best In Category
About the Program
Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)
Year: 2023
Many small business owners describe feeling isolated in their struggle to grow their company and unable to discuss their challenges with subject matter experts and other small business owners. To address these issues, Mecklenburg County developed two progressive programs in which cohorts of small business owners work through facilitated programming with peer engagement, support from subject matter experts and coaches, and build connections with organizations throughout the business resource ecosystem. These programs are Get Up and Grow and Business LaunchPad. These programs aim to support business owners to increase their competitive advantage and provide information, tools, tips, guidance, and success stories of achieving growth and sustaining positive operational and financial practices to help them meet their challenges and scale to the next level. [For best viewing experience, please refer to the attached PDF]