Entrepreneur hopeful about new partnership to help small businesses

Charlotte, N.C. – Many small businesses are continuing to deal with unique hardships, years after the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Data from The National Association of Women Business Owners shows small businesses are facing hardships with higher costs, staffing, and funding efforts. Many of these issues were worsened due to the pandemic.

A New Partnership Aims to Help Entrepreneurs Thrive

Saichelle McNeill, the owner of The Washroom Laundry Service in Charlotte, provides various residential and commercial laundry services to clients. As a counselor at the Small Business Center at Central Piedmont Community College, McNeill regularly interacts with entrepreneurs.

“Get help with any of their entrepreneurial needs, whether it’s hiring, funding, setting up a business plan, or just starting their business,” McNeill said.

McNeill believes more resources are needed to support small business owners for the long term and is glad to see steps being taken to assist them.

City of Charlotte Forms New Partnership

The City of Charlotte recently announced a partnership with TPMA, a national workforce and economic development consulting firm. The firm will conduct an assessment of the local small business ecosystem to understand the ongoing challenges it’s facing.

Council Member and Chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee Malcolm Graham stated, “Enhancing our city’s economic development is a strategic priority for the city council, and we recognize that small businesses are the backbone of our community. This assessment will enable us to create targeted initiatives that support our local businesses and drive sustainable growth.”

McNeill’s Story

McNeill launched The Washroom Laundry Service in 2016, facing initial challenges but achieving success over time. Her company is now working to expand its services statewide to Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Greensboro.

While many businesses are grappling with staffing shortages, McNeill’s business is not. She aims to increase the commercial segment of her business to 85-90% in the next five years to ensure more consistent revenue streams.

Hopes for Long-Term Support

McNeill emphasizes the need for small businesses to have access to capital and resources for long-term support. She hopes the new partnership between the City of Charlotte and TPMA will help address these gaps.

“Use the data to move the city forward. There’s a small business for everything in Charlotte, and with over 100 people moving to the city every day, local entrepreneurs can directly impact these new residents,” McNeill said.

Conclusion

The City of Charlotte expects the study to be completed by June 2025, with the aim of developing initiatives to support small businesses and drive sustainable economic growth.