AMP Up Charlotte Program Accepts Applications for Minority-Owned Business Growth Cohort

AMP Up Charlotte Program Accepts Applications for Minority-Owned Business Growth Cohort

City of Charlotte encourages minority-owned businesses to apply for the ninth cohort of the AMP Up Charlotte Program

In a major push to support minority-owned businesses, the City of Charlotte is now accepting applications for the ninth AMP Up Charlotte cohort. The educational program, put together by Interise, is exclusively geared towards the growth and development of small businesses owned by minority stakeholders, with a mission to create a stimulating business environment conducive to job creation, increased revenues, and community upliftment.

AMP Up Charlotte: Shaping Business Leaders

AMP Up Charlotte offers a unique growth accelerator experience to business owners, equipping them with the tools necessary to scale their operations and deliver a significant impact on their communities. This is achieved through Interise’s award-winning, internationally recognized program ‘StreetWise MBA.’ It combines business growth and development essentials, mentoring, targeted training, and access to industry heavyweights to foster stronger relationships and procure more business opportunities.

In addition, exclusive sessions supplementing the learning in marketing, financing, supplier diversity, and technology adoption are arranged, hosted by a reputable Charlotte anchor institution. This holistically enriching experience nurtures AMP Up participants until they develop their own customized, three-year strategic growth action plan, laying the foundations for sustained success.

According to Bernard Johnson, Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships at Interise, “The AMP Up program has whisked away strong growth results for the enrolled companies. It’s heartening to witness an average revenue growth of 35% amongst recent program graduates, and encouraging to note that 27% have secured new financing, 77% are already following a strategic growth action plan, while a full 100% would recommend the program to a fellow business owner.”

The Application Window is Now Open

Potential applicants can submit their forms until noon on Friday, July 19. Before applying, prospective candidates must ensure they match the eligibility requirements. The checklist includes being an ethnic minority business owner with majority (51% or more) ownership of the business, an annual gross revenue of at least $175,000, at least two years of business operation, and a minimum of one employee apart from the owners.

Business owners keen on understanding the program before jumping in can attend a virtual open house session to be held on Tuesday, July 9, at 6 pm. The City of Charlotte has made the registration process simple and accessible, available on the AMP Up Open House registration page. For queries and more information, business owners can connect with Anika Ellis at anika.ellis@charlottenc.gov or directly visit the AMP Up website to apply.

Strengthening Charlotte’s Business Community

AMP Up Charlotte has positioned itself as an instrumental cog in the city’s growth machine. Its commitment to assisting local businesses build capacity and access opportunities has significantly contributed to the thriving business landscape in Charlotte. The program continues in its mission to bolster minority-owned business establishments and pave the way for a diverse, dynamic, and prosperous Charlotte.