$3.7M Raise Underway To Bring The First Hub Geared Toward Black-Owned Businesses And Professionals To Charlotte, NC
A new center is set to be the first of its kind for Black-owned businesses and professionals in Charlotte, NC.
Innovation Center
According to The Charlotte Observer, a project called the Innovation Center is underway, guided by a mission to promote economic growth and combat food disparity. The initiative is led by Cathay Dawkins, an entrepreneur and chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce, along with other members of the organization.
“Think of it as a one-stop shop for professionals and small businesses,” Dawkins told the outlet.
Why It Was Needed
After visiting similar establishments in cities such as Atlanta, GA; Washington, DC; and Durham, NC, Dawkins says he felt it was essential for Charlotte to have a center of its own. Now, the Innovation Center is set to become the city’s first hub specifically geared toward amplifying Black business people.
“As things in the community get taken away, like federal funding and grants, we want to be a safe space,” Dawkins told The Charlotte Observer. “I wanted to create a safe space for business owners and professionals to come get elevated.”
What It Will Feature
The center, located at 2601 Wilkinson Blvd. near Interstate 77, will feature co-working spaces, a retail store, a distribution center for small businesses, and a program designed to introduce farmers to technology that can help them scale their operations. Additional amenities will include a dedicated event space, a food hall, conference space, a greenhouse where restaurants and individuals can grow fruits and vegetables, an outdoor seating plaza, and a mailroom for businesses.
“We just want to bring more locals here to help expand their experience and help them figure out what they want to do,” chamber member Kneisha Gabriel said, according to The Charlotte Observer.
Seeking $3.7M Raise
The chamber is currently seeking to raise $3.7 million in capital to complete renovations after investing $30,000 to purchase the building. It expects for the project to be completed between six months and a year.
