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Small minority-owned businesses get support through Charlotte program

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The city of Charlotte is trying to help small minority-owned businesses succeed.

It’s offering support in key areas through a program called NXT/CLT.

Greg Johnson started the program after having conversations with local leaders. In 2020, the program accepted eight small businesses, a grouping they call a cohort. Each got $15,000 to help them grow, and owners went through a rigorous six-month leadership program.

“We have some incredible partners that say we want to do business with these companies, let’s figure out how we do it in a way that is mutually beneficial. That creates a new way of connecting with these companies,” Johnson said.

>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s Scott Wickersham spoke to some of the business leaders who are taking part, to find out how it’s going.

Applications for the next cohort just closed, but click here for more information about the program and what you need to apply.