Charlotte, North Carolina, February 6, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina is celebrated as a center for financial innovation and entrepreneurial success. Local financial teams have gained national recognition, particularly with the Andover Group’s ranking as #1 by Forbes. This growth is attributed to a dynamic business climate that fosters investment and opportunity. Additionally, Charlotte’s small business sector thrives with over 80,000 businesses, playing a crucial role in the economy and job market. As the city climbs in national rankings for performance, its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses promises lasting prosperity.
Charlotte’s Financial Expertise and Entrepreneurial Drive Shine Bright
Local Leaders Recognized for Excellence as City’s Economy Continues Strong Growth
Charlotte, North Carolina, has long been recognized as a hub of financial innovation and a growing magnet for entrepreneurial spirit. In a testament to the city’s robust economic landscape, local financial advisory teams continue to achieve national acclaim, underscoring the high caliber of professionals driving private investment and wealth creation in the Queen City. This success reflects not only individual dedication and expertise but also Charlotte’s broader environment that fosters business resilience and encourages personal achievement within a competitive marketplace.
The city’s dynamic business climate is a powerful engine for economic expansion, fueled by the relentless determination of its entrepreneurs and the strategic acumen of its business leaders. When the private sector thrives, it creates a ripple effect, generating opportunities and contributing significantly to community prosperity. This commitment to excellence and growth is a cornerstone of Charlotte’s identity, attracting talent and capital that further accelerate its development as a leading economic force in the Southeast.
Recognized Excellence in Wealth Management
In a significant acknowledgment of its professional strength, one of the four UBS financial advisor teams in the Southeast region to be ranked #1 on the 2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list hails from Charlotte, NC. The Andover Group, based in Charlotte, achieved this top honor. This prestigious list, which features over 6,100 teams nationwide managing a collective $8.3 trillion in assets, recognizes advisors for their excellence in wealth management. The ranking methodology considers various qualitative and quantitative criteria, including in-person and phone interviews, compliance records, and the revenue generated for their firms, highlighting a comprehensive evaluation of their service and impact. This recognition for a Charlotte-based team underscores the deep expertise and client-focused approach prevalent among the city’s financial professionals, reinforcing its position as a key financial center.
Charlotte’s Expanding Economic Horizon
Beyond individual accolades, Charlotte continues to demonstrate substantial economic growth, solidifying its reputation as a premier location for business. The city climbed into the top 10 of the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities in 2024, a notable achievement that reflects its sustained progress and economic vitality. This impressive ranking is indicative of a broader trend of development, job creation, and innovative capacity that benefits all sectors of the Charlotte NC business community.
Fueling Entrepreneurial Innovation and Growth
The spirit of North Carolina entrepreneurs is particularly vibrant in Charlotte, where innovation is actively encouraged and supported. The city’s startup ecosystem has seen significant advancement over the last decade. Between 2019 and 2023, Charlotte-based businesses experienced a 46% increase in Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer awards, demonstrating a growing capacity for groundbreaking development. This surge in innovation is further supported by robust private investment, with the region witnessing $1.5 billion raised across 261 venture capital deals during the same period, a substantial increase compared to 2015. Such growth in venture capital is critical for nurturing new ventures and scaling successful ideas, propelling overall economic growth in the region.
The Vitality of Charlotte’s Small Business Sector
At the heart of Charlotte’s enduring prosperity lies its dynamic Charlotte small business sector. The city is home to over 80,000 small businesses, which collectively employ nearly half of Charlotte’s private workforce. These enterprises are not just job creators; they are also significant contributors to the city’s tax revenue, which supports public services and infrastructure. The diverse range of small businesses, spanning technology, health and wellness, retail, food and beverage, and financial services, contributes to a resilient and varied local economy. The presence of these businesses fosters a competitive environment that encourages efficiency and customer satisfaction, often without extensive regulatory burdens that can stifle agility.
A Favorable Climate for Business and Opportunity
Charlotte’s environment is highly conducive to business establishment and expansion. A strong business climate and high quality of life are key reasons why 90% of surveyed founders intend to remain in Charlotte. The city offers a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, with resources such as the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development providing free, one-on-one technical assistance to help small businesses thrive. This proactive support, combined with a general inclination towards fostering a competitive and less encumbered market, helps ensure that businesses have the tools and freedom they need to succeed and contribute to the community’s overall economic growth.
Charlotte’s consistent recognition for its financial advisors and its burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape paints a clear picture of a city where hard work, strategic investment, and individual initiative are celebrated. The achievements of local teams and the impressive growth metrics across various sectors highlight the benefits of a robust private sector and a community that values economic dynamism. Continuing to support Charlotte NC business, fostering North Carolina entrepreneurs, and ensuring a climate where Charlotte small business can flourish will be crucial for the city’s ongoing success. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with and bolster these local enterprises, securing a prosperous future for all.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Economic Landscape
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| UBS Advisor Team Recognition | The Andover Group (Charlotte, NC) ranked #1 on Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2026. | City-level (Charlotte, NC) |
| Forbes List Scope | Over 6,100 teams managing $8.3 trillion in assets recognized Nationwide. | Nationwide |
| Milken Institute Ranking | Charlotte in top 10 of Best-Performing Cities in 2024. | City-level (Charlotte, NC) |
| Small Business Count | Over 80,000 small businesses. | City-level (Charlotte, NC) |
| Small Business Employment | Employs nearly half of Charlotte’s private workforce. | City-level (Charlotte, NC) |
| Federal Innovation Funding | 46% increase in Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer awards (2019-2023). | City-level (Charlotte-based businesses) |
| Venture Capital Investment | $1.5 billion raised across 261 VC deals (2019-2023). | Regional (Charlotte region) |
| Founder Retention | 90% of surveyed founders plan to remain in Charlotte. | City-level (Charlotte) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
