News Summary
Charlotte, NC has unveiled its first Innovation Center aimed at supporting Black-owned businesses while tackling food disparity in the community. Located at 2601 Wilkinson Blvd, the center offers co-working spaces, a retail store, an agri-tech program, and facilities for events and outreach. Managed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce, the center is part of a broader effort to foster economic growth and empowerment for Black entrepreneurs, aiming to create a collaboration-filled environment for innovation.
Charlotte, NC has officially launched its first Innovation Center, a dedicated hub designed to support Black-owned businesses and professionals while addressing food disparity within the community. The center is located at 2601 Wilkinson Blvd, conveniently situated near Interstate 77, making it accessible for local entrepreneurs.
The project is managed by Cathay Dawkins, the chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce, who aims to foster economic growth in the area. The Innovation Center will provide various resources including co-working spaces, a retail store, a distribution center specifically for small businesses, and an agri-tech program tailored to assist farmers in scaling their operations using technology.
Additional features of the center will include a spacious event area, a food hall, conference rooms, a greenhouse for growing fruits and vegetables, an outdoor seating plaza, and dedicated mailroom facilities for business-related correspondence. The chamber has set a goal to raise $3.7 million in capital for renovations after making an initial investment of $30,000 to secure the building. Renovations are expected to take place within the next six months to a year.
The inspiration for creating the Innovation Center came to Dawkins after visiting similar facilities in cities such as Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Durham, NC. He recognized a pressing need for a resource center that could serve Black entrepreneurs in Charlotte, particularly as federal funding and grants become increasingly scarce.
The center will occupy an extensive 18,000 square feet, with about 8,000 to 10,000 square feet dedicated to rental spaces for events and outreach programs geared towards larger companies. The chamber has described this initiative as a pilot project that empowers Black-owned businesses and aims to help mitigate the funding gap that many entrepreneurs in the community experience.
Kneisha Gabriel, an adviser at the chamber, expressed optimism that the Innovation Center will serve as a long-term resource for Black business owners, enhancing their ability to thrive in a competitive landscape. As of 2022, Black-owned businesses in Charlotte accounted for 7.1% of all businesses, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. This places Charlotte as the 12th largest hub for Black-owned businesses among the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
By providing essential support and resources, the Innovation Center aims to create a “safe space” for Black entrepreneurs, enabling them to collaborate, innovate, and grow their businesses in a supportive environment. The center’s focus on food disparity is particularly significant, addressing an ongoing issue in many communities that face challenges in accessing healthy food options.
As the center prepares for its upcoming launch, it represents a vital step towards promoting inclusivity and economic equity in Charlotte. The efforts of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce serve to highlight the importance of local initiatives in empowering marginalized communities and fostering sustainable business growth.
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Additional Resources
- AfroTech: Black Business Hub Underway in Charlotte
- WCNC: Financial Services Firm Empowers Black Female Business Owners in Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer: [Article Title]
- WSOC TV: Number of Black-Owned Businesses Rise in Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Black-owned Businesses
