Beyond Open Overview presentation 9-22-22

Beyond Open is a small business grant program led by Foundation For The Carolinas and made possible by support from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund.

Beyond Open grants will help diverse (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ) small business owners grow businesses, build wealth, and expand economic mobility in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Goals

• Build wealth among diverse, small business owners through access to capital and investments in assets such as storefronts, equipment and technology without adding debt.

• Change the narrative about business ownership, access to capital and pathways to wealth creation.

• Create direct benefit and model end outcomes through hiring and contracting of diverse small businesses as consultants, vendors and suppliers throughout the program timeline.

Eligibility

5

Corridors All eligible businesses in Mecklenburg County are encouraged to apply.

Priority will be given to businesses located in, close to, or with substantial business activity centered around one of the six Corridors of Opportunity.

2

3

4 1

6 1 - Albemarle Road/Central Avenue 2 - Beatties Ford/Rozzelle’s Ferry 3 - Freedom Drive/Wilkinson Blvd.

4 - Graham/North Tryon St. 5 - Sugar Creek Rd/I-85 6 - West Boulevard

Grant amounts • Computers, printers and other small office equipment.

• Cell phones and other communications equipment.

• Small office furnishings, display or showroom equipment.

• Hand tools or small appliances.

• Minor store or space renovations or improvements.

• Build-out of an e-commerce website.

• Large inventory purchases.

• Store, shop, office space or building.

• Store front beautification/signage.

• Store fixtures (display racks, built-in seating and counters, lighting).

• Retail site improvements, HVAC equipment, windows, roofing.

• New vehicles (car, truck, van, food service, delivery) or vehicle upfits.

• Specialty, industrial equipment or safety, security and surveillance equipment.

• Purchase of a warehouse, other property, or substantial leasehold improvements.

• Acquire leading-edge technology, purchase major equipment, replace vehicle fleet.

• Shift to renewable energy source via equipment or technology investments.

• Re-paving of large lots or other significant capital investments.

Grants and Uses

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Documents

* Don’t have these documents or need help to pull them together? See Support at beyondopenclt.com.

Support

Community Partner Organizations (CPO’s) will provide active support and technical assistance to applicants to maximize potential for grant award and help bolster small business infrastructure.

2022 timeline

Advisory Council

Direct mail

Outreach Social media

Website

Door-to-door

Meet people where they are

Community events

Multiple languages Variety of tactics Partnerships Earned media

Webinars

Paid media

Website

beyondopenclt.com • Multiple, diverse images • Multiple languages (English, Spanish, Vietnamese)

Events

See FAQ’s at beyondopenclt.com

FAQ’s

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I have never applied for a small business grant or loan before and I am not sure I have everything I need to apply right now. Can someone help me? Yes.

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If my business is within Charlotte-Mecklenburg, but not within one of the six Corridors of Opportunity, is it worth my time and effort to apply? Yes.

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Can I apply for more than one Beyond Open grant within each round? No.

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If I am not awarded a Beyond Open grant in Round 1, can I apply in Round 2? Yes.

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What are the steps in the review and decision process? A diverse Review Team of individuals from the community with backgrounds in finance, small business, community investment and advocacy will review applications, confirm eligibility, and score each application. Final decisions are made by Foundation For The Carolinas.

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Is Beyond Open a “first come, first served” grant program or are decisions made on all applications after the close of the application deadline for Round 1 on October 28? Not first come, first served. Final decisions are made after close of deadline.

Flyers • • • • •

Multiple, diverse images Multiple languages (English, Spanish, Vietnamese) Print and digital Downloadable from website Outreach toolkits provided to community partners and organizations.

Posters & Banners • • • • •

Multiple, diverse images Multiple languages (English, Spanish, Vietnamese) Print and digital Downloadable from website Outreach toolkits provided to community partners and organizations.

Palm cards & Direct mail 6” x 11”

Social media

Q&A