BUILD, GROW, EXPAND YOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS WITH A BEYOND OPEN GRANT
B E YO N D O P E N A P P L I C AT I O N G U I D E ABOUT
Build For Success Grants $5k – $20k • Computers, printers, office equipment • Communications equipment • Office furnishings, retail displays • Tools, appliances, gear • Minor renovations and improvements • Software, digital commerce website Grow For Prosperity Grants $20k+ – $100k • Inventory, key materials • Store, shop, office space • Storefront beautification, new signage • Store fixtures and upfits • Roofing and parking lot repair • HVAC, windows • New vehicles or vehicle upfits • Specialty and industrial equipment • Safety, security, monitoring equipment Make Bold Moves Grants $100k+ – $250k+ • Purchase of warehouse, office building or other property • Substantial renovations • Major equipment
Beyond Open grants will help diverse, small business owners in CharlotteMecklenburg invest in capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory and real estate with grants from $5k – $250k+. Beyond Open grants do not need to be repaid. Beyond Open grant uses include equipment, technology, real estate (own or lease), and inventory. Beyond Open is unable to fund operating expenses including payroll, utilities, advertising/marketing, consulting, debt re-payment. The Beyond Open grant cycle will begin on September 28 and ends on October 28. Documents Needed Applying for a Beyond Open grant may be a first-time experience for some small business owners and some of the documents or requested information may be unfamiliar to you. Do not let these concerns keep you from applying. We are here to help! See the list of required documentation below. For support and questions, go to beyondopenclt.com Business location The grant will serve businesses located in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Special priority will be given to those businesses located in the six Corridors of Opportunity, but your business can be located elsewhere in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Questions and support ASPIRE Community Capital, Prospera, and Women’s Business Center of Charlotte are available to help. Find their contact information at beyondopenclt.com Future opportunities to apply There will be future rounds in 2023 and 2024. Grant distribution Round 1 grants will be distributed by December 30, 2022.
Begin or continue your application as soon as you can at beyondopenclt.com
ELIGIBILITY
Diverse (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ) small business owners. 1 -- 499 employees. Located within Charlotte-Mecklenburg.* *priority will be given to businesses located within or adjacent to, or with business activity in Corridors of Opportunity, but this is not a requirement. All eligible diverse small businesses within Charlotte-Mecklenburg are encouraged to apply.
SUPPORT
Applying for a small business grant may be a first-time experience for many small business owners. We are here to help you! Reach out to Beyond Open Community Partner Organizations for answers, support and guidance – find Support at beyondopenclt.com. 2022 Timeline
P R E PA R E
Sept. 28
Oct. 28
mid/late Nov.
Dec. 30
Q1 2023
Applications open
Applications close
Applicants notified
Round 1 grants to grantees
Round 2 timeline announced
Check your eligibility, review details and FAQ’s at beyondopenclt.com. Assemble basic information about your business services, needs and goals for the future. Gather business documents and financial records you have available (we can help). Required Company/Financial Documents
Build for Success
Growing for Prosperity
Making Bold Moves
Registration with NC Secretary of State Two reference letters (customers, suppliers) Most recent Bank Statement Profit and Loss Statement from 2021 tax year Balance Sheet for 2021 tax year end Statement of Cash Flows for 2021 tax year Profit and Loss Statement for year to date 2022 Balance Sheet for year to date 2022 Statement of Cash Flows for year to date 2022 2021 business tax returns Three year business plan Two Cost Estimates/proposal for capital investment
Find out more and apply before October 28
Encouraged if available
Required
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 to help diverse (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ) small business owners grow businesses, build wealth, and expand economic mobility in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.