CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 15, 2022) – The City of Charlotte, in partnership with Truist Financial, is accepting applications for the fifth AMP Up program cohort.
AMP Up is a business growth education program that helps small business owners increase revenues, create jobs and positively impact their community.
Program participants complete Interise’s award-winning and internationally recognized StreetWise ‘MBA’ curriculum and learn how to scale up their business model. The curriculum includes business development, mentoring, targeted training and access to large corporations for contract and procurement opportunities. At the conclusion of the program, business owners will know how to create and manage a customized, three-year strategic growth plan.
“The Amp UP Charlotte’s commitment to building an inclusive ecosystem is exceptional,” said Bernard Johnson, Director of Programs at Interise. “Amp Up is a critical component to ensuring business owners in the city are connected to opportunities while building capacity. Interise is proud to be part of this transformative program and to seeing local businesses increase confidence while creating a road map for success.”
Based on 2021 national data collected by Interise, business owners who graduated from the program have reported an average annual revenue growth of 13% and garnered $327 million in government contracting.
“As our city continues to expand daily, it is so important to provide the tools that will contribute to the growth and success of our small business community,” said City Council Member and Economic Development Committee Chair Malcolm Graham. “This program is Charlotte’s commitment to increasing business inclusion, equity and empowerment, and we have seen how it can benefit business owners as they thrive to AMP UP their business.”
AMP Up is a six-month program that will begin on April 29, 2022 with graduation on Oct. 27, 2022.
Applications are open until Friday, April 1, 2022. Program eligibility requirements include:
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Ethnic minority business owner with 51% or greater ownership of the business.
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A minimum of $175,000 in annual gross revenues.
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Employ one other worker beside the business owner or owners.
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In business for at least two years.
“Providing tools, mentoring and opportunities for small businesses to prosper and create jobs is among the ways we deliver on our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities, said Health Campbell, Truist Metrolina regional president. “We’re pleased to work with Amp Up to provide these resources to the community and encourage eligible business owners to apply for the program.”
The city will provide more information about the program at two virtual open house sessions AMP Up Open House Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. and AMP Up Open House March 15 at 5 p.m. Interested business owners can register for one of the open house sessions or apply for the program by visiting AMP Up.
Business owners with questions about the program, eligibility requirements or the application process can contact Anika Ellis at anika.ellis@charlottenc.gov.
Source: charlottenc.gov
