ASPIRE Chronicles: April 11th
April 11, 2024The ASPIRE Chronicles is a biweekly series bringing you the latest updates from ASPIRE Community Capital’s team as we share our impact and engagement in Charlotte’s small business community.
Check out what the ASPIRE team has been up to the last few weeks!
ASPIRE’s Manuel & Adam join Amol Joshi for a WFU Case Study Discussion
Manuel, Adam Holtzschue and Dr. Amol Joshi led a case study discussion at Wake Forest University with MBA students!
Hear from Amol:
“Thank you Manuel Campbell and Adam Holtzschue for bringing the story of ASPIRE Community Capital to life in our classroom. Your efforts in empowering entrepreneurs and building a supportive ecosystem for small businesses are inspiring for our Wake Forest University School of Business MBA students in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. We wish you continued success!”
Learn more about the Community Business Academy here.
Wes Celebrates 2 Business from the HIIVE Program!
“Last week I had the opportunity to celebrate two businesses that were selected from the most recent completion of the Charlotte Center City Partners HIIVE (Hub for Inclusivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship)program. Each will have the opportunity to enhance their business models and gain operational experience through a six-month rent-free, pop-up opportunity at the Market at 7th Street. I’d like to spotlight Blanca Gonzalez, owner of International Truck of Tacos. Although she currently operates a food truck, she is excited about having a set location. This will allow her to expand her menu and client base. Needless to say, the food is amazing. Stop by and snag a taco…or 3!” — Wesley Head, Director of Small Business Lending
HIIVE is a nine-week small business educational program that combines engaging instruction, structured discussions, cohort learning, intentional networking, and opportunities to gain operational experience in a physical space at the Market at 7th Street. Charlotte Center City is a vibrant nexus with the consistent influx of aspiring talent joining a mix of economic, social, and cultural opportunities that is enhancing the quality of life and fostering business innovation throughout the Charlotte region.
Learn more about HIIVE here.
ASPIRE Team attends Interise StreetWise MBA Ceremony!
Manuel attended this ceremony for Amp Up Charlotte’s hands on executive education for small business owners through Interise’s StreetWise MBA!
As sole proprietorships grow into small businesses, founders often find themselves trying to catch up with the business skills they need to run a company. That’s why Interise proudly offers StreetWise MBA–a dynamic program that provides entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to sustainably grow their businesses.
Learn more about Interise and the StreetWise MBA here.
ASPIRE Attends CMS Supplier Diversity Summit!
ASPIRE was delighted to attend the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Supplier Diversity Summit at the Goodwill opportunity Campus last month. The summit featured a number of impressive display of the diverse talents within these organizations in the region.
Our Board Chair, Chiquitha Lloyd, serves as Executive Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. In her position, she provides short and long range strategic planning for increasing equity and raising student achievement, closing attainment gaps and supporting equitable opportunities for all students. She also oversees supplier diversity, partnerships, family and community engagement and multi-cultural professional development for internal/external stakeholders.
Learn More about Board Chair Chiquitha Lloyd here.
ASPIRE Team attends the Small Business Month Networking Launch
Happy Small Business Month from ASPIRE Community Capital!
Small Business Month, celebrated in May every year, is a special tribute to celebrate small businesses and their courage, community efforts, and hard work for an entire month! Each year, Mayor Vi Lyles of the City of Charlotte declares May as Charlotte’s Small Business Month, and with it the City of Charlotte launches a great lineup of events for networking, resources, training, celebration and more this Small Business Month! Don’t miss it!
Check out the events calendar here.
The ASPIRE Team joins Historic Westend Business Association Meeting
ASPIRE’s Manuel Campbell and Christopher Capel had a great time at the Historic West End Business Association Meeting, alongside a great group of business professionals and community leaders.
Committed to the corridor’s people, progress, and cultural preservation, Historic West End Partners leads the effort for economic development. As an advocate for resident retention and anti-displacement, the Historic West End Partners organization influences intentional development by aligning with entities that envision an equitable future. Through strategic recruitment and retention efforts and high-quality public programs, Historic West End Partners is advancing its mission of positively impacting the community.
ASPIRE joins Innovate Anderson for discussions on Small Businesses!
Innovate Anderson invited Manuel and Christopher to lead a robust and engaging discussion about small business and supports in Anderson, SC. The sessions included local community leaders, business support organizations, and elected officials. Mike Wooles of Innovate Anderson is pictured with Manuel and Christopher.
Learn More about Innovate Anderson here.
Find Resources (Like ASPIRE!) with Rise Charlotte’s Business Resources
ASPIRE now appears among tons of great resources and organizations on the City of Charlotte’s small business resource center. Navigate their site to discover support organizations, resources, news, and events that will help you grow your business.
The CLT Alliance Foundation aims to empower underrepresented small businesses, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in the Charlotte Region to grow and thrive. We believe access to resources, information, professional development, and networking opportunities are crucial to breaking down barriers and bridging the divide to create a more inclusive and vibrant economy. Their digital resource is RISE, Regional Innovation & Support for Entrepreneurs. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Charlotte Region’s small business ecosystem and achieve our shared goal of economic prosperity for all.
Learn More and utilize Charlotte Business Resources here.
ASPIRE Golf Tournament This Month!
Register Now for the ASPIRE Golf Tournament!
⛳️ Dust off your clubs and join us for the Aspire Golf Tournament supporting our Micro Loan Fund on Monday, May 13th, 2024, at the prestigious Raintree Country Club! ️Hit the green for a fun-filled day of competition, camaraderie, and giving back to our community. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual swinger, all skill levels are welcome!
Here’s what awaits you:
• Captain’s Choice playing format
• Exciting contests & prizes
• Delicious food & drinks
• Networking opportunities
• The satisfaction of supporting a worthy cause!
ASPIRE Community Capital specializes in creating opportunities for self-sufficiency and financial independence through our business education programs and micro-lending.
Make plans to secure your spot and make a difference!
ASPIRE Community Capital specializes in business training and access to capital resources that empower underestimated entrepreneurs. Our strategic wrap-around services include: Business Readiness Program, Community Business Academy, Business Accelerator Services and Access to Capital. Join us today in CHANGING THE WORLD one business at a time.