Airport Announces Minority-Owned Business Growth Program

Published on March 31, 2023

Amp up

The City of Charlotte's Economic Development Department, in partnership with the City of Charlotte's Aviation Department, owner and operator of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, is accepting applications for the seventh AMP Up Charlotte program cohort.

AMP Up Charlotte 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.

"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 see local businesses increase confidence while creating a road map for success."

Based on 2022 AMP Up Charlotte data collected by Interise, business owners who graduated from the AMP Up Charlotte program reported an average annual revenue growth of 19% and garnered $1.4 million in contracting and funding.

Applications for AMP Up Cohort 7 are being accepted until noon on Friday, April 28, 2023. Program eligibility requirements include:

  • Ethnic minority business owners with 51% or greater ownership of the business.
  • A minimum of $175,000 in annual gross revenues.
  • Employ one other worker besides the business owner or owners.
  • In business for at least two years.

"The City of Charlotte's Aviation Department (Charlotte Douglas International Airport) is honored to partner with AMP Up Charlotte for its seventh program cohort," said Jasmyne Turman, CLT Airport's Office of Civil Rights Manager. "Procurement and supplier diversity are crucial aspects of our business. We want to show our community members that we support entrepreneurs and business owners. We also want to equip small businesses with the knowledge needed to be successful in obtaining business with the Airport and other City departments."

The city will provide more information about the program at a virtual open house session on Thursday, April 20 at 9 a.m. Business owners who would like to attend the open house can register at any time. Interested business owners can apply for the program by visiting cltgov.me/ampclt.

Please contact Anika Ellis with questions about the program at anika.ellis@charlottenc.gov.

 

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