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Applications Open for AMP Up Charlotte Program Cohort 9

Published on June 27, 2024

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 27, 2024) – The City of Charlotte is accepting applications for the ninth AMP Up Charlotte cohort.

AMP Up Charlotte is a minority-owned business growth education program powered by Interise 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 relationship-building and procurement opportunities.

Participating business owners also benefit from an exclusive supplemental session on marketing, technology, financing and supplier diversity hosted by a Charlotte anchor institution. At the conclusion of the program, business owners will have developed a customized, three-year strategic growth plan to propel them forward.

“The AMP Up program has created a huge impact on the participating companies. Recent program graduates have experienced an average revenue growth of 35%, 27% secured new financing, 77% are following a strategic growth action plan, and 100% would recommend the program to a fellow business owner,” said Bernard Johnson, Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships 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."

Applications for the upcoming cohort of AMP Up are being accepted until noon on Friday, July 19. Program eligibility requirements include:

Ethnic minority business owner 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 will provide more information about the program at a virtual open house session on Tuesday, July 9, at 6 pm.

Interested business owners can apply for the program by visiting the AMP Up website or contact Anika Ellis (anika.ellis@charlottenc.gov) with questions.