The next class of NXT/CLT entrepreneurs were recently selected as announced in the Charlotte Business Journal, and these include advertising firms, health-care and technology companies owners/franchisees. The program began in 2020 and targets minority-owned business locations that are three years in age.
8 entrepreneurs were selected out of 50 applicants that include Patrick Hill, Charisma Smith, Chris Jarret, Darren Vincent, James Turner, Div Bhingradia, Dr. Rochelle Brandon, Heather Keets Wright.
This 18-month program, currently funded by the city, involves time working with advisors in the areas of academic, business and consulting backgrounds, and while these sessions continue after the initial six months, a bulk of the time after that is spent more specifically in peer-to-peer meetings.
The program was founded by Greg Johnson, an owner at a Charlotte advertising agency, and it came about as a result of the studies that reveal how people of color, minorities and women face high barriers to success. Entrepreneurs that come from minority groups are not able to connect to ideal mentors or have capital access. Ultimately, the goal is to have six annual classes by 2023. To read more, visit the link here.