NXT | CLT

NXT | CLT: Building Charlotte’s Future, One Entrepreneur at a Time

Charlotte is a city brimming with possibility, alive with innovation, culture, and ambition. Yet, for too many talented entrepreneurs from under-resourced communities, the promise of this city remains out of reach. Local entrepreneurs possess the ideas, grit, and passion necessary for success. However, they often lack access to crucial resources such as tools, mentorship, capital, and strategic support. Providing these resources is essential to enable small business owners to scale, compete, and emerge as industry leaders.

That’s where NXT | CLT comes in.

We are more than a business accelerator. We are partners, advisors, and a trusted community for entrepreneurs navigating the complex journey of growth. NXT | CLT serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial success, empowering small business enterprises in developing entrepreneurial communities to grow sustainably and compete confidently in the global marketplace.

At our core, we believe that when entrepreneurs succeed, communities flourish. Each business we support is not only a vehicle for personal and family wealth; it’s a source of jobs and innovation that strengthens Charlotte’s economic and social fabric.

Why Our Work Matters Now

Charlotte is experiencing unprecedented growth. New buildings rise, national companies relocate here, and the city earns recognition as one of America’s most dynamic business hubs. But economic opportunity has not been evenly shared.

Entrepreneurs from historically underestimated neighborhoods often face significant hurdles to growth. These include systemic difficulties in obtaining funding, building professional networks, and gaining access to essential operational knowledge. Without dedicated assistance, we risk overlooking a generation of potential business leaders who could be instrumental in shaping our city's future.

NXT | CLT exists to change this reality. We ensure that talented founders are equipped, connected, and empowered to take their rightful place as drivers of Charlotte’s economy.

Our Approach: High-Touch, Deeply Rooted, Results-Driven

What sets NXT | CLT apart is our unwavering commitment to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the crucial stages of their growth journey, not just for a limited period. We offer tailored business education, providing executive-level skills in leadership, operations, finance, and branding. Our hands-on mentorship includes strategic guidance from seasoned executives, industry leaders, and successful founders. We also ensure capital readiness by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, relationships, and credibility needed to secure appropriate funding.

Beyond these core offerings, we foster a thriving & trusting peer community where entrepreneurs can share resources, collaborate, and offer mutual encouragement. Our dedication extends post-program, with Post-Cohort Support ensuring alumni remain connected to vital opportunities and resources as they continue their growth.

Our Community Effect

NXT | CLT has achieved significant milestones, including empowering over 250 entrepreneurs and immersing 61 transformative leaders in their program. They have driven economic growth by facilitating over $700,000 in capital access for businesses and creating more than 200 jobs in the Charlotte area. Additionally, NXT | CLT has fostered business expansion, with 53% of supported businesses expanding into new markets or launching new products, and 70% implementing new operational systems and efficiencies.

Why Give 8/28 Matters

Give 8/28 is a national day of giving dedicated to supporting Black-led and Black-serving organizations. For NXT | CLT, it’s a chance to amplify our mission and invite the Charlotte community and beyond to be part of building an entrepreneurial ecosystem where every founder has a fair shot at success.

Your gift fuels:

• Job creation and community wealth

• Access to capital for historically excluded founders

• A strong, connected network of Charlotte’s small business leaders

• An inclusive economy that benefits everyone

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Let’s build this future together.