North Charlotte Today

The City of Charlotte is currently accepting applications for the ninth cohort of the AMP Up Charlotte program. AMP Up Charlotte is a minority-owned business growth education initiative powered by Interise, designed to help small business owners increase revenues, create jobs, and positively impact their communities.

Program participants complete Interise’s StreetWise ‘MBA’ curriculum, which includes business development, mentoring, targeted training, and access to large corporations for relationship-building and procurement opportunities. Additionally, participants benefit from supplemental sessions on marketing, technology, financing, and supplier diversity hosted by a local anchor institution. By the end of the program, business owners will have developed a customized three-year strategic growth plan.

“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 are being accepted until noon on Friday, July 19. Eligibility requirements include:

- Ethnic minority business owner with 51% or greater ownership.

- A minimum of $175,000 in annual gross revenues.

- Employment of at least one other worker besides the owner(s).

- At least two years in business.

The city will provide more information about the program during a virtual open house session on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 pm. Registration for this event is available on the AMP Up Open House registration page. Interested business owners can apply via the AMP Up website or contact Anika Ellis (anika.ellis@charlottenc.gov) with any questions.