To help drive economic mobility in Mecklenburg County, the Beyond Open small business grant program has awarded a combined total of more than $16.3 million in direct grants to more than 400 diverse-owned small businesses and select nonprofit organizations, exceeding our original commitment of $15M across three rounds.
Hear from a few grantees below.
Meet Yazan AlHakim, owner of FASTSIGNS Independence.
Meet Stephane Joyner, the passionate owner of DiverseCity Services.
Meet Mary Jane Wilson, the owner and heart and soul behind the business, Thoughtful Baking Co.
Meet Howard Glover, the visionary founder and owner of Hard Grinderz.
Meet Andy Goh, the founder of GohJo Studios.
Meet Dr. Tammy Foster-Knight, President and CEO of Optional Solutions.
My Little Helper & Co provides reliable, safe, and comfortable non-emergency medical and non-medical transportation services.
Le's Sandwiches and Cafe’ is Charlotte's first authentic Bahn Mi restaurant in Charlotte.
Meet Andre De Souza, owner of Top Tiger Team Boxing.
Meet Yessica Aguirre, co-owner of Chic Salon & Spa.
Meet Shakeithia Brice, owner of Ocean Transportation Inc.
Meet Junior Gomez, the owner of Junior Designs.
Meet Agua Source Owner Julio Barrigua, and team member Fabia Suster.
Meet Holly McLelland, owner of Delectables by Holly.
Meet Christopher Nguyen, co-owner of Paragon Construction.
Meet Dal and Priyanka Rai, owners of Central Market.
Meet Tony and Nikki Rushing, owners of 180º Productions.
Meet Erica Williams, co-owner of Chicken Box Café, Charlotte’s original soul food cafe.
Meet Kevin Pak, Round 1 grantee and owner of FM Auto Service.
Meet Anita Scott, Round 1 grantee and owner of Zamariya Spa of Africa.
Meet Corri Smith, Round 1 grantee and owner of Black Wednesday.
Meet Junior Bernard, Round 1 grantee and founder of Pranzel.
Meet Michelle Ashley, Round 1 grantee, and owner of Buzz City Bar & Grill.
Meet Kathryn Godwin, Round 1 grantee and owner of Studio Cultivate.
Meet Edward Cesar Bravo, Round 1 grantee and owner of E&E Bravo Countertops
Meet Lisa Tweardy, Round 1 grantee and CEO of MIGN INC.
Meet Teneisha Smith, Round 1 grantee and owner of Smitteez Cutz Barber Shop.
Meet Anthony Smith, Round 1 Grantee, also known as DJ That Guy Smitty
Meet Tony Pham, owner of Saigon Night Restaurant Karaoke Bar.
