BEYOND OPEN: New Funding Source For Creative Businesses
We’ve been saying that creatives are small businesses for a long time. Foundation for the Carolinas agrees. And, now, a new funding program – Beyond Open – is open for applications through Octiber 28 … and many creative small businesses and entrepreneurs are eligible to apply.
This small business grant program is led by Foundation For The Carolinas and made possible by support from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund. The grants are focused on helping diverse (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ) small business owners grow businesses, build wealth and expand economic mobility in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. While small businesses in Charlotte’s six Corridors of Opportunity are a priority for these funds, Beyond Open encourages eligible, diverse small business owners from across Mecklenburg County to apply.
Priority will be given to businesses located in, close to, or with substantial business activity centered around one of the six Corridors of Opportunity.
Applications are open through Oct. 28, 2022 at beyondopenclt.com
There are three levels of the fund available:
BUILD FOR SUCCESS – $5-$20,000k
Build for Success grants will typically help start-ups and emerging small businesses meet needs for smaller capital assets that could make a big difference.
GROW FOR PROSPERITY – $20k+ to $100k
Grow for Prosperity grants might be the best fit for companies that have established a foothold, have achieved a level of stability, and are ready to expand.
MAKE BOLD MOVES – $100k+ to $250k
Make Bold Moves grants could be the best fit for long-term businesses that seek to transform their future through the acquisition of substantial capital assets.
HOW CAN BEYOND OPEN GRANTS BE USED?
Beyond Open grants can help small businesses obtain capital assets such as equipment, technology, real estate (own or lease), and inventory. Examples of allowed uses for Beyond Open grants are below.
WHAT USES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR BEYOND OPEN GRANTS?
Beyond Open grants cannot be used for operating expenses including payroll, utilities, advertising/marketing, consulting, debt re-payment.
Read more about Beyond Open here.
This post was sponsored by Beyond Open.