Empowering Local Businesses in University City: SBI Success Stories

Jan 22, 2025 | About Town, Business Growth, Retail, Small Business News | 0 comments

University City Partners is proud to support and elevate local businesses through the impactful Small Business Initiative (SBI). Sponsored by the City of Charlotte, with additional contributions from the Truist Foundation and Pride PR, SBI provides small businesses with essential resources to grow, thrive, and contribute to a vibrant local economy. In 2024, 100% of the City of Charlotte’s allocated funds were utilized, directly supporting over 217 businesses with marketing, promotions, safety enhancements, and public relations initiatives.

Safety and community well-being remain central to UCP’s mission of fostering a thriving environment for businesses and residents. Recent efforts include the installation of security systems at The Pointe and University Plaza, in partnership with Veris Properties and Lat Purser & Associates. These investments aim to create a secure and inviting atmosphere, further cementing University City as a premier destination for business and leisure. UCP also supported enhancements like signage for Dave’s Paddleboat, showcasing its dedication to small but impactful upgrades that benefit the broader community.

Approximately 60% of SBI funds were allocated directly to businesses, with the remaining funds enhancing infrastructure and building a robust database of 910 businesses. This database now represents nearly 60% of the known businesses in the MSD trade area, enabling UCP to improve outreach, engagement, and support.

The stories of grant recipients highlight the profound impact of SBI. James Smith of My Outdoor Joy used grant funds to enhance marketing strategies and hire PR support, significantly growing his outdoor-focused business. Anita, owner of Zamariya Spa of Africa, leveraged the initiative to boost her online presence, attracting new clients and building stronger community connections. Christopher Peterkin of University Care Services expanded his reach with targeted ads in Pride Magazine, amplifying his visibility and client base.

The initiative also amplifies success stories through UCP’s podcast series, which featured nine small businesses. These episodes showcase diverse entrepreneurs and their unique journeys, fostering community awareness and inspiring other business owners. Listen to the podcast episodes on UCP’s YouTube channel: University City Partners YouTube Channel.

For more insights and updates, explore video testimonials from grant recipients like My Outdoor Joy and University Care Services:

Join the movement by subscribing to UCP’s newsletter and following them on social media. Together, we are building a brighter, safer, and more connected University City.

Video Summary: https://youtu.be/_vq05jDV4Y4 

 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Receive Up to Date News

SUBSCRIBE

Receive Economic Development News

SUBSCRIBE

View Past Newsletters

View Post by Category

Press Releases

Meet Jordan Harris

This month, UCP welcomed Jordan Harris as the Director of Community Development and Outreach. With over a decade of community relations experience in various roles, most recently serving as the associate director of community relations at UNC Charlotte. In her new...

We’re Back…with a Vision!

University City Vision Plan – Connecting: People. Places. Nature. The growth and development being realized in University City is nothing short of transformational.  Major investments in transportation and mobility infrastructure, thousands of new rooftops, new...

University City launches Barton Creek Greenway Native Meadow

By Azania Herron University City Partners, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens and North Carolina Native Plant Society have partnered to install Barton Creek Greenway Native Meadows, a community native plant project in University City. On April...

New Farmers Market to open Oct. 3 at University Place

University City Partners announces the opening of University City Farmers Market on Oct. 3 around the lake at The Shoppes at University Place. Shoppers will find fresh local produce, food preparation programs and live entertainment. Open every Saturday in October The...

University City Wine Fest to Offer Socially Distanced Activities

New This Year: Wine on the Water and a Boutique Dining Experience.  Greystar University City Wine Fest will return this fall at multiple locations around the lake and boardwalk at Shoppes at University Place. The fourth annual festival will take place from September...

Where Will They Play?

We need more parks now – YOU CAN HELP A crisis caused by Charlotte’s explosive growth and government inaction threatens one of the most important assets of every truly livable city – public parks.   A recent nationwide study revealed that Charlotte has the least...