Business Opportunities

When preparation meets opportunity.

A vibrant area with everything needed to move forward. University City is a great place for existing businesses and startups to be and grow.

Business Owners

Since the establishment of UNC Charlotte in response to a rising demand for education generated by advancement in technology, University City has stepped up to meet the current and future needs of the business market.

The area is now home to large, mid-sized and small businesses, students, families and young professionals who come here to learn, create, plant roots and thrive. Together, these businesses and individuals make up University City, Charlotte’s second largest employment center outside of Center City.

“From the business perspective, it makes great sense to be here because of the location and access.”– Dr. Michael Dockery, Ortho Carolina.

Attractions & Amenities

University City is home three incredible office parks, all enjoying significant investment. Originally created to meet the growing demand for technology jobs, our business parks are evolving for today’s employer and employees. You will find mixed-use development for employees to work closer to their place of employment. University City is also increasing pedestrian access through sidewalks and bike lanes from light rail stations and throughout office parks to accommodate the business community.

University Executive Park is in walking distance to the area’s largest shopping and entertainment center with IKEA, Hobby Lobby, Marshall’s, Old Navy, Topgolf and more at its back door.

Innovation Park, the largest office complex in University Research Park, has new owners with ambitious plans that include more offices, housing, shopping and other uses.

News

Revitalizing the Heart of University City: A Lakefront Transformation

The University City lake has undergone a stunning transformation, reaffirming its role as the vibrant center of the community. Over the past year, a series of strategic improvements has enhanced both the beauty and functionality of this cherished space. Key upgrades...

City of Charlotte Tree Care Grant Returns for 2025!

Empowering Communities to Protect and Enhance Our Urban Forest The City of Charlotte is thrilled to announce the return of the Tree Care Grant, a program designed to celebrate and sustain the rich biodiversity of our urban forests. By educating residents and...

Caregiver Mental Wellness: Navigating the Challenges of Family Caregiving

by Carolyn Dowdy Family caregiving is a quiet, often invisible burden, yet it touches nearly every household. As the founder and president of Caregiver Mental Wellness, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, I bring over sixteen years of family caregiving experience and a...

Lake Comeback: This University City Hub Is More Popular Than Ever 

Despite the setbacks small businesses experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, just a few years later, the lake at University City is making a major comeback.  According to a report from PlacerAi, a software that provides insights on real estate properties, total...

Waters Edge Updates: A Check-In With Greg Watson

The Charlotte Business Journal recently reported that developer EB Arrow has proposed changes to the upcoming Waters Edge projects in University City. The project, originally slated to construct office development, has shifted focus to mixed-use residential and...

Farmers Market Spotlight: Vigueur Fragrances

In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables and artisan goods, the University City Farmers Market also features lots of other locally made items. Lee Valle is the founder of Vigueur Fragrances. Originally from The Bronx, she now calls Concord home now. Find her each...

Keeping University City Clean: A Collaborative Effort for Growth

Maintaining the thoroughfares, retail, and residential areas of University City is essential for its economic development and growth. With an expansive 10 square miles in the MSD boundary and a total of 63 square miles in the trade area, which hosts over 4,700...

What Will Vanguard’s Move Mean for University City?

https://youtu.be/ABgD8JSIkmg?si=bFl-HAjsRVhC9GoJ

Armored Cow: Crafting Beer, Creating Community

Since National Beer Day is April 7, we decided to check in with Armored Cow Brewing Company's head brewer Andrew Kalinoski to ask him a few questions about what makes the brewery so special to the University City community.  What makes Armored Cow unique in the beer...

WCNC covers University City Partners’ Small Business Initiative

Locally owned businesses in University City get more resources Charlotte recently granted University City Partners more than $200,000. The nonprofit is pouring that money back into local entrepreneurs. MORE ABOUT OUR SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE Behind every small...