Helping Business Leaders Navigate Possibility.
Who We Are
We are the complete resource for small business owners and leaders.
When you lead a growing business, it’s easy to feel lonely. Every day brings a new question or challenge, and finding answers can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting out or reaching for the next level, the CLT Alliance Foundation is a group of entrepreneurial experts helping leaders grow their skills and confidence to grow their businesses.
We are the complete resource for small business owners and leaders. We offer end-to-end solutions through our internal team and select partners that help you achieve a higher level of success. We are collaborators, educators and mentors with a resource for every business in the Charlotte region.
Why Our Work Matters
40K
Businesses in the Charlotte region
54%
Growing business leaders want professional coaching
21%
Scale Up CLT participants graduate, exceeding $1M in revenue. Nationally, fewer than 4% of all small businesses ever make it to $1M in revenue.
39%
Participants’ average annual business revenue growth in Scale Up CLT
94%+
Vendor/partnership spend has been with small businesses (in 2023)
We Help Real Charlotte Leaders
How We Do It
We Open Doors
The CLT Alliance Foundation understands that not all businesses are created equally; however, through collaborative programs and mentorship, the CLT Alliance Foundation provides real opportunities for career growth regardless of identity, background, or where you’re starting from.
We Are Intentional
Partnering with the community creates positive impacts through intentional, results-oriented programming and resource sharing.
We Walk the Walk
We embrace an innovative mindset to help leaders grow, building confidence through shared experiences and partnerships.
“The support we have received from the CLT Alliance Foundation has been invaluable. It has opened doors for us and allowed us to connect with influential partners and clients who have contributed to our success.”
- Khaleel L., Loyd Visuals
What We Do
Scale Up CLT
Empower small business owners to grow from $250,000 to $1 million and eventually $10 million with knowledge, coaching and social connections.
Regional Innovation & Support For Entrepreneurs (RISE)
R.I.S.E. is the CLT Alliance Foundation’s digital resource hub, empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Charlotte region to better navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem and connect with other businesses, events and resources.
African American Leadership Academy of Charlotte (AALAC)
Promoting career advancement for Black professionals with a research-based curriculum, coaching and social capital opportunities.
Small Business Growth Fund
Offer competitive loans to early and mid-size businesses for growth and expansion.
The Supplier Marketplace
Connect large businesses with contracting opportunities for market expansion and partnership with regional small businesses, including supplier diversity initiatives. COMING IN LATE 2024!
Accounting for Charlotte Entrepreneurs (ACE)
Provide critical accounting support and education for small businesses.
Small Business Growth Fund
Offer competitive loans to early and mid-size businesses for growth and expansion.
Catch Your Breath
Empowering entrepreneurs to take care of their wellness needs through events, education and peer accountability.
Office Hours & Technical Assistance
One-on-one coaching to help dig deep into the real challenges entrepreneurs face and take your business to the next level.
Empowering small businesses and business leaders for regional growth.
See What’s Happening at CLT Alliance Foundation
Our Partners
Invest in the CLT Alliance Foundation
Your support is critical to helping Charlotte-area small business owners grow confidently and navigate possibilities. If helping entrepreneurial thinkers and leaders calls to you, consider investing in the foundation today.
Stories & Insights
Hear from real business owners, discover trends and tips and follow foundation news here.
