Paving the Way: Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity

4 hours ago

Taylor Miller,

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Photo Credit: Sherry Bauer, City of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2025) – The City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity kicked off its first Business Opportunity Hubs during the first Business Opportunity Open House Day on Thursday, September 18, in the Freedom/Wilkinson, Sugar Creek/I-85, and West Boulevard corridors. The events gave community members a first look at vibrant new spaces designed to connect residents with resources and opportunities that will support personal and professional growth, spark entrepreneurship and strengthen local businesses and neighborhoods.

“These hubs are about creating access to opportunity, support, and a community that believes in the potential of every resident,” said Erin Gillespie, Executive Manager of the City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity. “Seeing neighbors and partners come together at the Open House Day shows how powerful these spaces can be in helping people grow their businesses and build thriving, connected corridors.”

The first Open House Day brought together community members to explore the hubs, meet local leaders and Corridors of Opportunity staff and learn about the innovative programs and resources now available to support small businesses and workforce development across their corridor.

The newly launched hubs include:

● Freedom Business Center – Offering affordable space and incubator programs for entrepreneurs.

● She Built This City – Expanding construction trades training, youth workshops and childcare services.

● The NEO Foundation – Delivering technical assistance, governance support and funding guidance for small businesses and nonprofits.

The Business Opportunity Hubs are supported through a multimillion-dollar Business Opportunity Hub Grant, which expands workforce and small business support programs across Charlotte’s corridors.

The next round of Open House Days for the remaining three corridors, North Graham/North Tryon, Beatties Ford/Rozzelles Ferry and Albemarle Rd., will take place on Thursday, September 25.

About Corridors of Opportunity

The Corridors of Opportunity is a visionary initiative by the City of Charlotte to create vibrant, safe, and prosperous communities where families can build legacies for the future. The mission of the Corridors of Opportunity is to foster thriving communities for residents and businesses, build lasting legacies, and grow communities. Corridors are vital to the health of Charlotte’s communities, connecting people to the resources and businesses they need to live and thrive. The six Corridors include North Graham/North Tryon, Sugar Creek/Interstate 85, Albemarle Road/Central Avenue, Beatties Ford Road/Rozzelles Ferry Road, West Boulevard, and Freedom Drive/Wilkinson Boulevard.