Charlotte nonprofit boosts new businesses through education

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte nonprofit Freedom In Me has customized training to meet the needs of businesses just starting out.

The 12-week business development program includes showing entrepreneurs how to format business plans, grants, and contracts. The program also provides tools for start-ups, networking contacts, and resources that help fill their business needs.

“They get an opportunity to put it all in action and pitch it in front of potential investors, people in the business community, and we pick top business to go on and receive a business shower,” Freedom In Me Executive Director Donja Williams explained.

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A business shower is the way the group celebrates the entrepreneurs’ accomplishments. The business owner who ranks the highest, wins $10,000. Other top participants get the chance to win free legal services such as legal filing, trademarks, payroll services, website design and business cards to launch their business at no cost.

“To see them come into our program nervous, scared and walk out empowered, walk out as business owners and take on the challenges of business is so rewarding,” Williams said.

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The program got its start during the pandemic in response to the growing demand for new businesses that desired to launch in an environment where many others were closing. Since then, it’s helped businesses acquire $1.5 million in funding. 

Now, the nonprofit is ready to take it to the next level.

“We are so excited,” Williams shared. “We are looking to open a business training center of excellence, and hopefully launch business showers in different cities and states.”

The next top winner to receive a Freedom In Me Business Shower will be announced at the nonprofit’s annual event July 20.

Find out more about the program’s possibilities on its website.

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