Beyond Open Grants: Make Bold Moves

Beyond Open Grants: Make Bold Moves

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Foundation for the Carolinas
Amount: US $10,000 - US $150,000
Last Updated: July 26, 2025

Summary

The Beyond Open Grants program aims to enhance economic mobility in Charlotte by providing financial support to diverse-owned small businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and persons with disabilities. With over $16 million awarded to 402 businesses in previous rounds, this initiative focuses on funding capital assets without the burden of repayment. Approximately $5 million will be available in the upcoming round, continuing its commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Overview

Beyond Open Round 3 Beyond Open is a competitive small business grant program centered on building economic mobility in the Charlotte community with a focus on supporting diverse-owned (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities) small businesses located within the Corridors of Opportunity as identified by the City of Charlotte. Grant awards can be used for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory and real estate. Grants do not need to be repaid. Nearly 300 small businesses have received a total of more than $10 million in grant awards during the first two rounds of the grant program. Approximately $5 million in grants will be awarded in the third round. What is Beyond Open? Beyond Open is a competitive small business grant program centered on building economic mobility in the Charlotte community including diverse-owned (minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities) small businesses located within the Corridors of Opportunity as identified by the City of Charlotte. Grant awards can be used for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory and real estate, and do not need to be repaid. Beyond Open has awarded a combined total of $16.3M in direct grants to 402 small business owners and select nonprofits, exceeding its original commitment of $15M across three rounds.

Eligibility

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