HIIVE Program (Hub for Inclusivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship)

HIIVE Program Overview

Program Name: Hub for Inclusivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (HIIVE)

Geographic Scope: Center City Charlotte, including Uptown, South End, and Midtown neighborhoods

Program Type: Nine-week small business educational program

Focus Areas:

• Food and retail businesses
• Small business skills development
• Networking opportunities
• Real-world operational experience
• Practical business insights

Program Goals

• Serve unique needs of small businesses through education, mentorship, networking, and access to opportunities
• Prioritize supporting small businesses owned by underrepresented and high-aptitude entrepreneurs
• Support small businesses aspiring to successfully operate in Center City's urban business environment

Eligibility Requirements

Businesses must:

• Employ fewer than 12 employees
• Be operating in Center City (Uptown, South End, and/or Midtown) OR be considering expanding to Center City OR be looking to open a location in Center City
• Be motivated and driven to grow their business through HIIVE resources
• Be welcoming, collaborative, customer-service oriented, and willing to share lessons learned
• Focus on food or retail businesses

Program Details

• Duration: Nine weeks of Monday classes (September–December 2025 for Cohort 3)
• Location: Market at 7th Street and nearby venues
• Class Topics: Access to capital, social media, human resources, and other pertinent small business subjects
• Activities Include:
  • Concise, engaging instruction from top local business experts
  • Structured discussions with successful small business entrepreneurs
  • Networking with industry professionals and Center City stakeholders
  • Expertise about Uptown, South End, Midtown ecosystem, food cart/truck programs, pop-up events

Pop-Up Space Opportunity

Two businesses in each cohort may earn rent-covered space and pop-up opportunities at Market at 7th Street:

• Additional Requirements:
  • Motivated to market and advertise the pop-up
  • Ability to operate in small area and staff for set hours
  • Willing to share location with other retail tenants and adhere to tenant code of conduct
  • Obtain basic business liability and property insurance
  • Report monthly transaction numbers (confidential)

Funding Support

• Previously supported by City of Charlotte's Small Business Ecosystem Partner Grant Fund (Cohorts 1-2)

Contact Information

Mailing Address: 200 South Tryon Street, Suite 1600, Charlotte, NC 28202

How to Apply

1. Complete the HIIVE Application
   • Submit application form via the provided application portal
2. Application Deadline
   • Cohort 3 deadline was August 15, 2025
   • Future cohort deadlines to be announced
3. Tuition Fee
   • $150 due upon acceptance to the program
4. Contact for Questions
   • Email: hiive@charlottecentercity.org
   • Phone: 704.332.2227
   • Available in English and Spanish