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

HIIVE Program Overview

Organization: Charlotte Center City Partners

Program Type: Nine-week small business educational program

Geographic Scope: Center City Charlotte (Uptown, South End, and Midtown)

Focus Areas:

Food and retail businesses

Small business education and skill development

Mentorship and networking

Operational space opportunities

Target Audience:

Small businesses owned by under-represented and high-aptitude entrepreneurs

Businesses with fewer than 12 employees

Businesses operating in or planning to expand/open in Center City (Uptown, South End, Midtown)

Eligibility Criteria:

Operating in Center City or considering expansion

Looking to open a location in Center City

Motivated and driven to grow business through program resources

Welcoming, collaborative, customer-service oriented

Willing to share lessons learned with other small businesses

Fewer than 12 employees

Program Details:

Duration: 9 weeks (September-December 2025 for Cohort 3)

Format: Monday classes held at or near the Market at 7th Street

Content: Small business education on topics including access to capital, social media, human resources

Includes: Structured discussions with successful entrepreneurs, networking with industry professionals, expertise about Center City ecosystem

Special Opportunity: Two businesses selected for rent-covered space and pop-up opportunities at Market at 7th Street

Additional Requirements for Pop-up Space Selection:

Motivated to market and advertise pop-up to generate sales and foot traffic

Ability to operate in small area and staff for set hours

Share location with other retail tenants and adhere to tenant code of conduct

Obtain basic business liability and property insurance

Report monthly transaction numbers to Market at 7th Street (confidential)

Cost:

Tuition: $150 (due upon acceptance)

Contact Information:

Email: hiive@charlottecentercity.org

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

Phone: 704.332.2227

Background:
HIIVE is made possible by multiple partners in Charlotte's small business environment. The first two cohorts were made possible by the City of Charlotte's Small Business Ecosystem Partner Grant Fund.