Launching Launching Charlotte’s Charlotte’s

EntrepreneuriEntrepreneurial Platformal Platform

Seven “C’s”ConnectivityCorporations ClustersCapitalChampionsCulture/ClimateCompetitive advantage

www.charlottechamber.com/about-the-chamber/2011-entrepreneurs-summit/

Charlotte Charlotte Entrepreneurial Entrepreneurial Alliance (CEA)Alliance (CEA)

The CEA's focus is to support, coordinate, represent and inspire high-growth business at all stages of development with an

emphasis on technology, energy, finance and social entrepreneurial ventures.

            

Charlotte Regional Foundation for Charlotte Regional Foundation for

Entrepreneurship(CRFE)Entrepreneurship(CRFE)

• A non-profit foundation dedicated to building the capacity for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Charlotte Region

• The CRFE will provided funding for high impact non-profit organizations and initiatives dedicated to supporting the long-term growth and capacity of early stage, high growth entrepreneurs in the Charlotte region

Cornerstone FundCornerstone Fund• Equity investment fund targeting high growth,

early stage entrepreneurial investment opportunities

• Partnership opportunity with Blackstone Entrepreneurial Network; mentoring/coaching

• Leverage statewide assets and resources to invest in and grow entrepreneurial ventures across North Carolina, with a focus in the Charlotte, Triad and Triangle regions

Charlotte ChamberCharlotte Chamber High Growth Entrepreneur High Growth Entrepreneur

Roundtable DiscussionRoundtable Discussion

• Cultivate connectivity between the corporate community and high growth entrepreneurs…to leverage access to corporate intellectual capital, and build local vending opportunities between Charlotte corporations and Charlotte high growth entrepreneurs

• Build a platform that establishes Charlotte as an entrepreneurial hub that attracts venture capital funding, that continually grows over time…proactively position Charlotte’s assets outside of Charlotte

• Convene and facilitate conversations and awareness building in the broader business community

• Facilitate conversations in the public policy arena that could lead to localized incentives to support/lower barriers to attracting and growing Charlotte entrepreneurs

PowerUp Entrepreneurship ChallengePowerUp Entrepreneurship ChallengeA mentor from the

Charlotte Chamber’s Board of Directors

Accounting Support provided:Boatsman Gillmore

Marketing Support from: Boone Oakley

Legal Support:Wishart, Norris, Henninger and Pittman

$25,000 cash grant provided: Duke Energy

Charlotte ChamberSAVE THE DATE

•October 10th Summit•Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm •Location: Harris Conference Center•Desired Outcomes:

o Updates on progress since October 2011 summito Showcase successful Charlotte corporate/local entrepreneur ventureso Build connections between Charlotte corporate s and local

entrepreneurs

www.charlottechamber.com/events

Charlotte ChamberSAVE THE DATES

August 22nd – Financing for Micro Entrepreneurs and Small BusinessesTime: 11 am-2:00 pmLocation: Federal Reserve, Trade StreetDesired Outcome:•Gain insight on how micro financing, and SBA loans can provide working capital to micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses •Opportunity to meet with lenders and resource providers

October 30th Equity Financing and Exit Strategy for EntrepreneursTime: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm Location: TBDDesired Outcome:•Showcase financing options for entrepreneurs•Continue to build connections between Charlotte corporate and local entrepreneurs

www.charlottechamber.com/events

Economic Impact of Economic Impact of

EntrepreneursEntrepreneurs• A 25-30% average revenue growth rate over each of the

last three years

• A projected aggregate total of $650 million in revenue for 2012 with a growth rate of 30% over 2011

• A 25% growth rate in employment with projected 622 new jobs in 2012 for the reporting companies

• An average of 30 employees per company over the last three years, with an average salary of $55,000 annually

• Fifty percent (50%) of the companies reporting are less than five years old; 80% are less than ten years old

Source: Business Innovation & Growth (B.I.G.); Survey of 94 high growth companies led by entrepreneurs in the Charlotte, NC region

Jim CliftonJim CliftonThe Coming Jobs WarThe Coming Jobs War

• Entrepreneurs are the game changers in a challenged economy with demonstrated results

• When national, city entrepreneurial spirit is high, and resident engagement is high, breakaway GDP

and job growth follow

• Cities (like)Charlotte are where the right mix of elements convene to stimulate entrepreneurial

economic impact

• Talent migrates to cities that are most likely to maximize innovation and entrepreneurial

ideas....leading to job creation

VisionVisionCharlotte, a hub with a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives

economic expansion and cutting edge business

development