Launching Charlotte’s Entrepreneurial Platform

Seven “C’s” Connectivity Corporations Clusters Capital Champions Culture/Climate Competitive advantage

Charlotte Entrepreneurial 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 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 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 Chamber High Growth Entrepreneur Roundtable 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 Challenge A 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 Chamber SAVE THE DATE October 10 th Summit Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm Location: Harris Conference Center Desired Outcomes: o Updates on progress since October 2011 summit o Showcase successful Charlotte corporate/local entrepreneur ventures o Build connections between Charlotte corporate s and local entrepreneurs

Charlotte Chamber SAVE THE DATES August 22 nd – Financing for Micro Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Time: 11 am-2:00 pm Location: Federal Reserve, Trade Street Desired 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 30 th Equity Financing and Exit Strategy for Entrepreneurs Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm Location: TBD Desired Outcome: Showcase financing options for entrepreneurs Continue to build connections between Charlotte corporate and local entrepreneurs

Economic Impact of Entrepreneurs 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 Clifton The 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

Vision Charlotte, a hub with a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives economic expansion and cutting edge business development