11 Business Owners Complete Charlotte’s AMP Up Program

Published on May 30, 2025

Graduates of AMP Up cohort 10 pose for a photo together.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 30, 2025) – Charlotte’s Economic Development Department is celebrating the graduation of a cohort of 11 business owners from its AMP Up Charlotte program. 

The graduates, part of the ninth cohort of the business growth education program, completed Interise’s internationally recognized Streetwise “MBA” curriculum. The program aims to help business owners scale up their business model. 

Tori Wenz, owner of Charlotte-based CLT Tours and a recent graduate, said AMP Up provided her with much-needed foundational business knowledge that helped to refine her strategy and business operations.

"Since joining AMP Up Charlotte, I’ve seen significant shifts in how I approach my business, especially when it comes to diversification and long-term strategy,” Wenz said. “One of the biggest takeaways was realizing the importance of multiple revenue streams."

The program helped her company, which offers limo and chauffer services, expand her offerings, adding two new shuttle buses, allowing them to cater to a broader range of client needs, including corporate events, airport or event shuttles, long-distance group travel and larger gatherings. This has not only increased revenue but made the company more resilient to market changes, she said.

In addition to Wenz, cohort nine graduates include: 

  • Felipe Alvarez, Miro Spanish Grille 
  • Galvin Boulware, Chimeras Dream and Company, LLC
  • Reesy Daniel, Juiiced Up Reesy LLC
  • Mario Herrera, Signs Revolution
  • Abdoulkader Labo Bouche, 49ers Bodega LLC
  • Orville Lewis, Sunshine Laundromat
  • Vania Love, Journey 5:11 Academy
  • Akua Owusu, SaniFresh Cleaning Services LLC
  • Isaiah Swift, Semra Cleaning Services, LLC
  • Jalon Williams, Sewed Up Embroidery 

Spectrum served as anchor partner for this cohort.

Graduates were celebrated at a ceremony at Brewers At 4001 Yancey on March 6. Among those attending were the families of graduates and program alumni. Christopher Moxley, co-founder of 704 Shop, provided the keynote.

Recent AMP Up graduates have experienced an average revenue growth of 35%, and 27% secured new financing. In addition, 77% are following a strategic growth action plan, and 100% would recommend the program to a fellow business owner. 

The curriculum includes business development, mentoring, targeted training and access to large corporations for relationship-building and procurement opportunities. 

The City of Charlotte will start recruitment for AMP Up Cohort 11 in the coming months. Interested business owners can apply for the program by visiting the AMP Up website. For questions, contact Anika Ellis (anika.ellis@charlottenc.gov).

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