Small Businesses Begin City’s New Resilience Training Program

Published on October 27, 2026

An aerial photo of the Uptown Charlotte skyline

Twenty-five small businesses from across Charlotte have been selected for the inaugural cohort of Road to Resilience, a training program designed to help established small businesses prepare for challenges, adapt to change and build long-term resilience. 

The four-week program, offered in partnership with the City of Charlotte and Charlotte-based Asfalis Advisors, began on Monday, Oct. 26. Participants will engage in online learning, coaching and practical exercises to develop strategies that help them navigate business disruptions, respond to changing market conditions and position their businesses for continued success. 

“Congratulations to the small businesses selected for the inaugural cohort of Road to Resilience,” said Shahid Rana, director of Charlotte Economic Development. “Charlotte’s small businesses play an important role in our local economy, and we’re proud to invest in their success. We look forward to seeing how these business owners put what they learn into practice to strengthen their businesses and prepare for the future.”

Announcing the Inaugural Cohort

 The inaugural cohort represents at least nine industries with businesses located throughout the city:

  • AmeriDream Construction — Indira Enamorado 
  • Blueprint Consulting — David Powell 
  • Carmenia Consulting — Ashley Carmenia 
  • Creative Touch Botanics — Cherita Thompson 
  • DomUnique Stylez — Dominique Montgomery 
  • evolYOUtion Corp. — Tori Stevens 
  • Face and Body Spa — Nicole Calhoun 
  • GEL CONNECT — Jason Gardner 
  • God's Gifted Hands Hair Salon — Michelle Anthony 
  • Kanea Environmental Solutions — Jessica Wilson 
  • Kinetic Works — Apryl Lewis 
  • Lip N Pour — Diamond Weems 
  • London D’s Catering — Ebony Givans 
  • Los Chamos Charlotte — Michel Meza Chacon 
  • Optimize Labs — Charlotte Townsend 
  • P.I.T. Training & Coaching Services — Evita Pierce 
  • Pilot Brewing Co. — Rachael Hudson 
  • PLUS Digital — Anna Pupo 
  • Pure Body Salon & Suites — Angela Berry 
  • QC Signs & Graphics — Michael Leonard 
  • Sun King Trucking — Rashaneea Flood 
  • The Naija Goddess — Ini Isangedighi 
  • The Skrimp Shack — Anthony Warren 
  • Victor 1 Lawn Care — Victor Brown Jr. 
  • YTUSI — Jac'Queena James 

Next Cohort, Upcoming Event

A second Road to Resilience cohort is expected to begin in spring 2027. For more information and to join the interest list, visit the Road to Resilience website. 

Through its partnership with Asfalis Advisors, Charlotte Economic Development will offer a free, in-person discussion on Thursday, Nov. 19, moderated by program creator Vanessa Mathews. Built to Last: The Road to Resilience is an official event of Global Entrepreneurship Week Charlotte and is open to the public. 

Road to Resilience is funded through the Corridors of Opportunity and is one of several new initiatives connected with Mobility+, the city’s long-term transportation and mobility investment initiative. In December, the city launched Skilled to Build, which aims to equip local businesses and workers for opportunities emerging from transportation and transit investments tied to the voter-approved one-cent sales tax. 

Tagged as:
Back to top