Charlotte Celebrates May Small Business Month with Events, Recognition

Published on April 24, 2025

A woman looks at a tablet while running her small business.

The City of Charlotte is celebrating the hard work, ingenuity and contributions to the economy of entrepreneurs and small businesses with a series of events throughout May for Charlotte Small Business Month. 

In support of local small businesses, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has proclaimed May as Small Business Month.

“When we support small business, jobs are created and local communities preserve their unique culture,” Lyles said in the proclamation. “The City of Charlotte honors and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our community great and reaffirms our commitment to helping small businesses thrive and prosper.”

Highlights of the city’s Small Business Month celebration include:

  • #31DaysofBiz: The City of Charlotte Economic Development Department will celebrate throughout the month on its social media channels with daily videos and other features recognizing Charlotte business owners and partner organizations. 
  • Ninth Annual Small Business Month Kickoff: This year's kickoff takes place from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at The Market at 7th Street, 224 E 7th St. Sponsored by Charlotte Economic Development, the free event will celebrate the 2025 #31DaysofBiz business owners and include networking, food and music. Register online by April 30.
  • Crowns of Enterprise Awards: Join the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County on Wednesday, May 8, as they recognize and honor small businesses that demonstrate exemplary leadership and sound business strategies.
  • The Mayor’s International Community Awards (MICA): The event, on Tuesday, May 27, is presented by the Charlotte International Cabinet and the Office of the Mayor. It honors foreign-owned firms and individuals in the Charlotte region for their outstanding service and contributions to philanthropy and the development of Charlotte’s international community.

According to Charlotte Economic Development data: 

  • In 2021, there were 34,951 businesses with fewer than 500 employees in Mecklenburg County, and of those, 56% employed fewer than five employees.
  • Between 2012 and 2021, 6,885 businesses with fewer than 500 employees were launched in Mecklenburg County, increasing the number overall by 24.5%.  Small businesses with fewer than five employees saw the most growth. 

The celebration is part of National Small Business Week (May 4-10), which was first established by President Kennedy in 1963.

The City of Charlotte offers a wide range of services to launch and grow small businesses, including grants, loans, workforce development programs and networking events.

For a full listing of Small Business Month happenings, check out the Charlotte Small Business Month Calendar.

 

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