Small Business Month Returns to Charlotte with Events, Spotlights

Published on April 24, 2026

Small business employees smile from a kitchen

The City of Charlotte is celebrating Small Business Month throughout May at a time of growing opportunity and focus on expanding access for local entrepreneurs.  

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has proclaimed May as Small Business Month.  

“The City of Charlotte proudly celebrates the entrepreneurs whose courage and commitment drive innovation, expand access to opportunity and make our city one of the best places in the nation to live, work and build a business,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.  

Throughout May, the city will recognize these contributions by sharing resources to help businesses grow and by highlighting the people behind them. 

Highlights include: 

  • #31DaysofBiz: The city will highlight a different small business each day across its social media channels. This year’s campaign will celebrate the small businesses that are driving growth and innovation in the city’s six Corridors of Opportunity. 
  • 10th Annual Small Business Month Kickoff: This free networking event will be held on Monday, May 4, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., at The Market at 7th Street, 224 E. 7th St. This year marks a decade of celebrating Charlotte’s small business community and will honor the 2026 #31DaysofBiz honorees. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with business owners, city leaders and partner organizations, while enjoying networking, local food and music. Register online by April 30. 
  • Breakfast and Business: The city and QCity Metro are partnering to present a session on small business resilience at Freedom Business Collective on Wednesday, May 13, at Freedom Business Collective. A recording of the session also will be available on the publication’s YouTube page. 
  • Crowns of Enterprise Awards: Join the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County from 5-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, as they recognize small businesses that demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation and sound business practices.  
  • The Mayor’s International Community Awards (MICA): Presented by the Charlotte International Cabinet and the Office of the Mayor, this event, on Tuesday, May 20, will honor foreign-owned firms and leaders for their outstanding service and contributions to philanthropy and the development of Charlotte’s international community. 

This year’s Charlotte Small Business Month comes at a pivotal time for the city’s small business community. With the launch of the Small Business Ecosystem Assessment and action plan and new efforts such as Skilled to Build, the city is advancing a more coordinated approach to supporting entrepreneurs and ensuring they can benefit from upcoming economic opportunities. 

Charlotte’s celebration aligns with National Small Business Week (May 3-9), which was established by former President John F. Kennedy in 1963. 

For a full listing of Small Business Month happenings in Charlotte, visit the Charlotte Small Business Month Calendar. 

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