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The OUTlook, a weekly newsletter about LGBTQ+ business, labor and workplace equality from Qnotes.
Deadline approaches
ICYMI: Round 2 of Beyond Open, a diverse-owned small business grant program made possible by Wells Fargo’s Open For Business Fund, is accepting applications through August 31.
Interested small business owners can access Round 2 eligibility requirements, available grant amounts and allowed uses, a schedule of application information workshops, and a newly created Beyond Open Round 2 Application Guide at beyondopenclt.com.
Beyond Open offers round two of small business grants
Beyond Open is centered on building economic mobility among diverse-owned small businesses in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, with a priority on areas within the six Corridors of Opportunity as identified by the City of Charlotte. These areas have been identified as historically under served and are the focus of increased investments from the public, private and philanthropic community sectors.
Small businesses must meet all eligibility requirements listed below to apply for and receive a Beyond Open Round 2 grant.
- Physically located within one of six Corridors of Opportunity as identified by the City of Charlotte, which are on and around the general regions of Beatties Ford and Rozelles Ferry, Central and Albemarle, Freedom and Wilkinson, Graham Street and North Tryon, Sugar Creek and I-85, and West Boulevard.
- 1 – 200 employees.
- In business for at least one year (since August 1, 2022).
- Minimum $30,000 in annual revenue. Maximum $5 million in annual revenue.
- If a franchise, must be independent and locally owned
- Nonprofits are ineligible in Round 2.
Beyond Open grants do not need to be repaid. Beyond Open grants cannot be used for operating expenses including payroll, utilities, advertising/marketing, consulting and debt repayment […]
Read this week’s online issue.

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