The Charlotte Chamber, Pride Magazine and UNC Charlotte are proud to announce the results of a joint research effort to identify a previously unmeasured yet vital sector of Mecklenburg County’s economy — ethnic, women and minority-owned businesses.

Currently there are more than 8,000 such businesses within the MSA however the most detailed listing includes fewer than 700 firms. It’s a segment of the Charlotte business community that remains an untapped resource and one that holds tremendous potential for future economic development.

Recent census data further supports this urgent need. Over the last 10 years, North Carolina has experienced the fastest growth of the Hispanic population in the country. Meanwhile, African Americans continue their reverse migration trend of moving back to the South in great numbers.

In addition, a local survey of business owners showed that while total businesses grew by more than 3,592 firms within Mecklenburg County from 2002 to 2007, the growth of black and women-owned business remained stagnant. Due to the significant changes in minority population, it is difficult to comprehend why there has been a lack of business growth within these particular groups.

The project was conducted in two phases. The first phase developed a definitive list of women and minority-owned firms within the 16-county Charlotte region. The second phase attempted to understand the issues minority-owned firms have faced that may have impeded their success as well as to understand the market potential for minority-owned businesses within the area.

To see the entire report, click here.
To see News 14 Carolinas' coverage of the news conference announcing the findings click here.