The Boost Pad

✨ THROWBACK: Access to Capital 101 with Cohort 10 ✨ Earlier this year, our Boost Pad Cohort 10 founders joined Charlotte’s entrepreneurs for Access to Capital 101 — an empowering night of insights, connections, and real conversations about funding growth. Together with Aspire Community Capital, Freedom Business Collective, and key community partners, we explored how local founders can access both debt and equity capital — and what it truly takes to be “funding ready.” Now, we’re bringing that energy back. ⚡ 📅 Access to Capital 🕕 November 5, 2025 | 6–8 PM 📍 Do Greater Charlotte | 2400 Greenland Ave. If you’re an early-stage entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with lenders, investors, and funding experts shaping Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. 👉 RSVP now: https://gqr.sh/YqrE #TheBoostPad #AccessToCapital #CharlotteEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessGrowth #CommunityCapital #Cohort10 #BreakingBarriers #EconomicMobility

💡 Access to capital should never be out of reach. Join us on November 5, 2025 (6–8 PM) at Do Greater Charlotte (2400 Greenland Ave.) for Community Access to Capital — an evening connecting early-stage founders with real funding pathways, both debt and equity. Meet and learn from capital experts shaping Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: ✨ Manuel Campbell — Aspire Community Capital ✨ Nikita Allen — GrowMetix ✨ Steven Lewis — The Boost Pad ✨ Harold Hughes — The Boost Pad This free event includes food, networking, and actionable insights for founders ready to take their next big step. In partnership with Aspire Community Capital, GrowMetix, City of Charlotte, and Carolina Small Business Development Fund. 👉 RSVP now https://gqr.sh/9m9d Together, we’re building access, equity, and opportunity for Charlotte’s next generation of founders. 💙 #TheBoostPad #Entrepreneurship #CharlotteNC #AccessToCapital #Founders

Last week we launched Cohort 11 of The Boost Pad ✨ and let me just say… the energy in the room was something special. We kicked things off by asking everyone to share their one word why. One word that captured why they’re here and what they’re fighting for. Hearing those words—“freedom,” “legacy,” “security,” “impact”—set the tone. You could feel the determination in the room. From there, @joantrandall helped us think about what it really looks like to show up—not just as dreamers, but as entrepreneurs. She reminded us that success isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s knowing what you want life to look like a year from now and taking the small steps to get there. Then Rachel with @rachelrowelldesignco brought the fire with “The Pitch.” We laughed, we learned, and we saw how a powerful 60-second story can open doors. A few brave participants even stood up and practiced their elevator pitch in front of everyone (and they crushed it). @cgkearse gave us language and confidence for the journey ahead—teaching us how to “Talk Like a Boss” and see ourselves not just as business owners, but as leaders ready to build. And before we wrapped, @stevenelewis6 helped us set one simple, personal goal for the week. Because transformation doesn’t happen overnight—ot happens one intentional step at a time. Cohort 11 is off and running, and we can’t wait to watch these entrepreneurs grow week by week, building toward Pitch Night. 🚀

What Our New Mission Means for YOU At The Boost Pad, we’re not just helping you build a business — we’re equipping you to transform your life and your community. Our mission is to equip emerging and under-resourced entrepreneurs with strategic guidance and support to: ✅ Develop innovative solutions → Your ideas matter. We help you shape them into real, impactful offerings that solve real problems. ✅ Build sustainable businesses → It's not just about launch — it’s about longevity. We teach you how to build a business that lasts, not just one that starts. ✅ Advance economic mobility → You’re not just leveling up for yourself. You’re creating jobs, uplifting families, and reinvesting into your community. Whether you’re in Cohort 11 or dreaming of joining the next one, here’s what you can expect: ✔️ Hands-on coaching ✔️ Expert-led workshops ✔️ Mental health support ✔️ Access to capital ✔️ A thriving entrepreneurial community that truly sees you 📍Charlotte-based. Community-driven. Impact-focused. 📝 Apply or learn more: theboostpad.org/apply 📩 Want to get involved? DM us or email info@theboostpad.org #TheBoostPad #Cohort11 #Entrepreneurship #EconomicMobility #BusinessAccelerator #CharlotteNC #FoundersOfTheFuture #BlackOwned #UnderResourcedButUnstoppable #InnovationStartsHere

🚨 COHORT 11 IS ALMOST HERE! The Boost Pad is officially launching Cohort 11 this Wednesday, August 20th from 6-8pm — and if you're a purpose-driven entrepreneur ready to grow, you don’t want to miss it. 🌟 What You’ll Get:
 ✔️ Weekly expert-led trainings
 ✔️ Supportive entrepreneur community
 ✔️ Hybrid format (virtual + live workshops)
 ✔️ Mentorship from real entrepreneurs
 ✔️ A chance to pitch your business at Pitch Night! 📅 Starts August 20, 2025 at 6PM EST
 📍 Location: Charlotte, NC + Virtual Access
 Topics we’ll cover include:
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Branding & Marketing • Business Model Canvas 
• Legal & Financial Literacy
• Mental Health for Entrepreneurs
• Access to Capital
• Pitching & Storytelling
… and more! Event Location: Do Greater Charlotte
2400 Greenland Ave, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28208 #BoostPad #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #Cohort11 #SmallBusinessSupport #PitchNight #CLTBusiness #MinorityOwned #InnovationInAction

I love that I get to impact the lives of early stage entrepreneurs as the Co-Executive Director of The Boost Pad!

📢 Calling all NC Entrepreneurs! The NC IDEA Fall 2025 Grant Cycle is now open! Apply for up to $50K in non-dilutive funding through the MICRO and SEED grant programs. ✅ Designed for early-stage, high-growth startups 🗓️ Deadline: August 25 at 5 PM EST 📍 Must be based in North Carolina 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/e-Xrv-qd #NCIDEA #StartupFunding #NCEntrepreneurs #BoostPad

We are The Boost Pad. Fueling bold entrepreneurs.
Transforming communities.
Supplying the bootstraps—while you bring the hustle. At The Boost Pad, we’re not just a business accelerator—we’re a launchpad for under-resourced founders who are ready to build thriving, sustainable businesses and shake the ground in their communities. Through our 14-week hybrid accelerator, we equip you with the tools, mindset, coaching, and capital access to go from idea to impact. 👊🏾 If you’re an emerging entrepreneur in Charlotte ready to scale, grow, and get connected to what you need to succeed… 👉🏾 Apply for our next cohort now at www.theboostpad.org Let’s build the future—together.


🚨 COHORT 11 IS COMING! 🚀 The Boost Pad is officially launching Cohort 11 this August — and if you're a purpose-driven entrepreneur ready to grow, you don’t want to miss it. 🌟 What You’ll Get: ✔️ Weekly expert-led trainings ✔️ Supportive entrepreneur community ✔️ Hybrid format (virtual + live workshops) ✔️ Mentorship from real entrepreneurs ✔️ A chance to pitch your business at Pitch Night! 📅 Starts August 20, 2025 at 6PM EST 🗓️ Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 📍 Location: Charlotte, NC + Virtual Access 💻 Apply Now: theboostpad.org/apply 🧠 Topics we’ll cover include: • Entrepreneurial Mindset • Branding & Marketing (taught by @rachelrowelldesign) • Business Model Canvas • Legal & Financial Literacy • Mental Health for Entrepreneurs • Access to Capital • Pitching & Storytelling … and more! 📍 All live sessions will be held at: Do Greater Charlotte 2400 Greenland Ave, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28208 📲 Tag someone who needs this! #BoostPad #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #Cohort11 #SmallBusinessSupport #PitchNight #CLTBusiness #MinorityOwned #InnovationInAction

🚨Opportunity Alert for Emerging Contractors & Trades Professionals in Charlotte! The City of Charlotte is rolling out solar-powered street lighting across the city—and they’re offering a FREE hands-on training to help local contractors gain the skills needed to bid on these projects. Whether you’re an experienced contractor or just getting started in the field, this is a chance to get ahead of the curve, build relationships with City stakeholders, and expand your credentials in solar lighting installation. 🔧 Training covers: • Solar panel, controller, and pole assembly • Wiring + direct-bury vs. breakaway pole installation • Pedestal foundation work • Testing & commissioning per manufacturer specs 📍 Location: CDOT Street Maintenance – Northpointe Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM RSVP Deadline: Monday, July 14 at 5:00 PM 👉 Register by emailing: Matt.Magnasco@charlottenc.gov | 704-582-1829 At The Boost Pad, we’re committed to opening doors for under-resourced entrepreneurs and diverse contractors across the region. Don’t miss this chance to position yourself for future contracting opportunities with the City. #TheBoostPad #CharlotteBusinessInclusion #CityofCharlotte #SolarLighting #ContractorsWanted #EconomicMobility #CleanEnergyJobs #BlackContractors #WomenInTrades #GeneralContractors #Infrastructure #CharlotteEvents