To help drive economic mobility in Mecklenburg County, the Beyond Open small business grant program has awarded a combined total of more than $10 million in grants to nearly 300 diverse-owned small businesses and select nonprofit organizations in its first two rounds.
Hear from a few grantees below.
Meet Kevin Pak, Round 1 grantee and owner of FM Auto Service.
Meet Anita Scott, Round 1 grantee and owner of Zamariya Spa of Africa.
Meet Corri Smith, Round 1 grantee and owner of Black Wednesday.
Meet Junior Bernard, Round 1 grantee and founder of Pranzel.
Meet Michelle Ashley, Round 1 grantee, and owner of Buzz City Bar & Grill.
Meet Kathryn Godwin, Round 1 grantee and owner of Studio Cultivate.
Meet Edward Cesar Bravo, Round 1 grantee and owner of E&E Bravo Countertops
Meet Lisa Tweardy, Round 1 grantee and CEO of MIGN INC.
Meet Teneisha Smith, Round 1 grantee and owner of Smitteez Cutz Barber Shop.
Meet Anthony Smith, Round 1 Grantee, also known as DJ That Guy Smitty
Meet Tony Pham, owner of Saigon Night Restaurant Karaoke Bar.
