Charlotte-based nonprofit will use funds to launch an entrepreneurial center, including affordable business suites and pop-up retail space
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct.12, 2023 – The Sugar Creek Business Association has been awarded a $100,000 Small Business Accelerator grant from The Hartford, in partnership with Main Street America, to create a multi-use hub for small business growth called the 85 Oasis Business Center. Located in refurbished space at 5105 Reagan Drive, this new offering will allow local small businesses to operate out of affordable business suites alongside a community workspace for entrepreneurs.
“The Hartford insures nearly 1.5 million small businesses across the country, and we recognize that access to affordable real estate can be a barrier to growth,” said The Hartford’s Head of Small Commercial and Personal Lines Stephanie Bush. “The Small Business Accelerator Grant Program is designed to provide important interim space for business owners to test a bricks-and-mortar operation, while adding vibrancy to downtown districts and commercial corridors.”
In addition to providing operational and collaboration space, the 85 Oasis Business Center will offer a robust training curriculum designed in partnership with local universities and community service providers to ensure long-term success for participating businesses. And, as the Sugar Creek corridor continues to be redeveloped, this project contributes to the vision for a viable community where long-time residents and newcomers, alike, can safely live and thrive and build businesses that are attractive and sustainable.
“The Sugar Creek Business Association is beyond excited to receive this funding to escalate and expedite our vision of providing business resources that foster safety, economic growth, and a strong community,” said business development consultant Aliza` Diggs-Bailey. “With this contribution, we look forward to being able to offer a soft opening of our business suites as soon as November.”
The Sugar Creek Business Association is collaborating with Dynasty Property Management and Durr Capital Group to complete the project, and the new space is expected to open in full during the spring of 2024.
About Sugar Creek Business Association
The Sugar Creek Business Association (SCBA) brings area businesses, professionals, and non-profit leaders together to promote growth and create opportunity. It provides members with resources that foster safety, economic growth, and a strong community. Members represent employees from member companies, community members and organizations. By bringing diverse businesses and leaders to the table—the new, the established, the big, the small, the growing, the thriving, the perennial, the innovative, and the experimental—SCBA helps build businesses and find commonalities among everyone.
About The Hartford
The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity.
More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com.
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut.
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About Main Street America
Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 40 years. Today it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Learn more about Main Street America.