Breaking Barriers: Access to Capital 101 Empowers Charlotte Entrepreneurs

On a lively evening at the Freedom Business Collective in Charlotte, NC, The Boost Pad teamed up with Aspire Community Capital and Freedom Business Collective to host the Access to Capital 101 event — an energizing, knowledge-packed experience designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the insights and tools they need to navigate funding pathways and unlock growth for their businesses.



From 6:00–8:00 PM, the room buzzed with energy as local founders, early-stage startups, and seasoned business owners gathered, eager to gain a deeper understanding of how to access both debt and equity capital.

Originally slated for a nearby venue, the event found its perfect home at Freedom Business Collective, 1525 Enderly Drive — just a short walk away, offering an even better setup and atmosphere for connection and learning.

A Powerful Lineup of Speakers

The night featured an incredible panel of experts and leaders, including:

• Aspire Community Capital — providing practical tools for under-resourced entrepreneurs
• Mecklenburg County / The Carolinas Small Business Development Fund — offering guidance on local funding opportunities
• Self-Help Credit — presenting community-focused lending solutions
• A Featured Angel Investor — sharing behind-the-scenes insights on equity capital and what investors are really looking for

This dynamic mix gave attendees access to perspectives across the capital spectrum — from small business loans to venture funding.

Impact on Boost Pad Cohort 10 and the Charlotte Entrepreneur Community

For our Boost Pad Cohort 10 participants, this event wasn’t just about theory — it was a direct infusion of practical knowledge and actionable strategies they can apply right away. Topics like understanding funding readiness, building investor relationships, preparing strong financials, and weighing debt vs. equity options resonated deeply with our founders, many of whom are navigating these exact challenges as they push to scale.

Beyond the cohort, local entrepreneurs from across Charlotte’s innovation and small business scene left equipped with answers to their most pressing questions — and perhaps most importantly, with new connections to funding partners and fellow founders walking the same journey.

Why It Mattered

Events like Access to Capital 101 align powerfully with The Boost Pad’s mission:

To equip emerging and under-resourced entrepreneurs with the strategic guidance and support needed to develop innovative solutions, build sustainable enterprises, and advance economic mobility throughout Charlotte.

By partnering with organizations like Aspire Community Capital and bringing together key players in the funding ecosystem, we’re helping to break down barriers that too often keep visionary founders from reaching their next stage of growth.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for upcoming Boost Pad events and workshops designed to keep building momentum for Charlotte’s entrepreneurs — whether you’re in one of our cohorts or part of the broader founder community. Together, we’re creating an ecosystem where every entrepreneur has access to the knowledge, resources, and capital they need to succeed.

Want to get involved or learn more? Visit theboostpad.org for updates on programs, events, and ways to plug in.