Jordan is developing a pitch event for small businesses in the Historic West End neighborhood of Charlotte, NC (HWE). This event is aimed at businesses with aspirations for future growth or those looking to relocate to the HWE. On pitch day, they expect to host 10 to 20 small businesses and small business bankers, commercial developers, investors, and other individuals with capital resources to support small businesses. Each participating business will have 3 to 5 minutes to present their business and make an explicit request to the audience. Following the presentations, the audience can offer connections, engage in conversations, or provide capital to assist these businesses in achieving their goals.

I hope this event will encourage small businesses to move to the HWE and support those already in the area to grow and thrive.

Initially, his idea was to create a small business market or expo to encourage investors, small business bankers, and commercial real estate developers to connect and network with local small business owners. However, after further reflection and discussions, he realized that a market wasn’t the most effective way to facilitate connections between small businesses and the target audience. If his goal is to connect small businesses with investors, bankers, and commercial developers, he needs to create a space that is more intentional than merely encouraging people to visit a marketplace.

The project has also led Jordan to compile economic data on the HWE neighborhood to show businesses the unique opportunities in the neighborhood.

In the first six months, Jordan has compiled economic data on the HWE neighborhood to highlight the unique opportunities for businesses in the area. Concurrently, he is initiating discussions with developers about potential commercial real estate opportunities. One focus is to explore the possibility of affordable commercial spaces that could serve as incubators for new business owners for two to five years.

Through this work, Jordan has identified the need for adjustments along the way, refining his approach to ensure long-term success and sustainability for local businesses.

The biggest challenge was accepting that his initial proposal was not an effective way to accomplish the goals he set out to achieve.

Jordan will host a pitch event for small businesses in the Historic West End neighborhood of Charlotte, NC (HWE) in May or June.

About Jordan Braswell

Jordan Braswell currently holds the position of Program Officer at LISC Charlotte, overseeing a diverse network of Business Development Organizations. In this capacity, he supports small businesses in the Historic West End by delivering technical assistance and enhancing their access to capital. Concurrently, Jordan serves as an assistant pastor at Sanctuary Charlotte Church. Before joining LISC and Sanctuary, Jordan was the lead pastor of two churches in Gaston County, North Carolina.

Jordan holds a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from North Carolina A&T.