In April of 2023, Charlotte City Council approved funding from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for small business and entrepreneurship support. The City of Charlotte’s Economic Development Department is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the small business ecosystem in Charlotte to help increase equitable opportunities and address challenges/gaps in resources. The City of Charlotte is committed to supporting the growth and success of local small, minority, and women-owned businesses and is eager to gain insights into the current landscape to inform our future initiatives. This assessment is to provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and key factors affecting small businesses in Charlotte. The findings will help us develop targeted strategies, programs, and resources to empower and strengthen the local entrepreneurial community.
Utility operations economic impact analysis
Charlotte Water is seeking an analysis of the economic impact/output of utility operations on the greater Charlotte regional economy. The target region for this study includes Mecklenburg County as well as the 7 counties adjacent to Mecklenburg County. These counties include Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Union counties in North Carolina, and Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina.
The general scope includes an economic impact/output study of Charlotte Water on the Charlotte regional economy including, but not limited to, Charlotte Water’s projected direct and indirect/induced and short-term and long-term impacts on the regional economy over the next 10-years. The impact study should include an analysis of the economic impact/output of Charlotte Water’s operating and capital expenditures and investments.
Disparity Study Services
The Disparity Study requested by this RFP will be used to aid the City in evaluating and improving its current programs. The results and recommendations will serve as a reference document in the creation of directives, standards and practices. The City wishes to undertake all necessary and affirmative steps to ensure that Historically Underutilized Businesses (“HUB”) are afforded opportunities to participate in City contracts.