AI Bloom · Charlotte
Resources that actually help
Fewer cards, clearer next steps — certification, city contracting, capital/counseling, workforce, and getting paid. Always confirm details on the official site before you apply.
Certification & contracting
NC Small Business Enterprise (NCSBE)
State small-business certification pathway after the HUB office closed (July 2026). Check current NCSBE status, transition FAQs, and contact NCSBE@doa.nc.gov.
Verify on official site — program details are changing.
- NCSBE
- State
- Certification
Charlotte Business INClusion — Get certified
City MWSBE / small business certification for greater exposure on Charlotte contracts. Register as a supplier first, then apply.
- MWSBE
- SBE
- City
City & county
City of Charlotte — Supplier registration
Register as a city supplier to get purchase orders, payments, and visibility for contracting opportunities.
- Procurement
- City
City of Charlotte — Contract opportunities
Active and planned city solicitations in one place (Bonfire hub + city portal).
- Bids
- Procurement
Capital & counseling
SBA North Carolina District
Federal counseling, lending partners, and contracting readiness. Charlotte main office on Fairview Road (appointments).
- SBA
- Capital
- Counseling
SCORE Charlotte — free mentors
Free mentor matching for business plans, marketing, operations, and cash-flow habits — useful before chasing capital.
- Mentoring
- Free
Workforce
Getting paid
IRS — Get an EIN (free)
Official free Employer Identification Number so you can invoice and bank as a business — never pay a middleman for this.
- Tax ID
- Free
Invoice builder (this site)
Build a clear Word or PDF invoice on phone or library PC, email/share it, then wipe your session when done.
- Invoices
- Word