Nationwide, a trend is reshaping traditional businesses. Improved communication, transportation, and technology have increased global competition, encouraging large businesses to look overseas for cheaper parts and labor. This trend has hit the Carolinas particularly hard, as anchor industries such as textiles, furniture, and manufacturing have followed suit - often leaving communities with no place to turn.
The nature of North Carolina's industrial history suggests that the next few years will bring more of the same. However, as traditional industrial businesses fade, new businesses emerge to supply new demands for different goods and services. Community Anchors, Inc. is looking for ways to identify these unmet, emerging needs at a micro-market level and help build sustainable businesses and revitalize communities.
Additionally, significant population shifts are occurring in North Carolina's metropolitan areas. The Charlotte region, for example, has added 300,000 new residents since 2001. An emerging immigrant population brings new demands and new skills to the local economy. Big businesses are slow to adapt to such dramatic demographic shifts; however, small businesses are more nimble and able to fill the gaps in supply for new goods and services. We hope to level the playing field for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and companies of all sizes who wish to leverage this market opportunities.
Community Anchors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that believes that small business can drive economic growth and recovery. We have developed a staff of consultants and a volunteer network of experienced business professionals who provide low-cost consulting services to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in revitalization communities as defined by the local economic development offices. Working with entrepreneurs, city leaders, and other non-profit entities, Community Anchors is building sustainable communities, one business at a time.
We are starting in Charlotte, and we could use your help.
COMMUNITY GROWTH