News Summary
Charlotte is advancing small business development through the North Carolina Starters Coalition, aiming to assist entrepreneurs amidst retail challenges. Concurrently, Crabtree Valley Mall is undergoing renovations, impacting long-standing vendors. While the changes pose local retail challenges, a recent survey shows that most small business owners remain optimistic about future opportunities.
Charlotte, North Carolina — New Initiatives Support Small Business Growth and Address Retail Challenges
The city of Charlotte is witnessing notable developments aimed at enhancing small business support and addressing ongoing retail changes. The launch of the North Carolina Starters Coalition marks a significant step toward fostering small business growth across the state, with collaborative efforts involving multiple organizations. Simultaneously, local retail spaces at Crabtree Valley Mall are undergoing substantial changes, impacting small vendors and operators.
North Carolina Starters Coalition Focuses on Small Business Development
The North Carolina Starters Coalition was recently established to provide support to small businesses in North Carolina. This coalition brings together various organizations with the goal of boosting small business growth and assisting entrepreneurs in navigating challenges. Attendees of the coalition’s initiatives include entrepreneurs and leaders from different sectors, emphasizing a statewide effort to strengthen the small business ecosystem.
Among the initiatives, a notable project involves Ray Johnson, an entrepreneur working to develop a ride-sharing app targeting underserved rural communities with limited access to services like Uber and Lyft. Johnson has expressed intentions to secure additional funding to bring this app to market by early 2026, aiming to provide transportation options to areas often neglected by traditional ride-sharing services.
Johnson’s development efforts are part of a broader effort to assist rural residents who face barriers to transportation. He attended discussions with state and local leaders about how the North Carolina Starters Coalition can help small businesses achieve profitability and expand their reach in these underserved areas.
City Rankings and Small Business Challenges
Data from WalletHub ranks Raleigh as the 9th best large city to start a business in 2025, with Durham following as the 12th. Raleigh’s status underscores its attractiveness for entrepreneurs, although city officials acknowledge ongoing hurdles for small businesses.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell highlighted the significance of small businesses as a vital driver of economic activity. She pointed out common challenges such as difficulties in obtaining necessary permits, securing financing, and properly equipping storefronts. Despite these obstacles, the mayor emphasized the importance of continued support to foster small business success within the city.
The North Carolina Starters Coalition extends its support beyond North Carolina, aiming to assist entrepreneurs in other U.S. cities as part of its broader mission to promote small business development nationwide.
Retail Space Changes at Crabtree Valley Mall
At the same time, Crabtree Valley Mall in Charlotte is undergoing a $60 million renovation under new ownership by the California-based Macerich Company. This extensive renovation is part of a strategic plan to modernize the mall and attract new tenants. However, the changes are affecting longstanding mall vendors, particularly those operating in Retail Merchandising Units (RMUs).
Several RMU operators have been notified they must vacate their leased spaces by the end of September. This decision excludes permanent kiosks, which will remain in operation at the mall. The timing of the notice has raised concerns because it coincides with the upcoming lucrative holiday shopping season, an essential period for small vendors’ revenue.
Many RMU operators describe the mall community as being close-knit, likening it to a family. Long-standing operators, some who have worked at Crabtree for over ten years, expressed surprise and disappointment over the sudden move. Notable operators include Dana Avitan of Hair Sensations and Terrance Taylor, owner of Nazar Fragrances, who plans to relocate out of Crabtree by January 2026 to focus on online sales and other regional markets.
Taylor criticized the short notice given to the operators, citing the negative impact on their holiday sales. Meanwhile, mall management stated that the renovations aim to reimagine the mall’s public spaces to create a more inviting environment for customers and future tenants.
Impacts on Small Business Community and Future Prospects
Operators expressed concerns about the abrupt transition, citing insufficient notice and a lack of clear communication about the future. Many fear the loss of their retail spaces during the vital holiday shopping period could significantly harm their small businesses.
Despite these challenges, a recent survey indicates that a large majority of small business owners remain optimistic about future prospects. Specifically, 84% of small business owners surveyed feel hopeful about their outlook, even amidst concerns related to inflation and market challenges.
Summary
Charlotte is actively working to bolster small business growth through the North Carolina Starters Coalition, emphasizing support for entrepreneurs and innovation. Concurrently, the retail landscape at Crabtree Valley Mall is shifting, with longstanding vendors facing displacement amid major renovations. These developments highlight ongoing efforts and challenges in nurturing a resilient small business community in the region.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: North Carolina Starters Coalition Launch
- News Observer: Business News
- Business North Carolina: Small Business Confidence
- WRAL: Crabtree Valley Mall Renovation
- Foxync: Business Grants Information
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: Small Business Growth
- Google Scholar: Entrepreneurship Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- Google News: North Carolina Entrepreneurs
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
