AI-powered hub connects entrepreneurs to resources

A new resource hub can help Charlotte area entrepreneurs connect to resources for starting and growing a business.

Regional Innovation and Support for Entrepreneurs, or RISE, uses artificial intelligence-powered technology in a one-stop shop to engage the small business community with resources, jobs and events. The interactive online tool includes a constantly updated resource directory curated for businesses in the region.

“This is the problem solving that they didn’t know they needed,” Tya Bolton, CLT Alliance Foundation director of small business and entrepreneurship, said in a statement. “It is going to help them to relieve some stress of knowing where the resources are, how to navigate them, and at what point in the journey to access them.”

RISE is among the strategies CLT Alliance Foundation is using to give entrepreneurs the resources to be successful. The CLT Alliance Foundation, in partnership with the Center for Digital Equity, is leading a strategy to introduce the interactive hub to entrepreneurs across the region.

"RISE is a game-changer for entrepreneurs in the Charlotte Region," said Nate Hogan, president of the CLT Alliance Foundation. “RISE by itself won’t remove every barrier in front of entrepreneurs, but we believe in an all-of-the-above approach. So, whether it’s trying to find access to capital or equity issues in the ecosystem, we believe we need to address every barrier in front of our entrepreneurs. RISE is an important step in that direction.”

Said Bruce Clark, executive director of the Center for Digital Equity: “We know that many of our neighbors need a working computer, affordable internet, and the skills to thrive in the world today. We also know many of those neighbors are entrepreneurs. Supporting RISE and the important work the foundation is leading is part of the collective impact approach it takes to make it easy for business owners to adopt these critical tools.” 

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