20 Nov From Hustle to Strategy: The Small Business Owner’s Glow Up
When you launch a business in Charlotte, you quickly learn the difference between being a visionary and being an operator. You love your craft, but the reality is you spend most days juggling receipts, answering emails, trying to hire talent, and frantically trying to keep up. Many are constantly “firefighting,” pushing the big-picture strategy (the planning that leads to real growth) to late nights and stressful weekends.
If this sounds familiar, you need to step out of the daily grind. That’s the core of the collaborative workshops offered by Charlotte Works, the NCWorks Career Center-Charlotte, and Chase Bank.
Beyond the Transaction: Why This Coaching Matters
When we think of a bank, it’s transactions and loans. But Chase has intentionally positioned itself as a resource hub for entrepreneurs.
“Running a business is challenging, and owners often wear many hats. This is where our 1:1 coaching program adds real value. We recognized that Charlotte Works, through its network, had a gap where previous business workshops had tapered off. We saw an immediate opportunity to step in and fill that educational need,” explains Justin Hurst, Chase Bank Senior Business Consultant.
This partnership has become a place where local owners from caterers to consultants can finally put down the urgent tasks and focus on the important work of building a resilient company.
The Real Impact: Getting Actionable Tools
Small business owners need practical tools they can use immediately. Chase’s greatest hope is that every attendee leaves with renewed hope and actionable steps, which often lead them to the most valuable, and most underutilized, resource: 1:1 coaching.
“We hope people sign up for the Coaching for Impact program, offering complimentary coaching to businesses in operation for 2+ years, regardless of whether they bank at Chase. It’s our way of providing personalized advice to some amazing local companies,” Hurst says. As an added benefit, Community Manager Shakeira Tennort also offers personal finance workshops, helping owners align their personal financial goals with business growth.
The Digital Dilemma: Your Next Chance to Scale
The next challenge for any growing business? Digital marketing.
Most businesses need a strong website, effective social media, and a clear strategy, but most employers are simply reacting to what worked yesterday. This next workshop is designed to stop that frantic cycle and provide a structured plan.
For Chase, this partnership is a commitment to economic resiliency. Tennort says there is a broad investment. “Chase invests a lot of philanthropic dollars and volunteer hours in the communities where we have branches. At Chase, we’re deeply invested, financially and personally, in the business and philanthropic communities in Charlotte.” She adds that the true measure of success is momentum: “True impact is also when they share the value of our workshops with others and return, bringing friends along.”
Ultimately, the goal is trust and confidence. “People now see us as a resource for guidance and support, not just financial products. Our presence and educational resources have helped us build trust in the Charlotte community,” says Tennort.
“We aim to help owners build resilient businesses that can weather any storm. Ultimately, we want them to feel confident in their plans to scale their businesses and achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals,” says Hurst.
Don’t miss the next complimentary workshop! Chase and Charlotte Works are ready to help you master the digital landscape.
Next Workshop: “Marketing in a Digital World”
- Date: Tuesday, December 3rd
- Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
- Location: NCWorks Career Center Charlotte 8601 McAlpine Drive Charlotte, NC 28211
- Focus: Mastering social media, websites, and digital marketing strategy.
- Register here
