Behind every entrepreneur,
there's a story.
lighting up charlotte one business at a time
Behind every entrepreneur,
entrepreneur
know someone with a story?
take it next level
Light Up Charlotte was created to shine a spotlight on these incredible entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys—the challenges, the triumphs, and everything in between, but most importantly who they really are.
This initiative isn’t just about recognition; it’s about building a community that uplifts, inspires, and supports one another. When small businesses thrive, our entire city shines!
what is light up charlotte?
Charlotte is filled with passionate, hardworking small business owners, each with a unique story of resilience, creativity, and determination.
Light Up Charlotte isn’t just about successful businesses; it’s about the people behind them — the dreamers, doers, and believers who turned their stories into something bigger than themselves. When you apply or nominate someone, we want you to go beyond the business name or logo. We want to know who you are, where you came from, and what made you the person you are today.
how to apply or nominate
Step 1
This is where your story begins — and trust us, it matters more than you think.
be one of the 20 businesses selected for 2026
Who were you growing up? What challenges shaped you? What moments or people changed the course of your life? Was there someone who inspired you — a parent, a teacher, a mentor, or maybe a personal experience that lit a spark inside you? We want to understand what fueled your passion to create something meaningful, what kept you going when things got hard, and what this journey truly means to you.
how to apply or nominate
Step 2
Tell us your life story:
be one of the 20 businesses selected for 2026
Believe you can, and you are half way there.
"
Megan waters, pleasant grove farm
2025 award winner
Light Up Elite
Light Up Spark
Light Up Shine
starter package
founders circle
growth package
Perfect for: Established brands, coaches, agencies & media-forward businesses
Price: $199/month or $2,100/year
Perfect for: Businesses ready for visibility, collabs & storytelling
Price: $79/month or $850/year
Perfect for: Solo entrepreneurs, new businesses, creatives
Price: $35/month or $420/year
want to do more with light up charlotte? be one of our founding members
did you think we were done?
Tune in to Light Up Charlotte — where we keep the spotlight on real stories, bold ideas, and the people lighting up our city.
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