About Us
Business Showers is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization based in Charlotte, NC. We organized during the COVID-
19 Pandemic in response to the growing demand for new businesses that desired to launch, in an
environment where many others were closing. Freedom In Me took action, despite our own financial
need, to give back to our community by supporting new businesses to ensure they beat the statistical data that
say's they won't make it past the first 3yrs. This one-of-a-kind initiative to build-back strong communities
continues to gain support and momentum nationwide.
What We Do
Our Mission
To increase the success rate for small business owners within the first three years of business, by combating some of the top reasons new businesses fail: lack of training, money and people resources, marketing strategies, and business plans.
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Annual Recruitment and Enrollment
Begins in December each year.
Goal: Recruit and screen quality adult & youth applications.
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Applicants are screened. Those selected to be finalists receive 12 weeks of no-cost training where they learn how to develop, create and pitch a fund-ready business plan in hopes of winning a Business Shower.
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Youth are interviewed and enrolled in the program based on their application and interview scoring.
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Adults go through screening, and panel interviews, and are selected through this process.
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Selected businesses sign in to our virtual training and course platforms each week. Participants engage in the following: training, homework, Q&A & coaching.
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Business owners work with Program staff to apply each successive week of training, toward the completion of a fund-ready business plan.
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Candidates in good standing (attendance, participation, community vote, and a completed business plan) are scheduled to pitch their business ideas and written plans to a panel of business professionals.
The finalists are selected based on their business plans/pitch scores to receive a Business Shower in July.
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It is our hope that by "gifting" rising
entrepreneurs with the skills, services and
support needed for a solid foundation, we
will build stronger and more financially
sound communities. Small businesses will
be successful far beyond the first critical
three years in business. Why? ...because
the community comes together to create
new opportunities for one another, our
families; and society at large through
strengthening the small business
community.
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How We Do It
Why We Do It
Join Our Network
