The Boost Pad

A true entrepreneurial power trio at the grand opening of the CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City! The Boost Pad was honored to celebrate the opening of yet another pivotal entrepreneurial hub in Charlotte, NC to support economic mobility and supporting emerging business leaders. Pictured left to right: Brad Yeckly, Director of UNC Charlotte Co-LAB, Steven Lewis, Founder of The Boost Pad, and William McNeely, Founder of DoGreater Charlotte. Together, these leaders are driving innovation, collaboration, and impact in our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Exciting times ahead for Charlotte's startup and business community! #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #UNCC #CoLabs #Networking #CharlotteBusiness"

??? Celebrating Women Who Break Barriers This International Women’s Day, The Boost Pad honors the resilience, innovation, and impact of BIPOC and minority women founders & entrepreneurs who are shaping industries, creating opportunities, and redefining leadership. From launching game-changing startups to building businesses that uplift entire communities, these trailblazers are overcoming systemic barriers, challenging norms, and leading with purpose. Yet, despite their undeniable talent and drive, they continue to face disproportionate challenges in funding, representation, and access to resources. That’s why we’re committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and support for women entrepreneurs—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Whether it’s through mentorship, funding opportunities, or community-driven initiatives, we believe in amplifying their voices and fueling their success. Today, we celebrate their victories, their stories, and their unstoppable ambition. LWho is a woman entrepreneur that inspires you? Tag them and give them their well-deserved flowers! Dr. Joan Thaxter Randall Rachel Rowell #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInBusiness #BIPOCFounders #WomenEntrepreneurs #TheBoostPad

Empower Entrepreneurs. Strengthen Our Community. The Boost Pad is looking for passionate leaders to join our board of directors! If you're dedicated to increasing economic mobility in Charlotte and supporting local entrepreneurs, this is your chance to make a real impact. As a board member, you’ll help guide our mission, ensure financial sustainability, and expand our reach. Whether your background is in finance, marketing, fundraising, or community engagement, your expertise can help us grow. Join a network of like-minded professionals and be part of something meaningful. Ready to lead and give back? Learn more at The Boost Pad. Reach out to [email protected] to inquire about becoming a board member today. Doug Neal Chairman, The Boost Pad

The Boost Pad Cohort 9 Pitch Night: Empowering Underrepresented Entrepreneurs On February 6, 2025, The Boost Pad hosted its Cohort 9 Pitch Night at DoGreater Charlotte, marking the end of a 16-week journey for a group of dedicated entrepreneurs. These founders worked hard to refine their business models, engage with mentors, and develop the skills needed to grow their ventures. Congratulations to the winners: 1st Place - @jubileague ($5,000) 2nd Place - @supplyrlink ($2,500) 3rd Place - @blessedwomenscholars ($1,000) Honorable Mention - @millenniumscholarsgroup ($500) Each of these businesses stood out for their innovation, execution, and potential for impact. From technology-driven solutions to community-focused initiatives, every founder demonstrated a clear vision and the ability to make a difference. As these entrepreneurs move forward, they do so with a strong foundation, new connections, and the support of The Boost Pad community. We are excited to see how their businesses grow and evolve. Applications for Cohort 10 will be opening soon. Follow @theboostpad for updates on future programs, pitch nights, and funding opportunities. #TheBoostPad #Cohort9 #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #DoGreater #CLTStartups #FounderLife

The Boost Pad would like to take a moment to wish our Pastorpreneur and head of Entrepreneurs In Residence, Charles G. Kearse a very Happy Birthday ?? ????

Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future – Black History Month at The Boost Pad At The Boost Pad, we recognize that Black History Month is more than a reflection on the past—it’s a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the countless contributions of Black leaders, creators, and visionaries who have shaped our world. This month, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. Black history is not just history—it is a driving force of excellence, culture, and progress. From the pioneers who paved the way to the changemakers of today, we honor the legacy and the future of Black leadership, entrepreneurship, and creativity. We invite our community to join us in celebrating, amplifying, and uplifting Black voices—not just in February, but every single day. Together, we build a future where opportunity, innovation, and success are accessible to all. #BlackHistoryMonth #TheBoostPad #HonoringBlackExcellence #EmpoweringTheFuture

Attention! The Boost Pad's Cohort 9 Pitch Night has been rescheduled! Join us on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, to witness innovation in action and support our incredible entrepreneurs as they pitch their business to our judges and audience. New Start Time: 5:00 PM Location: Do Greater Charlotte, 2400 Greenland Ave., Charlotte, NC Dinner Provided | Free Entry ? $7,000 in startup funds will be awarded! Please sign up again for this exciting event at the new link in our bio! We can't wait to see you there!

Event postponed due to the winter storm and the safety of all attendees. We will reschedule. Stay tuned!

Join Us for an Exciting Night of Innovation and Entrepreneurship! The Boost Pad invites you to Cohort 9 Pitch Night, a unique event where emerging entrepreneurs will present their cutting-edge ideas to compete for $7,000 in startup funding. Details: Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Time: 6 PM Location: DO Greater Charlotte, 2400 W Morehead St, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC Admission: Free (includes dinner) This is more than just a pitch competition; it’s a chance to witness innovation in action, network with entrepreneurs and professionals, and be part of a community that supports groundbreaking ideas and growth. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, business professional, or simply curious about the latest in innovation, this event offers valuable insights and opportunities to connect with the next generation of changemakers. Secure your spot today by registering here: https://lnkd.in/g2fgwMNN Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and help shape the future of entrepreneurship in our community.

Today, we remember and honor the legacy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8