Turning opportunity into reality
“I would definitely recommend the Charlotte Small Business Growth Fund for any business owner looking to get to the next level.”
Licensed cosmetologist Jasmine Wintons doesn’t just do hair—she creates safe spaces for her clients to define what pretty means to them. From her salon, the Pretty Lounge, to her hair extensions and beauty product line TPLXtensions, Jasmine is constantly expanding her services.
When she was denied after applying for an SBA loan, Jasmine was introduced to the Charlotte Small Business Growth Fund through our experienced lending partner BEFCOR. They worked with Jasmine to get approved for the loan in time to secure a new building for her salon suites, TPL Suites. Now, Jasmine leases eight suites offering a variety of services, generating additional income while she takes on clients.
Meeting clients where they are
“The Growth Fund is building a community where everybody wants to see small businesses win.”
Whitney Adams and Vanessa Merritt are the hearts and minds behind Wisdom Senior Care Charlotte. Their team of expert care providers have been supporting older adults and their families with home care services since 2021. When their bank denied them a loan, Whitney and Vanessa turned to our community lending partner Aspire, who recognized their potential and knew the Growth Fund was the right opportunity for them.
The Aspire team not only supported Whitney and Vanessa throughout the loan process but continued to be a trusted resource after the loan was approved. With their loan, Vanessa and Whitney were able to hire an administrative assistant and invest in new marketing, allowing them to focus on growth while still providing excellent care.
Adapting to growing demand
“All the dots were in place and the timing was perfect for my needs…It was truly a team effort”
Jay Hymon, better known as Big J, has been in the business of personal security since 2001. What started as a favor for a high-profile client quickly evolved into Prestigious VIP Concierge Services, LLC, a private transportation service that provides extra security for Big J’s clients. When a big contract required him to transport multiple public figures, Jay and his team didn’t hesitate to spring into action.
The Growth Fund application connected Jay to Ascendus, who worked with him to secure the proper documents and set him up for success. With his Growth Fund loan, Jay was able to secure the necessary vehicles and crew to meet the demand of his contract.
Redefining Limits
“What I thought was impossible now feels achievable within the next three years.”
Timothy Glass believes fitness creates positive change in people’s lives. After working as a personal trainer for years, Timothy opened his own facility, Vim Fit, in 2021. The business was successful and ready to grow after its first couple years, and Timothy found financial solutions in the Growth Fund that he couldn’t find anywhere else.
Using the flexible working capital he accessed through the Growth Fund, Timothy was able to purchase new resistance training equipment and make renovations to his facility. He says the Growth Fund gave him the confidence to take a risk and expand Vim Fit, and now he’s reaching a broader audience and helping even more people meet their fitness goals.
Unlocking new potential
“They walked with me throughout the process… having someone translate financial terms into easy steps was quite cool.”
Emiliano, an immigrant from Argentina with a background in creative advertising and playwriting, launched his Charlotte-based branding business in 2021 with the goal to help organizations craft authentic, strategic stories. He saw an opportunity to build a business focused on real connection and storytelling, but as a newcomer, earning trust and finding support wasn’t easy. He began working with new clients, mostly nonprofits, but to grow, he needed funding to expand services, invest in training, and strengthen his marketing efforts.
Through Prospera, Emiliano discovered the Charlotte Small Business Growth Fund and he was connected to the lending team at Ascendus. What began as a loan application became a partnership, with hands-on guidance that helped him clarify his business goals. With funding in hand, he is investing in key equipment, attending specialized workshops, and testing new offerings. Emiliano describes the experience as transformative—shifting him from survival mode to being able to work towards his long-term vision.