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Questions Answers
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Is there a maximum square footage or occupancy for the business hub?No, there is no maximum square footage or occupancy for the business hubs. There is also not a minimum square footage. The space should be appropriate for the programming that is being proposed. All projects should meet any required permitting and zoning requirements.
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Are there any exceptions for the organization having a two-year history of serving the Charlotte community for startup nonprofits who do meet that requirement, but through a separate entity of ownership?

Applicants would need to demonstrate the same personnel, program and curriculum have been used successfully for at least two years.
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What is the selection criteria for the Grant?
Funding priority will be given to applications that meet all eligibility requirements and demonstrate the capacity to increase access to training, support and resources for workforce development and/or small business services to the residents of their specified corridor.
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Further context on partnering with existing Neighborhood Association and supporting community needs and wants while utilizing neighborhood space.For the Wingate Center opportunity, applications will need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the Wingate Neighborhood Association's needs and wants and how their proposal supports it. For all other applications, it is encouraged that applicants reach out to or partner with the local neighborhood associations to ensure their proposal supports the community's needs.
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How are capital improvements considered within a proposal?It is expected that some hub spaces will require some capital improvements, construction and upfit. These can be eligible expenses for the grant dollars but should not be the only expenses in the project budget.
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How can we come together to help end the homeless in Charlotte?This program is aimed at increasing access to workforce development and small business support resources within the six Corridors of Opportunity. The City has other programs aimed at homelessness through the Housing and Neighborhood Services department.
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Clarification on funding for spaceThe funding can be used for space improvements or to acquire space. It is expected that some hub spaces will require some capital improvements, construction and upfit. These can be eligible expenses for the grant dollars but should not be the only expenses in the project budget.
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Is it recommended that the curriculum used for the workforce training program be submitted for approval in advance?Yes, applicants should provide information about program curriculum as part of their application. Training curriculum should lead individuals to obtaining a credential.

Ideally, the training will prepare participants to take the certification exam for a particular industry as a part of program, facilitate test preparation, and test taking when possible.
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Is 4600 North Tryon Street a part of the Corridors of Opportunity?Yes, 4600 North Tryon Street is part of the Sugar Creek Corridors of Opportunity Area of Influence.
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What are the funding source requirements?The Opportunity Hub grant funds are federal funds from the City's ARPA award. Organizations receiving federal funds must register with SAM.gov and provide a UEI number with expiration date.
Organizations that expend $750,000 or more in federal funds in one year (total from all sources) are required to obtain a Single Audit.
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Is this a reimbursement-type grant?No it will not be a reimbursement grant.
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What can the grant be used for? Eligible activities are listed in the FAQ and Eligibility documents.
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What are the amounts of the grants given?There is not a set amount to be awarded. Each applicant will include a requested amount. The minimum request amount is $200,000.
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Can we use a fiscal sponsor for financial audit? If your financials are maintained by a fiscal sponsor, then you may submit documentation from that agency to satisfy the financial audit application requirements. The purpose of these requirements is to demonstrate the applicant has been serving small businesses and/or workforce development training for at least two years.
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Is an external financial audit required OR will the P&L showing two year comparative financials and/or Federal Tax Return suffice?Yes, submitting Profit & Loss statements for the previous two years will satisfy the audit document requirements as long as they show that the organization has been serving small businesses and/or workforce development training for at least two years.
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Is the grant a reimbursement based or direct disbursement? It will be an annual disbursement, up to three years.
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What is the Grant term (how many months/years)?The grant term will be 3 years. The hubs should be open and operational for at least three years. Funds must be expended by December 31st, 2026.
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Is there a word count for the application questions?No, there is not a word count. It is expected that applicants are concise and clear in their answers but there is an option to attach additional documents if needed.
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Are financial reviews for 2021 and 2020 sufficient if an audit is scheduled for tax year 2022?Yes this is okay as long as the 2020 and 2021 audit documents show that the organization has been serving small businesses and/or workforce development training for at least two years.
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Can two organizations come together on a joint application?Yes, multiple organizations can submit a joint application. If funds are to be shared with one or more support partner organization(s) as part of this project proposal, please indicate how funds will be utilized by each organization.
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Is there a revenue limit for the applicant?No, there is not a revenue limit for applicants.
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Is this a three year funding commitment?The program requires hubs to be open for at least three years and all grant funding will need to be spent by December 31, 2026.
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What are the full list of eligible and ineligible expenses?Eligible activities include expenses related to acquisition of the hub space, construction/upfit costs, programming, curriculum, equipment, and operating expenses related to the hub space. The grant funds should not be used 100% for construction/upfit costs.
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What are the City’s data reporting requirements?Semi-annual data reporting is required by all awardees. Awardees will need to submit financial reports on how grant funds were used. Awardees will need to submit reports on program recruitment, engagement, certification and/or graduation rates. Applicants should describe their data collection and reporting methods as part of their application.
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