How Latino business leaders aim to spark east Charlotte growth with new workforce site
A new economic development hub will help improve workforce development and small business growth in the city’s east side, according to Latino chamber leaders.
Construction for Spark Centro in the Albemarle Road corridor is scheduled to start this fall. The project from the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte will provide spaces for entrepreneurs working to build up their small businesses.
The chamber’s goal is to raise $20 million for Spark Centro.
A vacant building at 8801 E W.T. Harris Blvd. is being remodeled for the project. The 45,000-square-foot property will have programs for workforce development and business owners.
“Once we get that going, it’s going to increase economic activity and development,” said interim CEO and President Manuel Rey. “I’m 100% sure about that, and it’s gonna improve the quality of life of that area.”
Spark Centro will be a free incubator for entrepreneurship to develop their businesses, Rey added. Leasing space for nonprofits will also be available.
Sparking investments in east Charlotte
The chamber is finalizing plans for the first of three phases of the building.
This includes using 8,000 square feet for a new headquarters and moving from Scaleybark Road. During this phase, the chamber will also be welcoming nonprofits into this space, according to Rey.
After work starts in the fall, the estimated completion for the first phase is in December.
Plans for the second phase includes remodeling the remainder of the building for workspaces. This will take another year to complete. And the third phase will be focused on by making sure the organization has enough money for building operations.
Spark Centro should be complete by the end of 2026, said Rey.
The project spearheaded by the chamber is a part of the city’s Corridors of Opportunity initiative, which supports six under-invested areas. Along with the Albemarle/Central area, the other corridors are Beatties Ford/Rozzelles Ferry, Freedom/Wilkinson, West Sugar Creek, North Graham/North Tryon and West Boulevard.
More than 170,000 people identify as Latino in Mecklenburg County, representing 15% of the total population, according to the chamber. Spark Centro service will be available to people of all ethnic backgrounds.
Marjorie Molina, a Charlotte councilwoman and representative for the Albemarle Road corridor, lives within five miles of the project and noted that the average income for area residents is about $35,000 or less.
“I think it will be fantastic for the entire east Charlotte community,” Molina said.
The Freedom Business Collective in west Charlotte is an example of what Spark Central can be, Molina said. It offers business coaching, networking opportunities, workshops, and training programs for west Charlotte’s residents and businesses. A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening was held in September.
“I’m excited for what it’ll mean to the people that I represent. The opportunity to get small business help to find services for jobs and placement all in one facility,” Molina said.
‘Connecting people, ideas and resources’
The project is being sponsored by the city of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Bank of America, Truist and Wells Fargo. So far, they have collectively provided more than $5.5 million for Spark Centro, according to Rey.
Wells Fargo provided a $1 million grant to support Spark Centro. The bank has a long history of supporting the growth of small businesses, entrepreneurs and local communities, according to Juan Austin, senior vice president for Philanthropy and Impact for Wells Fargo.
Truist’s Charitable Fund provided a $200,000 grant in 2023 and an additional $350,000 grant last year to support Spark Centro. The bank said the investment will help people achieve generational wealth-building with economic mobility through programs and resources.
“We look forward to witnessing the long-term impact that Spark Centro will bring to the Albemarle Corridor and the broader Charlotte region following the completion of this transformative project,” said Truist North Carolina West Regional President Jenna Kelly.
The latest donation for $1 million came from Bank of America in mid-December, the chamber announced. Spark Centro is a project that reflects a commitment to economic growth while creating opportunities for all communities in Charlotte, said Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte, in a news release.
“As part of our partnership with LACCC, we are connecting people, ideas and resources to support our business community, drive economic development and create a brighter future for the region,” Cockrell stated.
Large businesses and individuals are also planning to make contributions, Rey said. Additional donation information is available online at www.lacccharlotte.com/spark/
About the Latin American Chamber of Commerce
The Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte serves Latino-owned businesses and professionals in Charlotte.
It started in 1995 as “Las Americas Business Council” and was part of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. The chamber became a separate organization in 2001.
The Latin American Chamber has more than 400 members and is associated with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
This story was originally published January 8, 2025 at 5:50 AM.
