No digital footprint
In-person-only retailers are invisible online. As shoppers move to search, social, and marketplaces, walk-in traffic isn't enough to keep the lights on.
A Southern Lion × ITDP initiative
Charlotte's retailers, online.
ITDP is raising $3M a year to put artificial intelligence, e-commerce and social media tools in the hands of local business owners — taught in the building where they already work.
The ask
$3M a year, spent on one thing: getting Charlotte’s retailers online.
- Entrepreneurs trained
- 250+
- Businesses brought online
- 120+
- Local jobs supported
- 480+
- Diverse-owned businesses
- 92%
ITDP is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 83-1404551. Read the filings.
The challenge
Local retailers need digital tools to scale.
As commerce moves online, brick-and-mortar entrepreneurs face growing pressure to adapt. Most don't have the technology or training to expand their reach alone.
No business infrastructure
Without modern POS, payments, fulfillment, or data, small operators can't scale. Thinning margins and limited digital infrastructure restrict their growth potential.
No growth pathway
There's no clear ladder from microbusiness to scaled enterprise — no training, no capital, no hands-on coaching to bridge the digital gap.
Our solution
Three ways we help you grow
Practical programs designed for busy entrepreneurs — from your first online sale to your next customer.
E-commerce
Launch online
Many of our businesses want to sell online but don't know where to start. We build your online store with you — products, payments, and shipping — so you go from in-person only to selling everywhere.
Social media
Build your presence
Most of our businesses have no social media at all. We set up your accounts, create your content, and teach you a simple posting routine so customers can find and follow you.
AI
Learn AI for your business
Our entrepreneurs are eager to learn AI. We teach practical AI tools that write your product descriptions, create your marketing, and save you hours every week — no tech background needed.
Where it happens
Training runs where the businesses already are.
Already in the marketplace? You’re already in the program.
Where the classes happen The floor on a working day A cohort mid-session
- Vendors under one roof
- 150
- Going online
- 50+
- Learning AI
- 50+
How it works
A clear path from application to graduation.
Apply
Vendors apply through a simple intake form.
Onboard & train
Hands-on training in operations, e-commerce, and marketing.
Launch online
Storefront goes live with payments, shipping, and fulfillment.
Grow & graduate
Coaching and data drive scale — from microbusiness to enterprise.
Our donors
The people backing this work
Our donors make the training, technology and storefronts possible for Charlotte metro entrepreneurs. Every gift to the Information Technology Development Program is tax-deductible and goes directly to training local business owners.
Donate“When a local entrepreneur stays open, a whole block stays alive.”
The partnership
Southern Lion brings the floor. ITDP brings the standing.
Southern Lion brings the retail space, the entrepreneurs and the operating expertise. ITDP — the Information Technology Development Program — brings 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, mission-aligned governance and access to philanthropic capital.
- 01
- Tax-deductible contributions for donors and foundations
- 02
- Access to foundation and grant capital
- 03
- Mission-aligned governance and oversight
- 04
- Accountable, transparent fund management
Contributions may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Consult your tax advisor. EIN 83-1404551
Get involved
Two ways to power the initiative.
Whether you're a vendor ready to grow or a funder ready to invest in community economic development, there's a place for you.
For vendors
Apply to the program
Tell us about your business. We’ll review your application and reach out about onboarding, training and launching your storefront.
For funders & donors
Back the $3M initiative
The Entrepreneur Empowerment Initiative delivers technology, training and storefronts to local retailers. Sponsor a cohort, fund a storefront or underwrite training — every dollar moves a business online.
Transparency
Official documents
Read the filings for yourself.