Did you know Charlotte ranks the highest of any North Carolina city in the country to start a business?

May is Small Business Month. The county is celebrating by hosting opportunities for local entrepreneurs to grow their companies.

Staff from the Office of Economic Development will host meet and greets to connect people starting or growing their small business. The "Township Connections" are taking across Mecklenburg County:

Wednesday, May 8 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius | Business owners and community members in Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville are welcome.
Monday, June 3 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Ln., Matthews | Lunch will be provided at this presentation.
Thursday, June 13 | 2-4p.m. | Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 505 Main St., Ste. 100, Pineville | Refreshments will be provided during this meeting.
Thursday, June 20 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation, 7500 Old Sycamore Dr., Charlotte | Breakfast will be provided during this presentation.

Editor's note: registration is required for each event.

The county is also providing training in government and private contracting. Applications for the Business LaunchPad cohort are open.