Charlotte, NC – Two community-driven nonprofits are joining forces to create powerful new connections between students and local businesses. Campus to Commerce and Network Charlotte have announced a strategic partnership that promises to transform how students gain professional experience while strengthening Charlotte's business community.

This collaboration unites organizations with complementary missions: Campus to Commerce specializes in connecting students with hands-on work experience through micro-internships, while Network Charlotte serves over 65,000 members as the region's premier professional networking organization.

"This partnership expands what's possible for our students," said Tiffany Cheeseboro, Founder & Director of Campus to Commerce. "Not only will they gain hands-on internship experience, but now they'll also have access to professional spaces that help build confidence, networks, and long-term success."

Creating Pathways to Professional Growth

The partnership addresses a critical need in Charlotte's workforce development ecosystem. Students seeking real-world experience often struggle to find opportunities that accommodate their academic schedules and provide meaningful professional connections. Meanwhile, businesses—especially small and medium-sized companies—need access to fresh talent but may lack established internship programs.

Through this collaboration, Campus to Commerce students will gain invaluable exposure to professional networking environments through Network Charlotte's established community. This experience helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace readiness, providing students with both practical skills and professional connections.

"Network Charlotte is thrilled to help bridge generations of talent, by connecting our members with emerging professionals in partnership with Campus to Commerce!" said Hannah Fitch, Executive Director of the Network Charlotte Foundation. "By supporting students early in their careers, we're both strengthening the Queen City's workforce and empowering businesses with fresh perspectives and innovation."

Benefits for Charlotte's Business Community

For Network Charlotte's 65,000+ members, this partnership opens access to a new pipeline of student talent available for short-term, paid micro-internships. These opportunities span diverse areas including marketing, technology, research, and operations, providing businesses with specialized support for specific projects and initiatives.

The micro-internship model offers businesses flexibility and efficiency, allowing them to bring in targeted talent for 2-8 week projects without the administrative burden of traditional internship programs. This approach is particularly valuable for small businesses, nonprofits, and startups that may not have established internship infrastructure.

Both organizations will collaborate on events and initiatives focused on workforce development, mentorship, and community building. These joint efforts will create spaces where students and professionals can connect, learn, and grow together.

Building a More Connected Charlotte

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive, connected, and opportunity-rich ecosystem in Charlotte. By bringing together established professionals and emerging talent, the initiative strengthens the foundation of the local economy while creating pathways for student success.

The collaboration launches at a pivotal time for Charlotte's workforce development landscape, as businesses seek innovative ways to identify and nurture talent while students increasingly value hands-on experience and professional connections alongside their academic credentials.

To learn more about this partnership or how to get involved, visit campustocommerce.org or networkcharlotte.org.