Local business owner helps others open their own businesses

A local entrepreneur was surrounded by friends, family and colleagues Monday as she flung open the doors to her latest business venture that’s designed to give other small businesses a boost.

Erica Grant is the owner of local boutique Charm District, and she just opened the Charm District HUB to help small-business owners open and expand their own businesses. HUB, in this case, stands for Housing Unique Businesses.

While the rain moved everyone inside, the mood was not dampened by the weather as Grant shared stories of her triumphs and tribulations while giving thanks to those who helped her thrive.

Grant said she hopes the HUB will help business owners master the challenges she once faced on her own.

“I want to see big business come to Tuscaloosa,” Grant said. “But sometimes we have hurdles that we just cannot cross. I want to help them leap those hurdles.”

Many prominent members of the Tuscaloosa community came out to support Grant, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner shared praise for Grant’s hard work.

The HUB features four suites business owners can lease. Tenants will be required to attend monthly business classes to further their education to help their businesses grow. Two of the suites are already filled, and Grant said she’s in the process of filling the two remaining spaces.