During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found themselves pivoting due to the unforeseen circumstances. In Tigo B’s case, the unexpected turn of events happened after he landed a deal with Universal Music Group. As the world slowed down though, so did things for musicians, which led the North Carolina native to ponder what to do while his music was temporarily paused. The brainstorming resulted in a successful business franchise.

Charlotte Hornets NBA player LaMelo Ball is planning some major investments to give back to his local basketball community, starting with the youth. According to the Charlotte Observer, the 2021 Rookie of the Year player is making moves to start his own high school basketball team in the North Carolina town to help grow and expand the game for future young basketball players. The outlet shares that Ball is partnering with basketball facility Carolina Courts to launch the “1 of 1 Prep Academy” for any and all up-and-coming basketball players in the coming months, in addition to a travel team. As a brand ambassador for Puma, both of Ball’s teams will be sponsored by the athleisure brand. Ball’s investments by way of the upgraded practice facility will put these local student athletes in a position to have access to some of the best resources in the world. Ball’s academy solely focuses on the sport with no formal classes, so players that opt to sign up for his academy will have to give...

Values Partnerships, The Players’ Impact, and Shark Tank are hosting a casting call for entrepreneurs in Charlotte during the NBA All-Star Weekend. The Player’s Impact is a network of entrepreneurial-minded athletes looking to invest in startups and network with industry leaders, while Values Partnerships helps companies build more diverse initiatives and strategies. More than 100 hopeful entrepreneurs are expected to arrive at the casting call, but only a handful will get the chance to pitch to “sharks” during the recording sessions in Los Angeles. Even some athletes-turned-entrepreneurs will be in line for a chance for more funding and notoriety for their businesses. Athletes that have pitched on Shark Tank include former NFL players Justin Forsett and Wendell Hunter for their company ShowerPill and former NBA player Metta World Peace for his clothing company. The casting call will be hosted at BLKTECHCLT, the only Black-owned co-working space in Charlotte. Founders in the city...