$10 Million Thriving Cities Fund Launches to Back North Carolina’s Small Businesses 

The growth capital fund, launched by Flock Safety and Homegrown, has already made several investments in North Carolina, including Switchyards and Night Swim Coffee.

$10 Million Thriving Cities Fund Launches to Back North Carolina’s Small Businesses 

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs and Fostering Safer, More Prosperous Communities

$10 Million Thriving Cities Fund Launches to Back North Carolina’s Small Businesses 

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs and Foster Safer, More Prosperous Communities

Charlotte, NC—  Oct. 13, 2025Flock Safety, the leading safety technology platform dedicated to creating thriving communities, and Homegrown, a revenue-based growth capital provider for brick-and-mortar businesses, announced today the launch of the Thriving Cities Fund (“the Fund”) in North Carolina. This milestone marks another step in a growing national initiative that helps local businesses scale and create jobs.


Backed by an initial $10 million investment from Flock Safety and managed by Homegrown, the Thriving Cities Fund is built on the principle that communities need both safety and economic prosperity to flourish. While Flock Safety’s technology strengthens public safety, the Fund reinvests in local businesses to drive economic growth.


In North Carolina, that means creating new opportunities for employment and supporting businesses with at least two physical locations that anchor their communities. Early North Carolina investments include Switchyards and Night Swim Coffee.


“Communities thrive when they are both safe and economically strong. With the Thriving Cities Fund, Flock has already helped create more than 400 jobs by supporting local businesses. This is how we build safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities,” said Garrett Langley, Founder and CEO of Flock Safety.


The Fund has already successfully launched in Atlanta and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Its revenue-share model has no fixed terms or personal guarantees, and returns are capped. Check sizes typically range from five to six figures and are tailored to each business’s growth needs.


“Brick and mortar businesses are one of the strongest shock absorption layers we have as AI and other forces reshape the economy,” said Michael Davis, CEO and founder of Homegrown. “They create jobs, give entrepreneurs a way to build wealth and keep dollars circulating locally in ways that strengthen neighborhoods. The Thriving Cities Fund exists to back these businesses so that communities in North Carolina and beyond can build resilience in this next era of technology.” 


Entrepreneurs in North Carolina who are interested in growth funding through the Thriving Cities Fund can learn more and apply at www.thrivingcitiesfund.com


About Flock Safety
Flock Safety is the leading safety technology platform, helping communities thrive by taking a proactive approach to crime prevention and security. Our end-to-end hardware and software suite unites cities, law enforcement, businesses, schools and neighborhoods in a nationwide public-private safety network. Flock is trusted by more than 5,000 communities, 4,500 law enforcement agencies and 1,000 businesses to deliver real-time intelligence while upholding the highest standards of privacy, data integrity and responsible innovation. Visit www.flocksafety.com for more info.


About Homegrown
Homegrown exists to unlock growth for America’s high-performing brick-and-mortar businesses. We deploy revenue-based growth capital without personal guarantees or taking equity, enabling both independent and franchise brands to scale faster on their own terms. Our mission is to build the missing growth capital layer for brick-and-mortar entrepreneurs, giving proven businesses with high potential the capital empowerment that technology startups frequently benefit from. Visit www.joinhomegrown.com to learn more.


Press Contacts:
Flock Safety
Sydney Calkins
sydney.calkins@flocksafety.com


Homegrown
Sarah Mattina
sarah@joinhomegrown.com

Atlanta, GA – June 2, 2025Flock Safety, the leading safety technology platform dedicated to creating thriving communities, has partnered with Homegrown, a revenue-based growth capital provider for brick-and-mortar businesses, to launch the Thriving Cities Fund (“the Fund”). This pioneering initiative will provide growth capital to high-performing locally focused small businesses — catalyzing community safety, economic vitality, and long-term prosperity in cities across the country.


“A safe city isn’t just a city without crime — it’s a city where people thrive,” said Garrett Langley, Co-Founder and CEO of Flock Safety. “Through the Thriving Cities Fund, we’re helping high-impact entrepreneurs expand their businesses, create jobs, and anchor their neighborhoods, which in turn fosters trust, opportunity, and a higher quality of life for all.”

The Thriving Cities Fund focuses on helping existing brick-and-mortar businesses expand to new locations, particularly those that serve as cornerstones of their communities, such as neighborhood restaurants, beauty salons, wellness and fitness concepts, coffee shops, healthcare facilities, and other local hubs of connection.


In order to structure the most business-friendly terms, the capital is based on a revenue share model, rather than equity or fixed interest. There are no set term lengths, and each deal will be unique to the business, with check sizes ranging from five to six figures. Additionally, financing is available without personal guarantees or upfront down payments, providing a friendlier funding option for proven businesses.


Founded in 2023 and publicly launched in 2025, Homegrown has deployed over $7 million to launch 40 new business locations across the U.S., creating more than 500 jobs in the process. Homegrown will fully manage the investment process for the Fund, including conducting diligence, making investment decisions, and driving the monthly revenue share process. It will kick off with an initial $10 million investment from Flock Safety. 


“We started Homegrown after realizing that most of the market was overlooking a powerful opportunity to invest in successful brick-and-mortar businesses — even profitable ones struggle to access the capital they need to grow,” said Michael Davis, CEO and Founder of Homegrown. “In the years since founding Homegrown, we’ve been inspired by the entrepreneurs who define our cities and are proud to partner with Flock Safety as we drive growth together for the next generation of brick-and-mortar businesses.”


Funding a collective mission in Atlanta and beyond

The first city where the Thriving Cities Fund will deploy capital is the metro Atlanta area, where both Flock Safety and Homegrown are headquartered. The first announced investments in the Fund are El Tesoro, a Tex-Mex restaurant with two existing locations, Switchyards, a 24/7 neighborhood work club with locations in 10 cities, and Sugarcoat Beauty, a nail and beauty business with 20 locations. 


Over the next several months, the Thriving Cities Fund will launch in two to four additional cities across the country. 

Funding decisions will be based on the business’s track record, vision for expansion, and alignment with the Fund’s mission to strengthen communities. As of launch, the Fund will prioritize funding proven businesses with multiple existing locations.


Business owners interested in applying can learn more and submit their interest through the form available at www.thrivingcitiesfund.com.


About Homegrown

Homegrown exists to unlock growth for the country’s high-performing brick-and-mortar businesses. We deploy revenue-based growth capital without personal guarantees or taking equity, enabling both independent and franchise brands to scale faster on their own terms. Our mission is to build the missing growth capital layer for brick-and-mortar entrepreneurs, giving proven businesses with high potential the capital empowerment that technology startups frequently benefit from. Visit www.joinhomegrown.com to learn more about how Homegrown funds the dreams of brick & mortar businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them.


About Flock Safety

Flock Safety is the leading safety technology platform, helping communities thrive by taking a proactive approach to crime prevention and security. Our end-to-end hardware and software suite unites cities, law enforcement, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods in a nationwide public-private safety network. Flock is trusted by more than 5,000 communities, 4,500 law enforcement agencies, and 1,000 businesses to deliver real-time intelligence while upholding the highest standards of privacy, data integrity, and responsible innovation. Visit www.flocksafety.com for more info.


Press Contacts: 

Homegrown
Sarah Mattina
sarah@mattinamediagroup.com



Homegrown

Made with soul in Atlanta.

@2025 Homegrown Financing Inc. and Homegrown Management LLC

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Suite 8500, Atlanta GA 30308

The information on this website does not constitute an offer to sell securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Further, none of the information contained on this website currently or in the past is a recommendation to invest in any securities or a recommendation of any interest in any fund or investment offered by Homegrown Financing, Inc. By using this website, you accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected returns or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All investments involve risk and may result in loss, including loss of principal. Homegrown Financing, Inc. does not render investment, financial, legal or accounting advice.

Any financial forecasts or financial returns, whether in the form of dividends or capital appreciation displayed on this website are for illustrative purposes only and are not a guarantee of future results.

Alternative investments are speculative and possess a high level of risk. No assurance can be given that investors will receive a return of their capital. Those investors who cannot afford to lose their entire investment should not invest. Investments in private placements are highly illiquid and those investors who cannot hold an investment for an indefinite term should not invest. Private credit investments may be complex investments and they are subject to default risk. This website is only available to certain qualified investors.

The information on this website does not constitute investment advice. The only basis for purchasing any securities is the final base sale document or private placement memoranda. Such offerings are made only to persons who are "accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Investors should make their own independent evaluation and analysis, consult financial, tax, investment consultants, etc., and decide whether to invest. No communication by Homegrown or any of its affiliates through this website or any other medium should be construed or is intended to be investment, tax, financial, accounting, or legal advice.

Homegrown

Made with soul in Atlanta.

@2025 Homegrown Financing Inc. and Homegrown Management LLC

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Suite 8500, Atlanta GA 30308

The information on this website does not constitute an offer to sell securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Further, none of the information contained on this website currently or in the past is a recommendation to invest in any securities or a recommendation of any interest in any fund or investment offered by Homegrown Financing, Inc. By using this website, you accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected returns or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All investments involve risk and may result in loss, including loss of principal. Homegrown Financing, Inc. does not render investment, financial, legal or accounting advice.

Any financial forecasts or financial returns, whether in the form of dividends or capital appreciation displayed on this website are for illustrative purposes only and are not a guarantee of future results.

Alternative investments are speculative and possess a high level of risk. No assurance can be given that investors will receive a return of their capital. Those investors who cannot afford to lose their entire investment should not invest. Investments in private placements are highly illiquid and those investors who cannot hold an investment for an indefinite term should not invest. Private credit investments may be complex investments and they are subject to default risk. This website is only available to certain qualified investors.

The information on this website does not constitute investment advice. The only basis for purchasing any securities is the final base sale document or private placement memoranda. Such offerings are made only to persons who are "accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Investors should make their own independent evaluation and analysis, consult financial, tax, investment consultants, etc., and decide whether to invest. No communication by Homegrown or any of its affiliates through this website or any other medium should be construed or is intended to be investment, tax, financial, accounting, or legal advice.

Homegrown

Made with soul in Atlanta.

@2025 Homegrown Financing Inc. and Homegrown Management LLC

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Suite 8500, Atlanta GA 30308

The information on this website does not constitute an offer to sell securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Further, none of the information contained on this website currently or in the past is a recommendation to invest in any securities or a recommendation of any interest in any fund or investment offered by Homegrown Financing, Inc. By using this website, you accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected returns or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All investments involve risk and may result in loss, including loss of principal. Homegrown Financing, Inc. does not render investment, financial, legal or accounting advice.

Any financial forecasts or financial returns, whether in the form of dividends or capital appreciation displayed on this website are for illustrative purposes only and are not a guarantee of future results.

Alternative investments are speculative and possess a high level of risk. No assurance can be given that investors will receive a return of their capital. Those investors who cannot afford to lose their entire investment should not invest. Investments in private placements are highly illiquid and those investors who cannot hold an investment for an indefinite term should not invest. Private credit investments may be complex investments and they are subject to default risk. This website is only available to certain qualified investors.

The information on this website does not constitute investment advice. The only basis for purchasing any securities is the final base sale document or private placement memoranda. Such offerings are made only to persons who are "accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Investors should make their own independent evaluation and analysis, consult financial, tax, investment consultants, etc., and decide whether to invest. No communication by Homegrown or any of its affiliates through this website or any other medium should be construed or is intended to be investment, tax, financial, accounting, or legal advice.

Homegrown

Made with soul in Atlanta.

@2025 Homegrown Financing Inc. and Homegrown Management LLC

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Suite 8500, Atlanta GA 30308

The information on this website does not constitute an offer to sell securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Further, none of the information contained on this website currently or in the past is a recommendation to invest in any securities or a recommendation of any interest in any fund or investment offered by Homegrown Financing, Inc. By using this website, you accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected returns or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All investments involve risk and may result in loss, including loss of principal. Homegrown Financing, Inc. does not render investment, financial, legal or accounting advice.

Any financial forecasts or financial returns, whether in the form of dividends or capital appreciation displayed on this website are for illustrative purposes only and are not a guarantee of future results.

Alternative investments are speculative and possess a high level of risk. No assurance can be given that investors will receive a return of their capital. Those investors who cannot afford to lose their entire investment should not invest. Investments in private placements are highly illiquid and those investors who cannot hold an investment for an indefinite term should not invest. Private credit investments may be complex investments and they are subject to default risk. This website is only available to certain qualified investors.

The information on this website does not constitute investment advice. The only basis for purchasing any securities is the final base sale document or private placement memoranda. Such offerings are made only to persons who are "accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Investors should make their own independent evaluation and analysis, consult financial, tax, investment consultants, etc., and decide whether to invest. No communication by Homegrown or any of its affiliates through this website or any other medium should be construed or is intended to be investment, tax, financial, accounting, or legal advice.