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Published 1/15/2026 at 8 a.m. Updated 3/30/2026 at 8 p.m.

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03/27/2026 12:18 pm

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Small Business Event Calendar

Events held by local small business partners

Updated: Mar 27, 2026

The City of Raleigh enjoys an ecosystem of support organizations that focus on the success of small business owners. This calendar highlights small business-related events offered by these partners in the City of Raleigh. Event types include:

  • Training & resources
  • Public affairs, annual meetings & expos
  • Grant & funding application dates
  • Vendor or foot traffic opportunities
  • Networking events

  • Mar
    31

    Partner Event: Simple Access to SBA Surety Bonds

    1 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-03-31 13:00:00 2026-03-31 14:00:00 Partner Event: Simple Access to SBA Surety Bonds Hosted by SBTDC Surety bonding is often seen as a technical hurdle, but for many small businesses, it can be the key to unlocking significant procurement opportunities. The “Simple Access to SBA Surety Bonds” presentation will help you discover how surety bonds can be a game-changer for your business growth. Mr. Gibbs will share proven strategies to improve your bonding capacity, break through common barriers, and gain a competitive edge in both public and private sector contracting. With bonding often being the missing link between readiness and revenue, this session will empower participants to turn a perceived barrier into a business growth tool. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    1

    Partner Event: 1st Wednesday Coffee Meetup

    8:30 a.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-01 08:30:00 2026-04-01 09:30:00 Partner Event: 1st Wednesday Coffee Meetup Hosted by North Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Join us for coffee and camaraderie with North Raleigh Chamber members. This monthly event is a great way to engage with other chamber members and learn more about how to get involved in the Chamber while getting to know fellow chamber members and how to partner together to create more business. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    1

    Partner Event: Pivoting for Profit: Re-evaluating and Innovating Your Business Model

    6:30 p.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-01 18:30:00 2026-04-01 20:00:00 Partner Event: Pivoting for Profit: Re-evaluating and Innovating Your Business Model Hosted by Wake TechSTOP simply optimizing. In a changing economy, the biggest risk is "business as usual." Learn the frameworks for Business Model Innovation to successfully pivot your company, unlock new revenue streams, and secure Pivoting for Profit in just 90 minutes. Don't just survive—innovate to thrive. THIS IS A LIVE SEMINAR WITH LIMITED SEATING- PLEASE PRE-REGISTER! City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    2

    Partner Event: Small Business, Big Presence: Creating Impactful Social Media Content

    9:30 a.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-02 09:30:00 2026-04-02 10:30:00 Partner Event: Small Business, Big Presence: Creating Impactful Social Media Content Hosted by Downtown Raleigh Alliance In today's ever-evolving digital world, social media can make a big impact on small businesses. Join us for a panel discussion featuring small business owners and content creators that will share practical strategies for creating engaging social media content. Whether you’re a small business owner producing your own content on a limited budget or a growing business considering hiring a content creator, this conversation will offer insights, tips, and real-world perspectives to help you strengthen your online presence. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    2

    Partner Event: Employment Law for Arts Organizations

    12 p.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-02 12:00:00 2026-04-02 13:30:00 Partner Event: Employment Law for Arts Organizations Hosted by Triangle ArtWorks Join Daniel Palmieri, attorney specializing in labor and employment law with Wyrick Robbins, for this information session that covers the basics of worker classification, how to tell the difference between employees and independent contractors, and why misclassification can create real risks. He’ll also touch on key employer responsibilities, including wage and hour rules, anti-discrimination laws, and best practices for handling employee terminations. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    7

    Partner Event: Practical Advice: Founder Checklist

    12 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-07 12:00:00 2026-04-07 13:00:00 Partner Event: Practical Advice: Founder Checklist Hosted by Wake TechBefore you launch (or scale), make sure your legal foundation is solid. This webinar walks through the essential protections every founder should have in place so you can grow confidently and avoid costly clean-up later. Think of it as your “sleep better at night” starter plan. This webinar will be presented via Microsoft Teams platform. If you've never used Teams, it will ask you to download it onto your computer. We ask that you proceed with completing this step, using the same First Name, Last Name, and Email address you provided during registration. Once you do this, it will allow you access to the webinar. We recommend signing in to the webinar at least five minutes before the session starts to ensure a smooth experience and avoid any technical issues. For additional Wake Tech offerings, click on this link: WTCC City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    7

    Partner Event: Never Too Late: Starting a Business at 50+

    6:30 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-07 18:30:00 2026-04-07 20:00:00 Partner Event: Never Too Late: Starting a Business at 50+ Hosted by Wake Tech Unleash your entrepreneurial dreams! Our seminar, Never Too Late: Starting a Small Business at 50+, is designed specifically for those ready to write their next chapter. Learn how to turn your lifetime of experience into a fulfilling and profitable business venture. If you’ve always thought of starting a small business or believe a side hustle could bring in some income now is the time! Never Too Late: Starting a Small Business at 50+ will guide you through the essential steps, empowering you with the confidence to succeed. Register today and embark on an exciting new journey! The presenter is Mike Collins, president of The Perfect Workday Company and author of The Best Small Business to Start Right Now!. Collins has written 8 books and has dozens of articles in national, regional, and local business magazines. THIS IS A LIVE SEMINAR WITH LIMITED SEATING- PLEASE PRE-REGISTER! City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    8

    Partner Event: Human Factors in GovCon

    10 a.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-08 10:00:00 2026-04-08 11:30:00 Partner Event: Human Factors in GovCon Hosted by Wake Tech The U.S. Federal Government is the world’s largest customer - and small businesses are a critical part of its supply chain. But breaking into federal contracting can feel overwhelming without a roadmap. The Government Contracting Foundations Series is designed for small businesses that are curious about federal work but don’t know where to start. With these monthly webinars, you’ll learn the basics step by step: how the government buys, how to register, what certifications mean, how to define your company’s capabilities, and what infrastructure you need in place to compete. Whether you’re a one-person shop or a growing business, this series gives you practical, no-nonsense guidance to help you decide if federal contracting is right for you and how to get started the right way. Note: These sessions are focused on federal contracting - how to do business with U.S. federal agencies. While some concepts may apply broadly, this series is not designed for companies pursuing state or local government contracts. Wed, Apr 8, 2026 10:00 to 11:30 AM ET Foundations Session 8: Human Factors in GovCon Session 8 – The Human Factors in Government Contracting Plan for the people side of doing business with the government. Whether you’re a one-person shop or a small team, government contracting takes time, roles, and discipline. This session covers how to assign responsibilities, manage workload, avoid burnout, and make smart decisions about when to outsource or bring in help. Reena Bhatia of the NC Military Business Center at Wake Tech will provide a basic overview of essential topics. This webinar will be presented via Microsoft Teams platform. If you've never used Teams it will ask you to download onto your computer. We ask that you go ahead and complete this step, utilizing the same First Name, Last Name and Email address used during registration. Once you do this it will allow you access to the webinar. We recommend that you sign in to the webinar at least five minutes prior to the start of the session to ensure you don't have any technical issues. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    8

    Partner Event: Inicie su Negocio con Seguridad (en persona)

    6:30 p.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-08 18:30:00 2026-04-08 19:30:00 Partner Event: Inicie su Negocio con Seguridad (en persona) Hosted by Wake Tech¡El sueño de tener su propio negocio en Raleigh comienza aquí! ¿Tiene una gran idea pero no sabe por dónde empezar? ¿Le preocupa cómo navegar los trámites legales o si puede emprender usando su ITIN? No deje que la duda detenga el futuro de su familia. Este seminario está diseñado específicamente para nuestra comunidad hispana en el Triángulo. En una sesión dinámica y 100% en español, le daremos la hoja de ruta clara para transformar su talento en una empresa sólida y legal en Carolina del Norte. Lo que aprenderá en este seminario: Fundamentos Legales: Cómo elegir la estructura correcta (LLC, Corporación) para proteger su patrimonio. Emprender con Confianza: Claridad sobre el uso del ITIN y los requisitos de registro. Recursos y Conexiones: Acceso a redes de apoyo locales y cámaras de comercio que quieren verlo triunfar. ¿Por qué asistir? Porque emprender es la mejor manera de construir un legado para los suyos. No se trata solo de abrir un negocio; se trata de hacerlo con la seguridad de que cada paso es el correcto. ¡El éxito es mejor cuando se construye en comunidad! Para consultar otras ofertas de Wake Tech, haga clic en este enlace: WTCC Política sobre visitantes y niños en el campus: The dream of owning your own business in Raleigh starts here! Do you have a great idea but don't know where to begin? Are you worried about navigating legal paperwork, or wondering if you can start a business using your ITIN? Don't let doubt stand in the way of your family's future. This seminar is designed specifically for our Hispanic community in the Triangle area. In a dynamic session conducted entirely in Spanish, we will provide you with a clear roadmap to transform your talents into a solid, legally compliant business in North Carolina. What you will learn in this seminar: Legal Foundations: How to choose the right business structure (LLC, Corporation) to protect your personal assets. Starting with Confidence: Clarity regarding the use of an ITIN and business registration requirements. Resources and Connections: Access to local support networks and chambers of commerce that are invested in your success. Why attend? Because entrepreneurship is the best way to build a lasting legacy for your loved ones. It’s not just about opening a business; it’s about doing so with the confidence that every step you take is the right one. Success is best when built together, as a community! City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    9

    Partner Event: NCDOT Technical Training Series

    9 a.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-09 09:00:00 2026-04-09 16:00:00 Partner Event: NCDOT Technical Training Series Hosted ​​by NCDOT The N.C. Department of Transportation’s 2026 Technical Training Series is a program that offers various courses to small highway construction​​ contractors interested in working on NCDOT projects. ​Each course will cover NCDOT specifications and standards drawing, equipment requirements, lettings and bidding​​, project management, invoicing and payment, and more.   City of Raleigh America/New_York public

Contact

 

Jocelyn Sanchez
Small Business and Workforce Development Analyst
jocelyn.sanchez@raleighnc.gov
984-220-2958

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Lead Department:
Economic and Social Advancement
Service Categories:
Small Business Development