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06/26/2024 2:07 pm

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Small Business Event Calendar

Events held by local small business partners

Updated: Jun 26, 2024

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

  • Aug
    19

    Partner Event: The Wright Start: Startup Weekend of Innovation for Impact

    Aug 19–21 • Tuesday–Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-19 00:00:00 2025-08-21 23:59:59 Partner Event: The Wright Start: Startup Weekend of Innovation for Impact Hosted by The Wright Village🔥 Build What Our Communities Need What change do you want to help create? Whether you care about sustainability, financial access, youth empowerment, or tech for social good — The Wright Start is your chance to turn bold ideas into real ventures. This 54-hour immersive experience brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and problem-solvers to develop impactful business concepts and pitch them to a panel of community mentors. No experience needed. Just your vision, voice, and energy. 💡 What You’ll Do: Form a team Choose a real-world challenge to solve Work with experienced mentors & coaches Develop your idea into a viable business concept Pitch your solution for feedback and support Network with other changemakers across the Triangle 🌍 Weekend Themes: Explore ideas in areas such as: 🖤 Health Equity 💸 Access to Financial Services 🌱 Sustainable Food Systems 📚 Youth & Education Transformation 🏘 Affordable Housing ♻️ Green Entrepreneurship 💻 Tech for Social Good 🎯 Who Should Attend? Aspiring entrepreneurs & first-time founders Nonprofit professionals & community organizers Techies, creatives, strategists & problem-solvers Anyone with an idea (or passion) to make a difference ✅ What’s Included: Free meals & coffee all weekend Startup supplies & support tools Access to expert mentors A Restorative breakout activity Pitch showcase on Sunday A dope kick back celebration event on Saturday night Opportunity to continue in The Wright Village’s Sustainable Business Incubator Participants will also have the opportunity to work closely with experienced mentors, who will provide guidance and support as they develop their ideas. The weekend will culminate in a pitch competition, where participants will have the chance to present their business ideas to a panel of expert judges, and investors and compete for valuable prizes. Join us and take the first step towards turning your innovative ideas into a reality! 🎟 Space is limited — reserve your spot today! Come solo or with a friend — teams will be formed at the event. Open to all industries and experience levels.Must be 18 or older to participate. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    19

    Partner Event: Tech Tuesday - Telling Your Story with Social Media

    1 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-19 13:00:00 2025-08-19 14:00:00 Partner Event: Tech Tuesday - Telling Your Story with Social Media Hosted by Shop Local Raleigh Join us for August's Tech Tuesday Webinar Tell Your Story With Social Media Tuesday, August 19 1:00 – 2:00 PMFree webinar open to all local business professionals! Join us as we learn from Quinn Bostic and Lewis Foreman of Tabletop Media Group about telling your story through social media! City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    20

    Partner Event: LGBTQ+ Business Networking Event

    6 p.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-20 18:00:00 2025-08-20 20:00:00 Partner Event: LGBTQ+ Business Networking Event Hosted by Harmony NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of CommerceJoin us for our monthly networking event to connect with fellow LGBTQ+ professionals in the Triangle area. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    21

    Partner Event: 2025 GRCVB ANNUAL MEETING

    9 a.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-21 09:00:00 2025-08-21 11:00:00 Partner Event: 2025 GRCVB ANNUAL MEETING Hosted by Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) An enormous contributor to Wake County's success and appeal as a visitor destination over the years is its culinary scene. In 2024, the county collected $46.4 million in food and beverage taxes, an all-time high, and an indicator that more visitors are putting significant amounts of dollars into the hands of restaurateurs and into the local economy, while also allowing our destination to invest more into tourism-related developments and marketing to attract even more visitors. Visitor spending at Wake County's restaurants is an integral part of the tourism cycle. Thanks to the brilliant minds of our talented chefs and restaurant owners, the food scene continues to make headlines—chefs are nominated for coveted James Beard Awards annually, major national publications continue to write stories about our dining experiences and, most recently, the MICHELIN Guide announced it would be coming to the South to explore our restaurants and produce the MICHELIN Guide: American South. At this Annual Meeting, we will host a panel of some of Wake County's brightest minds in the restaurant business, moderated by Raleigh Magazine publisher Gina Stephens. Attendees will hear directly from thought leaders about what makes our food scene so special and attractive and perhaps be inspired to find synergies in promoting their own businesses to visitors alongside their culinary hospitality peers. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    23

    Partner Event: Packapalooza

    2 p.m. • Saturday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-23 14:00:00 2025-08-23 22:00:00 Partner Event: Packapalooza Hosted by NC State University and Live It Up! Hillsborough StreetPackapalooza™ is NC State’s signature all-day block party and street festival, capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 from 2 to 10 p.m. This vibrant event, held on Hillsborough Street, brings together NC State students, faculty, staff, alums, families and the local community to kick off the academic year with music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, food and all things Wolfpack. Packapalooza™ features more than 300 vendor booths. Presented by Live It Up! Hillsborough Street, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    24

    Partner Event: Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo

    12 p.m. • Sunday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-24 12:00:00 2025-08-24 19:00:00 Partner Event: Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo Hosted by Shop Local RaleighJoin us on August 24th on Fayetteville St. in Downtown Raleigh as we host an epic gathering of local food trucks! From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity. Whether you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo promises to have something for everyone! Date: August 24, 2025Time: 12 pm – 7 pmLocation: Fayetteville St. Downtown Raleigh City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    26

    Partner Event: Lunch and Learn: The State of Art Markets

    12 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-26 12:00:00 2025-08-26 13:00:00 Partner Event: Lunch and Learn: The State of Art Markets Hosted by Triangle ArtWorksJoin us for an enlightening conversation with seasoned art market/show runners as we dive into the shifting dynamics of art markets today. While online sales are growing, in-person art shows and markets remain a vital space for artists and collectors to connect face-to-face. Our panel of experts will explore the current state of art markets and how they present valuable opportunities for artists to present their work directly to buyers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or preparing for your first market, this panel will provide actionable insights to help you navigate the ins and outs of in-person events and maximize these opportunities.  Our panel is focused on markets in North Carolina, however, these insights can be used for other regional and national markets as well. This free discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 12-1pm via Zoom. Registration is required.  Although the event is free, we appreciate any small donations at checkout. As a non-profit, your support helps us continue offering valuable programming like this to our arts community!Zoom details will be provided upon registration. The session will be recorded, but we encourage live attendance for those with specific questions.  City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    27

    Partner Event: Borrowing for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

    9 a.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-27 09:00:00 2025-08-27 10:00:00 Partner Event: Borrowing for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Hosted by Wake Tech Small Business CenterIn this seminar for entrepreneurs and startup business owners, you’ll learn why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding, and how the lending process works to get you to a smoother, smarter, and often more successful outcome. We’ll also provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business. Agenda -Why do businesses need funds -Where to find funding -How to select the right type of financing -What lenders look for -The borrowing process -How to create your business borrowing profile -Next steps after a financing decision Speaker(s):Co-Sponsor(s):  Truist BankFee: No CostTHIS IS A LIVE EVENT- NOT A WEBINAR! City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    27

    Partner Event: Business After Hours

    5:30 p.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-27 17:30:00 2025-08-27 19:30:00 Partner Event: Business After Hours Hosted by North Raleigh ChamberJoin us for the North Raleigh Chamber of Commerce's monthly Business After Hours—a perfect opportunity for members and non-members alike to connect, collaborate, and expand their networks! Enjoy an evening of relaxed networking, where you can meet new people, strengthen existing relationships, and explore potential business opportunities. This casual, after-work event is designed to bring together professionals from diverse industries across the North Raleigh area. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    28

    Partner Event: The Coach/Consultant's Guide to Money Moves

    6:30 p.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-28 18:30:00 2025-08-28 20:00:00 Partner Event: The Coach/Consultant's Guide to Money Moves Hosted by Wake Tech Community College Small Business CenterThis webinar is all about building a solid financial foundation. Our tax professional will cover what matters most when setting up and managing your business finances for a coach or consultant—from tracking income and expenses to choosing user-friendly tools and creating small routines that lead to big results. 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

Contact

 

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

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Lead Department:
Housing and Community Development
Service Categories:
Small Business