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Small Business Event Calendar

Events held by local small business partners

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

  • Jul
    8
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-08 00:00:00 2025-07-29 23:59:59 Partner Event: Taking the Leap for Military Entrepreneurs Hosted by SBTDCApply Now for the SBTDC’s Taking the Leap for Military Entrepreneurs to Kickstart Your Business VentureEmbarking on a business journey without proper guidance can feel overwhelming. Why take the leap without the essential tools for success? These military cohorts—designed for active, reserve, spouse, or veterans—offer an opportunity for high-potential startups and founders to network with fellow military-connected entrepreneurs, as well as members of the North Carolina Veterans Business Association. Through interactive learning, participants will receive personalized guidance from experienced instructors and guest mentors, with a focus on how to leverage the skills and benefits of your military status. One of the biggest barriers military entrepreneurs face is access to funding. We provide information and introductions. Participants can anticipate acquiring the following: Business Plan Templates / Outlines / GuidesFinancial Projection TemplatesIntellectual Property GuideDigital Marketing StrategiesMarket and Industry InsightsCustomer Discovery TechniquesStartup ChecklistOur program requires an application for admission. Seats are limited, so apply now to secure your spot and kickstart your entrepreneurial journey! City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Jul
    16

    Partner Event: Go Global Road Show

    Jul 16–25 • Wednesday–Friday
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-16 00:00:00 2025-07-25 23:59:59 Partner Event: Go Global Road Show Hosted by EDPNCYour passport to global sales starts with export knowledge from the experts.The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina’s (EDPNC) International Trade team maintains three overseas offices that help companies like yours prosper in North Carolina by growing revenue through exporting. Once a year, this team of experts goes on the road to bring their expertise directly to you! You’ll have the opportunity to meet and work with our Foreign Trade Representatives (up to 2 markets) and learn about opportunities in global markets including Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Whether your company is currently exporting, export-ready, or you are interested in learning more about developing international marketing, the Go Global Road Show is an excellent opportunity for North Carolina companies to develop new foreign markets that can increase exports and profits. Our Foreign Trade Representatives and International Trade Mangers will: Conduct one-on-one consultations with export-ready companies.Show country specific presentations on targeted foreign markets.Provide introductions and networking opportunities.Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), EXIM Bank and US Commercial Service will also be available at each location. Each day of this event will include: Individual one-on-one meetings with EDPNC’s Foreign Office Directors.A lunch program that includes presentations on foreign markets and networking opportunities.Whether you are interested in scheduling one-on-one meetings with EDPNC’s Foreign Offices or just wanting to attend the networking luncheon, you must submit the Expression of Interest form. After our review, you will be contacted to schedule meetings and/or register for the luncheon. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Jul
    29
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-29 08:00:00 2025-07-29 15:45:00 Partner Event: Perspectives 2025: Strategies for Workplace Success Hosted by Greater Raleigh Chamber of CommerceEmployers across the Triangle region want to attract and retain top talent, create and maintain healthy workplaces, and foster innovation and creativity.  Teams with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help companies achieve these goals. Perspectives 2025 will provide strategies to expand markets, increase innovation and creativity, and build productive teams, all with the goal of enhancing profitability. This conference will also provide tools to support a welcoming culture, employment and human resources (HR) practices, and top talent attraction and retention. Breakout topics include: Workplace WellnessCreating and Maintaining PartnershipsAssessing and Mitigating RiskAttendees will also participate in a Key Learning Moment from Al Vivian. For over 30 years, Al Vivian has been a trusted consultant and trainer, helping Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and organizations worldwide navigate cross-cultural leadership. Register today and take a look at our agenda below. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Jul
    29
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-29 12:30:00 2025-07-29 14:30:00 Partner Event: Simple Steps for Starting Your Business #1 Hosted by SCOREStart-up Basics: This introductory workshop focuses on the basics of testing your business idea and identifying the key factors that influence start-up success. Start-up Basics provides you with an overview of the skills and tools you need when deciding to start a business. In this session, you learn about: the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business, the most profitable form for your business, and the fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Jul
    29

    Partner Event: GSNC Mixer

    5:30 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-29 17:30:00 2025-07-29 19:30:00 Partner Event: GSNC Mixer Hosted by Glenwood South Neighborhood CollaborativeCuya Cocina Latina413 Glenwood Ave Ste 200, Raleigh, Nc 27603 Free appetizers and door prizes, drinks available for purchase City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Jul
    29
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-29 18:00:00 2025-07-29 20:00:00 Partner Event: Withholding Tax Basics Webinar (NC Dept of Revenue) Hosted by Veterans Business Outreach CenterWithholding Tax Basics– This webinar will help participants better understand their withholding tax obligations with NCDOR. Participants will receive instructions on how to file and when to file a withholding tax return in addition to learning about the basics of state withholding taxes, how to register for an account in order to remit withholding tax, and when State withholding is required for employees and other types of compensation. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Sarah Espinosa at 910-672-2683 or sespinos@uncfsu.edu. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Jul
    30
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-30 11:30:00 2025-07-30 13:00:00 Partner Event: AI For Small Business: From Basics to Breakthroughs Hosted by Women's Business Center of NCGo beyond a basic understanding of AI and get to your next breakthrough! This interactive session will give practical, game-changing AI tools that can be implemented immediately to save hours every week. What makes this opportunity special: Small-business focused, not technical jargonLive demonstrations of free tools anyone can use todayActionable strategies that deliver immediate time savingsGuidance on building the right team as they growYou will leave energized with concrete ways to compete more effectively against larger businesses – without needing technical expertise or big budgets! Advance registration is required EVENT DETAILS: DATE: Wednesday, July 30 TIME: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PLATFORM: Zoom Zoom link will be shared after registration is complete. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Jul
    30

    Partner Event: SizeUp Open House

    2 p.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-30 14:00:00 2025-07-30 15:00:00 Partner Event: SizeUp Open House Hosted by SizeUpWant to learn how to grow your business using the SizeUp program in your community? You're invited to join our FREE, expert-led webinar designed specifically for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. In this live, interactive session, you’ll get: • Hands-on training from the SizeUp team • Personalized support tailored to your business needs • Real-life examples how to use data to succeed • Actionable insights you can use to make smarter decisions and grow faster. Whether you're planning to open or are already running a business, this session will give you the SizeUp tools and guidance you need — all at no cost. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot! City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Jul
    31

    Partner Event: ​Networking 101

    8:30 a.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2025-07-31 08:30:00 2025-07-31 10:00:00 Partner Event: ​Networking 101 Hosted by Greater Raleigh Chamber of CommerceNetworking is an essential part of business development. These quarterly one-hour seminars, presented by local experts, deliver ideas and tips on developing and sustaining profitable business relationships. This month's speaker is David Baxter, Founder and Chief Pixel at Big Pixel.  City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    1
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-01 00:00:00 2025-08-03 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

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