Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/doing-business/services/small-business-event-calendar
03/27/2026 12:18 pm

Downtown Raleigh skyline

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

  • Apr
    13

    Partner Event: Building a Sustainable Life Around Your Art (in person)

    6:30 p.m. • Monday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-13 18:30:00 2026-04-13 20:30:00 Partner Event: Building a Sustainable Life Around Your Art (in person) Hosted by Wake TechFor many of us, our art and our identity are inseparable. That’s not a business hurdle—it’s a competitive advantage. Join Chris Vitiello (The Poetry Fox) for an interactive session on how to think "entrepreneurially" without losing your soul. We’ll discuss how to transition from a side gig to a main gig by leveraging your unique creative voice as your greatest business asset. Learn to navigate the "business side" in a way that feels as authentic as the work you create. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    15

    Partner Event: LGBT+Allied Monthly Networking Mixer

    6 p.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-15 18:00:00 2026-04-15 20:00:00 Partner Event: LGBT+Allied Monthly Networking Mixer Hosted by Harmony NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce Join us for our NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Event! Connect with like-minded individuals and businesses at our Venue to be determined. Grow your network and support the Harmony Chamber of Commerce at our Monthly Business Mixer. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    23

    Partner Event: Borrowing for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs (in person)

    9 a.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-23 09:00:00 2026-04-23 10:00:00 Partner Event: Borrowing for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs (in person) Hosted by Wake TechIn 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 City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    23

    Partner Event: Borrowing for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

    9 a.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-23 09:00:00 2026-04-23 10:00:00 Partner Event: Borrowing for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Hosted by Wake Tech There are government grants to assist businesses but rarely any to start. Learn where real opportunities exist to earn money to expand and sometimes start a business. Get the truth about grants and money for small business. THIS IS A LIVE SEMINAR WITH LIMITED SEATING- PLEASE PRE-REGISTER! City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    29

    Partner Event: Master Your Digital Presence & Brand Story (online)

    11 a.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-29 11:00:00 2026-04-29 12:00:00 Partner Event: Master Your Digital Presence & Brand Story (online) Hosted by Wake TechJoin this interactive webinar to learn how to control your narrative and build a professional, polished brand that resonates with your ideal customers. The CYC will guide you through the essential building blocks of a unique business story, help you identify the best beginner-friendly marketing channels, and share "easy win" SEO tactics to ensure your business stands out on Google. Whether you are refining your core message or looking to boost your online visibility, this session provides the strategic tools and professional support needed to grow your small business with confidence. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Apr
    29

    Partner Event: FAQ for Tax Pros: Starting a Business as a Side Hustle (in-person)

    1 p.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-04-29 13:00:00 2026-04-29 15:00:00 Partner Event: FAQ for Tax Pros: Starting a Business as a Side Hustle (in-person) Hosted by Wake TechStarting a side hustle is exciting — but understanding the tax impact is critical from day one. Whether you're freelancing, selling products online, consulting, or providing services, the IRS considers this business income, even if it’s part-time. That means proper reporting, tracking expenses, and planning for self-employment taxes are essential. Key tax considerations include: Choosing the right business structure (Sole Proprietor, LLC, S-Corp) Tracking deductible expenses (home office, mileage, software, supplies) Understanding self-employment tax obligations Making quarterly estimated tax payments Keeping clean records to avoid penalties City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • May
    5

    Partner Event: 7-Week nector Brand Innovation Masterclass (***Application Process***)

    9 a.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-05-05 09:00:00 2026-05-05 11:00:00 Partner Event: 7-Week nector Brand Innovation Masterclass (***Application Process***) Hosted by Women's Business Center of NC  Level up your business in this marketing & branding cohort focused on strategy, storytelling, and sustainable growth. This is the application phase only**** The NECTAR Brand Innovation Masterclass is a 7-week marketing and branding cohort designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners build stronger, more impactful brands. This program is offered in collaboration with Hummingbird Creative Group, a leading agency in brand strategy and innovation, who celebrated their 30 year anniverary in 2025. Throughout the cohort, participants will gain hands-on experience in key areas such as brand strategy, defining mission and values, understanding target audiences, developing messaging, strengthening brand identity, and creating marketing plans that drive real results. Sessions will also explore topics like SEO, customer experience, brand awareness, and using AI to support marketing efforts. This is the application phase only. We are currently accepting applications and will be reviewing submissions on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of their selection status by the 13th of April. Requirements: 2-years plus as a registered business & active Min. $25,000 annual revenue in 2025 If selected, agree to pay the cost of $75 for the 6-week cohort ***If selected, participants will be invited to join the cohort at a cost of $75 for the 7-week cohort (that's $10.71 per session). Don't let this small fee stop you from applying and joining if selected. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • May
    5

    Partner Event: Navigating Your Food Business: A Success Series (in-person)

    6 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-05-05 18:00:00 2026-05-05 20:30:00 Partner Event: Navigating Your Food Business: A Success Series (in-person) Hosted by Wake TechJoin the Wake Tech Small Business Center and NC State Extension for an evening of food safety and food regulation insights for your food operation. Get our new food safety implementation guide and network with food professionals in your area. Walk away with insight, tools, templates and logs to implement optimized food safety systems. Extension partners specializing in assisting companies with needs in value-added foods, restaurants, and food safety education will join us to help assess and answer questions. Core focus areas that our implementation guide covers: Personnel and Hygiene: What does a written policy look like? Supplier Programs: Verifying where your ingredients come from Process Controls: Managing critical steps, e.g., temperature and pH Sanitation: Procedures: Where sanitation matters most in an operation Allergen Programs: Essentials of allergen labeling and preventing cross-contact Labeling Essentials: Outline the mandatory elements of a food label Recall plans: Tracking your product if something goes wrong City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • May
    13

    Partner Event: How to Finance Your Entrepreneurial Idea (in person)

    6:30 p.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2026-05-13 18:30:00 2026-05-13 20:00:00 Partner Event: How to Finance Your Entrepreneurial Idea (in person) Hosted by Wake TechFinancing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Questions range from, Who will give me money for my business idea and what do they need from me? to, How will this business make money and will it be enough to pay back a loan or attract an investor? Get to the heart of business financing in this seminar that answers your questions. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one for your needs. Discover the keys to financing success. THIS IS A LIVE SEMINAR WITH LIMITED SEATING- PLEASE PRE-REGISTER! City of Raleigh America/New_York public

Contact

 

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

Subscribe

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