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Published 7/2/2025 at 9 a.m. Updated 7/3/2025 at 4 p.m.

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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

  • Jul
    30

    Partner Event: AI For Small Business: From Basics to Breakthroughs

    11:30 a.m. • Wednesday
    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
    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

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

    Aug 1–3 • Friday–Sunday
    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
  • Aug
    7

    Partner Event: August Happy Hour

    5:30 p.m. • Thursday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-07 17:30:00 2025-08-07 19:30:00 Partner Event: August Happy Hour Hosted by Triangle ArtWorksJoin us for a happy hour with other artists and arts professionals- Get out of the studio, office or stage and mingle with artists and arts administrators from across the Triangle. Anyone who works in the arts in the Triangle - artists of all disciplines, arts administrators, and employees of arts-based businesses are welcome! Our August Happy Hour we will be at Bond Brother’s East, located at 602 East Chatham Street, Cary, NC. Who is this event for? Artists, arts administrators and arts businesses of all types and disciplines! Are you a local college student studying art? Join us to meet local working artists and arts administrators. Discipline groups - Gather with your studio group, dance troupe or other affiliated artists Arts Groups/Businesses - Want to promote your business at this gathering of the Triangle arts community? Talk to us about promotional support opportunities. Registration is not required, this event is FREE to attend, but donations are accepted. Your donation helps support the work of Triangle ArtWorks. Where is Bond Brother’s East located? - Look here for more information.  City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Aug
    11

    Partner Event: Executive Networking Conference

    Aug 11–13 • Monday–Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-08-11 00:00:00 2025-08-13 23:59:59 Partner Event: Executive Networking Conference Hosted by The National Institute of Minority Economic Development The National Institute of Minority Economic Development (The Institute) is excited to welcome you to the 2025 Executive Networking Conference (ENC) at the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina. ENC began in the mid-1980s to build relationships and market opportunities for minority business executives. In 2025, ENC will continue the legacy with the theme “The Green Equation: Capital + Innovation = Opportunities.”The Green Equation: Capital + Innovation = Opportunities is the ultimate conversation around emerging business opportunities in today’s green economy while finding more efficient business operations through green practices and waste reduction. At the end of ENC, small business owners will come away with new and innovative ways to utilize green practices as well as seeing the big picture on ways that small businesses can engage in supply chain growth opportunities through energy, infrastructure, technology, and other rapid growth industries of the green eco-system. 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
  • Sep
    9

    Partner Event: Photographing Your Work

    6 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-09-09 18:00:00 2025-09-09 20:00:00 Partner Event: Photographing Your Work Hosted by Triangle ArtWorksAre you an artist who wants to take better photos of your work?  Do you want some tips and best practices for photographing your artwork?   Join Brady Connelly in this workshop where they focus on the components of successful professional images and product photos.  Brady will discuss practical tips and best practices for shooting, lighting and editing. Whether participants have a DSLR camera or are using a smartphone, they will walk away with a strategy to optimize their photography set up in their own studios.  Participants will be provided a workshop overview and a takeaway handout with notes and best practices. EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH SEPT 3, $38 GENERAL PRICING THROUGH SEPT 8, $48 DAY OF WORKSHOP PRICING $53 This virtual class meets on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm. The class meets on Zoom and you will receive login information before the class. Don't miss this opportunity to gain knowledge on how to improve your product photography! This programming is being presented with the support of Arts Catawba and participants who reside in Catawba County may be eligible for free or reduced registration fees. If you think you qualify, please contact Arts Catawba here to determine eligibility and registration procedures.  City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Sep
    18

    Partner Event: Annual Procurement Summit

    Sep 18–19 • Thursday–Friday
    Add to Calendar 2025-09-18 00:00:00 2025-09-19 23:59:59 Partner Event: Annual Procurement Summit Hosted by NC Veterans Business Association🏗️ Our 2025 Annual Procurement Summit isn’t just an event—it’s the builder’s blueprint for success. Together, we break down silos, strengthen networks, and lay the foundation for thriving veteran and military spouse-owned businesses across North Carolina. Are you ready to BUILD your legacy? Procurement Summit Pillars: The Builder’s Mentality – Entrepreneurship as a Communal Mission. We believe in collaboration, leveraging resources, skill sets, and collective knowledge to build a thriving ecosystem for Veteran and Milspouse entrepreneurs in NC. Contracting Blueprint – The landscape is shifting. Gain real-time insights from industry experts on navigating government contracts, positioning your business for success, and securing a sustainable pipeline of opportunities. Expanding your Framework – Building Stronger Connections.  Engage with representatives from diverse industries, share ideas, and gain insights from fellow business owners to expand your reach and impact. Foundation Forward – The Pitch Competition. Take center stage and showcase your business for a chance to WIN funding toward your venture. This is your opportunity to cement your place as an industry leader. Industry Pulse check –  Staying Ahead of the Curve. The business world is evolving—are you keeping up? Learn how AI, certifications, grant writing, and emerging business strategies can amplify your success in today’s competitive landscape. Vendor Engagement: – Exploring & Supporting Fellow Businesses. Discover  products and services that can streamline operations, enhance efficiency or add value to your business or organization. Support veteran/milspouse-owned vendors and build together. Veteran and Milspouse entrepreneurs don’t wait for success—BUILD it.  Ticket Info:  Early Bird: May 1 – June 15 Members: $175  ($195 after June 15th) Non-members: $225 ($250 after June 15th) What's included with registration: Admission Breakfast Lunch Hors d'oeuvres 1 drink ticket to cocktail hour Swag Bag Professional head shot Access to lounge/work space Chance to enter pitch competition (must be pre revenue/a new business) Lifetime connections and access to opportunities! Be a Vendor: https://www.ncvetbiz.org/vendorapplication City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Oct
    1

    Partner Event: The Innovation Funding Journey

    9 a.m. • Wednesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-10-01 09:00:00 2025-10-01 16:00:00 Partner Event: The Innovation Funding Journey Hosted by SBTDCUnlock Funding for Your Innovation: A Comprehensive Guide for NC EntrepreneursJoin us for a full-day event designed to help North Carolina innovators and entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of funding. From federal R&D grants and state-supported programs to legal resources, loans, and equity investment, this event features expert insights, funding organization overviews, and real-world lessons from successful grant and equity recipients. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this event will equip you with the knowledge and connections to build your funding roadmap. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and take the next step in funding your business growth! During registration, you can choose the option to attend in person or virtually. In-Person LocationNC Biotechnology Center15 TW Alexander Dr.,Durham, NC VirtualThe Zoom link will be shared with you prior to the event. City of Raleigh America/New_York public
  • Oct
    7

    Partner Event: Pricing For Profit

    6 p.m. • Tuesday
    Add to Calendar 2025-10-07 18:00:00 2025-10-07 20:00:00 Partner Event: Pricing For Profit Hosted by Triangle ArtWorksAre you interested in learning more about how to price your artwork? Are you selling your work but unsure why you are not earning what you expect? Join Tiffany Coley and Cynthia Deis for this virtual workshop where you’ll learn how to abandon the idea of the starving artist and make a profit with your artwork. This class will cover the details of a profit-driven pricing strategy for artists. You’ll discuss pricing for your artwork or art services, wholesale vs. retail pricing, how to identify productive hours and how to approach pricing to achieve a desired income level from your work. The class will work through pricing using a business case study and the details of pricing You will leave with a method to price your work, including a downloadable file that can be used when pricing your own work. Class space is limited. EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24, $33GENERAL PRICING THROUGH OCTOBER 6 $43DAY OF WORKSHOP PRICING $48About the Instructors:Tiffany Coley Tiffany Coley is a jeweler and silversmith with a background in tech and business. She most recently joined Triangle Artworks as a Program Assistant and serves as a Liberty Arts board member. She works out of her studio in Durham, NC and sells her work both retail and wholesale. Learn more about Tiffany Coley's work here. Cynthia Deis Cynthia Deis, Triangle ArtWorks ArtSwell Education Director, is an artist and art educator with over 25 years of experience in designing and selling crafts and in running a retail crafts store and craft-focused pop-up markets around the Triangle. Learn more about Cynthia's work here. This virtual class meets on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 6-8pm. The class meets on Zoom and you will receive login information after registration. You will receive class handouts via email in the week before class, please print the handouts out and be prepared to work on them during the class. 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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Housing and Community Development
Service Categories:
Small Business