Introduction to Federal Contracting For the Small Business Owner (Online)
2026-04-02 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Online
To sell your products or services to the federal government, your small business must meet specific requirements. Although the contracting process can seem complicated and overwhelming at first, the government provides information and tips to help you learn to compete as a federal contractor in North Carolina.
When. April 2, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm
Where. Online
Register

CMMC Level 1 Implementation Workshop: Hands-On Guidance Through All 15 Controls
2026-04-07 08:00 - 2026-04-30 17:00
Most defense contractors know they need to deal with CMMC. What they don’t know is exactly how to do it, or where to start. The requirements are clear enough on paper: 15 security practices, a self-assessment, an executive affirmation filed in SPRS.
But translating that into action? That’s where companies get stuck. They read the same guidance documents three times, buy tools they don’t need, or pay consultants thousands of dollars for work they could do themselves.
Starting April 7, Cape Fear Community College, in partnership with the North Carolina Military Business Center, is offering a hands-on CMMC Level 1 course designed specifically for small and mid-sized contractors who want to get this done efficiently, affordably, and correctly.
The course is fully hybrid, so you can attend in person in Wilmington or join virtually from anywhere. This isn’t limited to the Cape Fear region. If you have an internet connection, you can participate.
Over 8 evening sessions across 4 weeks (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 9 PM), participants work through the entire Level 1 process:

Scoping your FCI environment so you know exactly what’s covered
Implementing the 15 required practices with real configurations and policies
Building your evidence pack so you’re audit-ready
Completing the self-assessment and preparing your executive affirmation
Filing in SPRS before you leave the final session

Participants work on their own systems and documents during the course, with direct support when questions come up.
This is a guided, control-by-control implementation process where participants configure their own systems and leave with a completed self-assessment ready to file in SPRS. Over 8 evening sessions across 4 weeks, participants work through each of the 15 required security practices with specific guidance on hardware, software, and configuration settings that satisfy each control. Questions are addressed in real time, whether high-level or deeply technical.
The support doesn’t end when class does. The course includes 30 days of follow-up support after the final session, plus one-on-one office hours throughout the program for individualized help on your specific situation.
When. April 7 – April 30, 2026
Cost: $760 (all materials included)
​​​​​​Seats: 34 available
For more information, see the attached flyer.
Questions? Contact Tim Malone, Regional Program Manager at NCMBC, at malonet@ncmbc.us or (910) 728-7194.
Register

Human Factors in GovCon - Government Contracting Foundations
2026-04-08 10:00 - 11:30
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.
When. Wednesday, April 8, 10:00am-11:30am
Where. Online
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.
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.
Speaker(s): Reena Bhatia
Register

US Forest Service Industry Day
2026-04-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-17 09:00 - 16:00
Hosted by the SBTDC, US Forest Service Forest Service, and Partner Apex Accelerators
The US Forest Industry Day is back, this time with sessions across North Carolina focused on connecting contractors with USDA Forest Service contracting opportunities, including civil construction and service-based work related to Hurricane Helene recovery.
Two sessions available:

Eastern NC: Monday, April 13, 2026 from 9:00 – 4:00 | Havelock, NC
Western NC: Friday, April 17, 2026 from 9:00 – 4:00 | Fletcher, NC

Key Features

Direct access to USDA Forest Service contracting officers
One-on-one technical and financial assistance
BPA tools and certification training
Multi-state collaboration (NC, TN, SC, VA, GA, WV)
Networking and partnership opportunities

Registration & More Information: sbtdc.org/events/usda-forest-service-2026-industry-day

Southeast Region Federal Construction, Infrastructure, and Environmental Summit
2026-04-14 - 2026-04-16 | Wilmington Convention Center
The Offices of US Senator Thom Tillis and US Senator Ted Budd and the North Carolina Military Business Center are pleased to announce the Southeast Regional Federal Construction, Infrastructure & Environment Summit on April 14-16, 2026 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
WHEN.
April 14-16, 2026
WHERE.
Wilmington Convention Center
515 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
There is a parking lot attached to the Wilmington Convention Center. If the Wilmington Convention Center parking deck is full additional parking is available in the PPD deck (on Front Street, Brunswick Street and 2nd Street) which utilizes the Text2Pay station in the lobby. Additional parking can be found at the River Place Parking deck, located on Grace Street (14 Grace Street) and Water Street, about 3 blocks from the venue, next to the Cotton Exchange. On-street parking is also available.
PURPOSE. “The Summit” brings together over 800+ representatives of the Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Fort Liberty, Marine Corps Installations East, Seymour Johnson AFB, other Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps installations, US Coast Guard, Department of Veterans Affairs, General Services Administration, other federal agencies, general and specialty contractors, designers and construction suppliers from throughout the Southeast of the United States.

ATTENDANCE. Attendance is encouraged for:

General and specialty contractors that work in VA, NC, SC, GA and FL.
Design firms that work in VA, NC, SC, GA and FL.
Construction supply firms that work in VA, NC, SC, GA and FL.
Companies that provide facility-support contracts in VA, NC, SC, GA and FL.
Current federal contractors seeking partners and suppliers

WHY ATTEND THE SUMMIT?

The Summit is the premier, best-established and most-recognized federal construction event in the Southeast– businesses who are already engaged or want to perform in the federal market need to be there!
“Program and Requirements Dialogues” address future projects and acquisition strategies, contractor experiences, teaming and supplier opportunities and other issues related to acquisition and execution of projects at military bases and government throughout the Southeast. These sessions also include information on federal opportunities in environmental engineering and remediation, energy and horizontal infrastructure (including roads and intersections, water, wastewater, natural gas and other utilities)
Other Summit sessions address critical and timely topics, including supplier, service contract and public-private opportunities, small business programs and utilization, budget impacts, contracting processes and pre- and post-award legal issues for federal contractors
Summit networking and trade show activities allow businesses to market their services and products to over 800+ general contractors, specialty contractors, engineers, architects and suppliers
In addition, Summit networking opportunities include a golf event hosted and organized by the Cape Fear Post of the Society of American Military Engineers and an evening Summit Social at the Embassy Suites in downtown Wilmington – a huge hit from for the past several years!

EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY. If the need to cancel occurs, please notify NCMBC in writing to courtney@ncmbc.us 30 days prior to the event for a full refund. Refunds will not be provided to those who cancel 30 days from the event. Refunds will not be provided for “No Shows” the day of the event.
Register

SAME Cape Fear Post's 14th Annual Golf Tournament
2026-04-14 07:00 - 14:00
The Society of American Military Engineers Cape Fear Post, in conjunction with the 2026 Southeast Region Federal Construction, Infrastructure and Environmental Summit proudly presents the 14th Annual Golf Tournament.
Event Details. 4 Person Scramble Event. Includes range balls, tournament participation, golf cart, lunch, goody bag and awards.
When. Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Where. Beau Rivage Golf and Resort
649 Rivage Promenade, Wilmington, NC 28412
Registration. Registration and entry fee must be received by Friday, April 5, 2026. Limited to the first 120 registrations. ​​​​​
Sponsorships. Sponsor opportunities are available.
Email Entry Forms to: RobertB.Neal@geosyntec.com
Mail entry form and payment to: SAME Cape Fear Post, PO Box 12757, Wilmington, NC 28405
For Square payment or sponsorships
​​​​​​Katie Roy, PE (Payment) karoy@montrose-env.com, 336-549-2603
Robert Neal, PE (Sponsorship) Mobile: robertb.neal@geosyntec.com, 941-599-3855
Entry forms and additional information can be found here.

Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit
2026-04-15 - 2026-04-17
JOIN US IN NASHVILLE
The Must Attend Event
The annual Summit is the ONLY opportunity for the ENTIRE Army Aviation Community to gather in one place at one time focused solely on Army Aviation issues. There are opportunities to Network, be Recognized, have your Voice heard and Support our Soldiers and their Families.
When. April 15-17, 2026
Where. Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center, Nashville, TN
Highlights: Daily Professional Sessions, Leadership Panels, Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, National Awards, AAAA Community Booth, Soldier Cafe, Soldier Appreciation Dinner Concert, Spouse Programs, Your Next Mission Hiring Event, Networking Cafe, Industry Receptions and much more!
Who You Can Expect to See!

Soldiers
Futures Command
Program Executives
Acquisition
Retired
Maintenance
Simulation
US Army Active Duty
US Army National Guard
US Army Reserve
Industry Leaders
S&T

R&D
Solution Providers
Veterans
Logistics
Special Operations
MEDEVAC
Training and Doctrine
Army Aviation Leadership
Foreign Military
Foreign Defense Industry
Civilians

Register

Cumberland Industrial Luncheon
2026-04-17 11:00 - 13:00
We cordially invite you to an exclusive luncheon hosted by Fayetteville State University’s Entrepreneurship HUB & UNC Pembroke, Thomas HUB.

We cordially invite you to an exclusive luncheon hosted by Fayetteville State University’s Entrepreneurship HUB & UNC Pembroke, Thomas Entrepreneurship HUB, where we will explore how 3D printing (additive manufacturing) is serving as a catalyst for growth in the defense, medical, and manufacturing sectors and offering a definitive edge in an increasingly complex global market.
Why Attend? Our discussion will focus on the tangible competitive advantages of integrated 3D printing, including:

Significant Cost Savings: Reducing material waste and eliminating the high overhead of traditional tooling and long-lead-time molds.
Unmatched Agility: Streamlining supply chains and enabling “on-demand” production to meet mission-critical defense requirements and rapid manufacturing shifts.
Revenue Optimization: Leveraging mass customization in the medical field to create high-margin, patient-specific solutions that were previously impossible to produce.

When. April 17 from 11:00 – 1:00
Where. 1073 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC
Register

Sea-Air & Space
2026-04-19 - 2026-04-22
Sea-Air & Space offers unmatched opportunities to connect, learn, and lead in the maritime defense community. Connect with policymakers, senior military leaders, program managers, and industry decision-makers to build partnerships and spark new opportunities. Gain the latest insights into today’s defense landscape and where it’s headed through expert-led panels and sessions. Hear from the nation’s top defense, industry, and government leaders as they share real-time updates and long-term visions in an open, engaging forum.
When. April 19-22
Where. Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland
Register

DLA Energy Worldwide
2026-04-21 - 2026-04-23
Mission accomplishment requires close collaboration and strong relationships with critical stakeholders. The 2026 DLA Energy Worldwide Energy event highlights the importance of partnerships across the entire spectrum of the energy supply chain and provides a forum for energy industry leaders to engage in dialogue about issues critical to both industry and consumers. Our focus is on developing energy solutions and building relationships with industry, suppliers, other government partners, and our allies.

In 2026, workshops topics will focus across DLA Energy’s worldwide business including petroleum supply and distribution, supply chain services, aerospace energy, and installation energy. Sessions focused on the space launch community—liquid propellants, helium, and cryogenics—will be managed by our Aerospace Energy business line, with customers such as NASA, the International Space Station, Space and Missile Systems Center, and the Bureau of Land Management, who manages the federal helium reserve.
When. April 21-23, 2026
Where. Hyatt Regency Crystal City,
2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, Virginia 22202
This is a unique opportunity for Department of War employees—military service members, contractors, and leaders—to meet with top industry experts to discuss current trends and initiatives in the petroleum, alternative fuel and renewable energy fields.
Register

Government Purchase Card Program at SJAFB
2026-04-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Online Webinar
Representatives from the 4th Contracting Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will deliver an in‑depth briefing on the Government Purchase Card (GPC) program and its role in supporting the Air Force’s day‑to‑day operational needs. This session will explain how the GPC program streamlines small purchases, improves efficiency, and ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how the GPC process works from start to finish—including requirements determination, funding approvals, cardholder responsibilities, documentation standards, and end‑of‑month reconciliation. Presenters will address common issues businesses encounter when interacting with the GPC program and offer guidance to better understand purchasing procedures in the Air Force GPC program.
When. April 22 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Where. Online
This is a free webinar; however, pre-registration is required in order to receive the virtual platform credentials.
Login credentials will be emailed out a few days prior to the training.
Register

NCDOT Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan - Raleigh
2026-04-22 09:00 - 12:00
NCDOT is currently updating the Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan. In April, we will be hosting four (4) freight forums to reach out to stakeholders and industries across North Carolina for their input into the plan and North Carolina’s freight network (highway, seaports/inland ports, airports, and rail).
The Freight Forums are an opportunity for NCDOT to engage with a broad range of industry leaders ranging from large to small firms. These forums are designed to proactively facilitate open and meaningful dialogue. It will be an opportunity for participants to learn about the current conditions of North Carolina’s multimodal network and to share input as we plan for the future.
The registration form can be found at this link: https://lnkd.in/gyke-_DD
Registration credentials will be sent via email prior to the session.

U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI)
2026-04-27 08:00 - 17:00
Registration is now open for the U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI), scheduled for May 18–22, 2026. This virtual event connects small businesses with Army acquisition leaders and offers early insight into requirements that support installation operations and overall mission readiness.
When. May 18-22, 2026
Where. Virtual
About the MICC
Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the Mission and Installation Contracting Command comprises about 1,500 military and civilian members who are responsible for contracting goods and services in support of Soldiers as well as readying trained contracting units for the operating force and contingency environment when called upon. A subordinate command of the Army Contracting Command and the Army Materiel Command, MICC contracts are vital in feeding more than 200,000 Soldiers every day, providing many daily base operations support services at installations, facilitate training in the preparation of more than 100,000 conventional force members annually, training more than 500,000 students each year, and maintaining more than 14.4 million acres of land and 170,000 structures.
Attendees will gain:

Visibility into upcoming MICC contracting opportunities
Insight into Army requirements that sustain readiness across installations
Guidance on aligning capabilities to support mission execution

Register

Industry Day: KIMBROUGH AMBULATORY CARE CENTER, FORT MEADE, MD.
2026-04-27 08:00 - 2026-04-28 17:00
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District Industry Day Notification for Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center Fort Meade, MD
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District invites industry representatives to an Industry Day for the construction of the new Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center at Fort Meade, Maryland. This event will offer a comprehensive overview of this vital project and a forum for engaging with industry experts to gather and share information.
*Participation in this Industry Day does not constitute a commitment by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to award a contract, nor does it provide any advantage in the competitive procurement process.
*Registration surveys must be submitted NLT 1600 on 13 April 2026.*
Date: 27-28 April 2026
Time: 0900 (Check-in begins at 0815)
Location: George H. Fallon Federal Building
31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201
Ground Floor, G121 (General Session) and G111 (1-on-1 Interview Sessions)
Security: All visitors are required to enter the George Fallon Building through the General Entrance on the side of the building facing the Plaza. Upon entry, visitors will be screened and issued a VISITOR badge which must be worn at all times while in the building.
The event will be held on the ground floor in Suite G100 (Department of Veterans Affairs – Professional Development Academy). Please take the elevators to level “G” to access the suite, where you will be directed to rooms G121 and G111.
Parking: Parking options in the vicinity of the Fallon Building include:

Downunder Garage (beneath Fallon Federal Building) -110 W. Lombard St.
CFG Bank Arena Garage – 99 S Howard St.
Landmark Parking – 20 S Charles St.
Lombard Garage – 221 W. Lombard St.
210 W. Baltimore St. Garage – 210 W. Baltimore St.

*Due to the capacity of the location, we will be limiting attendees to two (2) persons per firm. Firms that are planning to attend should register as early as possible. The event doors will be closed once maximum capacity has been reached.
Registration Form
To register for the event, please complete the registration survey using the Microsoft Forms link below. All interested parties are encouraged to respond, even if not attending.
A limited number of individual breakout sessions with Government representatives will be available to discuss project-specific questions. Due to time constraints, priority for these sessions will be given to firms interested in serving as the prime contractor. The one-on-one sessions are assigned on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Registration surveys must be submitted NLT 1600 on 13 April 2026.*
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/3qVSCgLwXV
Schedule
Day 1: Registration, General Session and One-on-One Interview Sessions

08:15: Registration
09:00: General Session (Introductions, Senior Leader Remarks, Project Overview, Q&A)
11:30: One-on-One Interview Session 1 (Room G111)
12:15: Lunch Break
13:00: One-on-One Interview Session 2 (Room G111)
14:00: One-on-One Interview Session 3 (Room G111)
15:00: Day 1 Concludes

Day 2: One-on-One Interviews

09:00: One-on-One Interview Session 4 (Room G111)
10:00: One-on-One Interview Session 5 (Room G111)
11:00: One-on-One Interview Session 6 (Room G111)
12:00: Lunch Break
13:00: One-on-One Interview Session 7 (Room G111)
14:00: One-on-One Interview Session 8 (Room G111)
15:00: Event Concludes

If you have questions concerning this opportunity, please contact the Contract Specialist Robert Ferebee at Robert.L.Ferebee@usace.army.mil, as well as Contracting Officer, Tamara Bonomolo at Tamara.C.Bonomolo@usace.army.mil.
We look forward to your participation.
SAM.gov Link

Modern Day Marine
2026-04-28 - 2026-04-30
Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services and technology exposition open exclusively to Marines, DoD, association partners, and authorized industry representatives. The show floor hosts more than 350 exhibitors displaying the latest warfighting innovations and technology, presentations from influential Marines and DoD personnel, the OBJ1 Wargaming Convention, and more.
When. April 28-30
Where. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC
Register

State Energy Conference
2026-04-28 08:00 - 2026-04-29 17:00 | North Carolina State University – McKimmon Conference Center, 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, NC, 27606, United States
Powering Connections. Driving Innovation.
The State Energy Conference of North Carolina brings together energy professionals, policy makers, innovators, and businesses to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the energy sector. This premier event delivers actionable insights that support North Carolina’s regional energy economy and foster national impact.
When. April 28 – 29, 2026
Where. McKimmon Center, NC State University, Raleigh, NC
‍
Join us to:
* Connect with industry leaders and peers
* Discover best practices and proven case studies
* Explore emerging technologies and energy solutions
* Engage in important discussions on policy, innovation, and sustainability
Register

Empowering Small Businesses for Financial Readiness
2026-04-28 08:30 - 11:30
Are you ready to take your small business to the next level?
Join Elaine Marshall North Carolina Secretary of State for “Empowering Small Businesses for Financial Readiness”, a FREE session designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, confidence to make business financially resilient and primed for growth.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to expand, this event is your chance to ask questions, get inspired, and gain expert insights tailored to NC small businesses.
This is a FREE session – Seats are limited – Registration is required.
LOCATION: Fayetteville Technical Community College, 2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville NC
DATE: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
TIME: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Event will begin promptly at 9:00 AM and conclude at 11:00 AM)
*Free and Open to the public. Registration is required.
Hosted by the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and inspired by the Rural RISE NC initiative in collaboration with Fayetteville Technical Community College and Fayetteville State University.
Register

NCDOT Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan - Charlotte
2026-04-28 09:00 - 12:00

SciTechCONNECT Regional Pop-Up event in Greensboro
2026-04-29 07:30 - 17:00
About the Event

The Department of War (DoW), in collaboration with the Applied Research Institute and North Carolina A&T University, is hosting a SciTechCONNECT Regional Pop-Up event in Greensboro, North Carolina on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026. With the goal of breaking down barriers of entry, this event is designed to educate, motivate, and inspire new potential performers from small businesses, industry, and academia to engage with the Department of War to grow the national security innovation ecosystem. This one-day event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the DoW through engaging sessions led by DoW officials and industry leaders. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers directly from DoW leadership.
When. April 29, 2026

Registration Opens at 7:45 a.m. (ET)
Sessions: 8:25 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
Reception: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ET)

Where. Greensboro, NC (virtual option available)
620B S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406, USA
Register

NCDOT Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan - Asheville
2026-04-29 09:00 - 12:00

Advancing Research and Innovation for National Defense and Security
2026-04-30 - 2026-05-01
It is with great pleasure that the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Division of Research and Engagement invites you to “Advancing Research and Innovation for National Defense and Security,” a collaborative two-day workshop organized by:

Innovation Collaborative Laboratory for Nanotechnologies to Empower the Future Soldier (ICONS)
Institute for the Convergence of Optimized Methods for Military Advances and National Defense (iCOMMAND)

This workshop is designed to bring together leaders from the DEVCOM Soldier Center and Fort Bragg, as well as University researches and innovation partners to advance national defense to discuss cutting-edge research, build strategic collaborations, and advance workforce development. Participants will engage in conversations focused on aligning research capabilities with defense priorities, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating pathways to support the warfighter.
April 30 – May 1, 2026 | Greensboro, NC
Day 1 – Defense Needs and Innovation Opportunities – April 30
Location: Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
2907 E Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27401
Day 2 – Warfighter Performance and Workforce Development – May 1
Location: Elliott University Center | Alexander Room
507 Stirling St., Greensboro, NC 27412
Event highlights include:

Defense priorities and emerging challenges from federal partners
Research and innovation focused on warfighter protection and survivability
Advances in warfighter performance, health, and readiness
Workforce development pathways to support defense and national security needs
Opportunities for collaboration, partnership development, and funding

To learn more and confirm your participation, please visit: https://command.uncg.edu/icommand-workshop/
Join us for this important and engaging event, that is open to all.
Register

Agriculture, Food and Beverage Quarterly Industry Forum
2026-04-30 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Join the North Carolina Military Business Center for our quarterly industry-related forums that spotlight key federal opportunities and strengthen connections across North Carolina’s federal and defense contracting ecosystem. Each industry-specific quarterly session will connect businesses, government agencies, and prime contractors to discuss:

Upcoming contracting and procurement opportunities
Market and policy trends shaping the industry
Success stories and lessons learned from peers
Strategies for growth in the federal marketplace

These forums are part of our year-round commitment to industry engagement, building momentum towards major annual industry events like FEDTEX, DISC, MBB, FTS and the Summit ensuring that businesses stay connected and competitive in a rapidly evolving federal and defense landscape.
When. April 30, 2026 from 0900-1030
Where. This forum will be held in a virtual setting.
Agenda:

NCMBC updates and industry insights
Highlights of upcoming opportunities and capability gaps
Featured Presentation: Sim McIver, Domestic Marketing Assistant Director, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. McIver will provide an overview of NCDA’s mission, structure, and key programs that assist businesses with product readiness, market access, and growth opportunities. Attendees will hear how NCDA supports food and agribusiness as they enter or expand within commercial and military markets, including commissaries and the military exchange system.
Business Spotlight: Gina Peoples, Blue Mountain Distributors. Blue Mountain Distributors, based in Hendersonville, NC, is a family-owned and operated company specializing in local, specialty, and perishable food products. The company supplies a wide range of retail outlets and major grocery chains throughout the Southeast and was recently awarded a contract with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA). As part of this contract, Blue Mountain will provide products to the Fort Bragg commissary. In this session, Gina Peoples from Blue Mountain will discuss their journey and provide insights regarding the process of becoming a vendor with DeCA.
Open Q&A and networking

Save the date for the 2026 upcoming Agriculture, Food and Beverage Quarterly Forums: July 30, 2026 and October 29, 2026
Register

4th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon
2026-04-30 12:00 - 14:00
Fayetteville State University is hosting its 4th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon with guest speakers including:

MG (Ret.) Al Aycock, President, AUSA Fort Bragg & NC Chapter
Dr. June L. Roberts, MD, MBA, Interim Deputy Chief of Staff for the Fayetteville VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care System
LTG (Ret.) Kevin Vereen, NC Military Affairs Commission Member
LTC (Ret.) Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call

This year’s luncheon is dedicated to honoring and recognizing community partners that support our service members, veterans, and their families by ensuring they have access to the resources and services that enhance their quality of life.
When. April 30, 2026 from 12:00-2:00pm
Where. Rudolph Jones Student Center Ballroom,
Fayetteville State University,
1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Register

US Commercial Service Export Week
2026-05-04 08:00 - 2026-05-08 17:00
In celebration of World Trade Month, the U.S. Commercial Service will host a number of export sessions during the first week of May as well as throughout the month! The sessions, led by both private and public sector experts, will feature tradecraft programs and industry focused opportunities. Many of the programs are being offered free of charge and you can choose as many as you’d like to attend. Whether you are new-to-export or an experienced exporter, Export Week will provide valuable information on forward thinking strategies and invaluable resources to increase your global sales.
Export Week Kick-Off: Navigating Export Resources for U.S. Manufacturers
Monday, May 4, 2026 | 11:00am-12:00pm Eastern
Cost: FREE
Location: Virtual (MS Teams)
Discover how U.S. manufacturers can tap into federal export resources, trade counseling, market intelligence, and global connections to expand internationally.
A number of sessions are available throughout this week. Click on the tabs below to view all sessions.

Trade Craft
Industry Sessions
Trade Deal Access
Export Compliance Series

Ethics and Excellence: Navigating Today's Business Challenges
2026-05-06 08:30 - 12:00
Join us on Wednesday, May 6 for Ethics & Excellence: Navigating Today’s Business Challenges—a FREE dynamic half-day event designed to equip you with practical strategies for leading with integrity in today’s complex business environment.
Hear from keynote speaker David Dowdy, entrepreneur and best-selling author, as he shares powerful insights to spark ethical leadership and sustainable success. You’ll also experience a hands-on session tackling real-world challenges, an expert panel delivering actionable takeaways, and valuable networking with local professionals and vendors—all while enjoying FREE breakfast and lunch.
Seats are filling up quick—register today!
When. May 6th, 202 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where. Mitchell Community College, Executive Training Center
Bonus: The first 40 attendees will receive a free copy of The Success Equation by David Dowdy.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business—and lead it the right way.
Register

Navy Week - Charlotte, North Carolina
2026-05-06 09:00 - 13:00
Park in the upper level of the parking deck. Take the ticket with you to pay inside.
Join the North Carolina Military Business Center for an insightful session with the Department of the Navy (DON) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). This event will provide valuable information for small businesses, covering how to do business with the Navy and Marine Corps, preparation for the DON procurement process, available resources, and more.
When. May 6, 2026 from 9:00-1:00
Where. Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340
8845 Craver Road, Charlotte, NC 28223
Representatives from key small business support organizations will also be on hand for you to connect with and learn about beneficial services available to support business owners including:

CAPT Wade Smith, Commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two
John Daniels, Vice Chancellor for Research, UNC Charlotte
Aregnaz Mooradian, Deputy District Director, US Small Business Administration
TJ Gilroy, Regional Program Manager (Pinehurst), North Carolina Military Business Center
Fran Perez-Wilhite, Regional Program Manager (Charlotte), North Carolina Military Business Center
Phyllis VanHoy, Director, Small Business Center, Central Piedmont Community College Small Business Center
Amelia Moore, Outreach & Communications Coordinator, SBIR-STTR, NAVSEA
Anne Bannister, Senior Small Business Officer, PAE Maritime, NAVSEA

Parking Directions
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
WALK-IN REGISTRATION IS WELCOME

Small Business Outreach Event at Wayne Community College
2026-05-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Wayne, 3000 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC, 27534
Join the NCMBC for an engaging Small Business Outreach Event at Wayne Community College. This session brings together regional experts, federal partners, and local resource organizations that will share valuable opportunities and insights supporting business growth, government contracting, workforce development and small business assistance.
When. May 6, 2026 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Where. Wayne Community College, 3000 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534; Walnut Building, Room 101
Agenda.
3:00 – 3:30 Welcome Remarks

Bill Simons, NCMBC, Wayne Community College (Welcome & Purpose)
Renita Dawson, Vice President-Workforce Continuing Education & Community Engagement, Wayne Community College

3:30 – 4:30 Organizational Resources and Mini Briefs

Todd Walker, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
Heather Port, Small Business Administration (SBA)
Kyle Donah, 4th Contracting Squadron (SJAFB)
Joel Guge, Government Contracting Assistance Program (GCAP)
Julius Cook, Veteran Business Outreach Center, Fayetteville State
Esteban Guzman, Wayne Community College’s Small Business Center (SBC)
Christina Therodorou, NCGrowth, UNC Chapel Hill
Bill Simons, North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC), Wayne Community College

4:30 – 5:00 Questions & Answers Interactive Forum: All previous presenters & audience
5:00 Closing Comments: Bill Simons, NCMBC, Wayne Community College
Flyer Information
Register

Introduction to Federal Contracting For the Small Business Owner (Online)
2026-05-12 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
To sell your products or services to the federal government, your small business must meet specific requirements. Although the contracting process can seem complicated and overwhelming at first, the government provides information and tips to help you learn to compete as a federal contractor in North Carolina.
When. May 12, 2026 from 11:00-1:00 pm
Where. Online
Register

AES Export Compliance Seminar
2026-05-13 08:00 - 2026-05-14 17:00
If your company is seeking to expand into Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or commercial defense opportunities overseas, you should strongly consider participating in the US Commercial Service AES Export Compliance Seminar.
This intensive two-day virtual program gives you the practical knowledge and real-world tools to strengthen your export operations.
This two-day seminar is a practical, government-led training focused on the full spectrum of U.S. export compliance. The program features expert speakers from the U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as private sector specialists.

May 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT
May 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT
Format: Live Virtual Program

What You’ll Learn

Why export regulations are essential to protecting your company from costly penalties, fines, cargo seizures, or delays
ACE/AESDirect — Navigating the Automated Commercial Environment and AESDirect filing platform
Commodity Classification — Correctly classifying your goods for export control and reporting purposes
ACE Export Reports — Using ACE reporting tools to monitor and manage your export filings
Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and ITAR Requirements

Who Should Attend
Whether you are new to exporting or a seasoned pro, this program is built for you. Recommended attendees include U.S. exporters, freight forwarders, logistics and documentation professionals, compliance managers, manufacturers, shippers, and U.S. Principal Parties of Interest (USPPIs).
Why Attend?

Learn from government experts and experienced private sector practitioners
Get trade data guidance straight from the sources
Walk away with compliance strategies you can implement immediately
Reduce regulatory risk and avoid expensive mistakes

Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in reaching an engaged audience of export professionals, compliance managers, and trade specialists? Sponsorship opportunities are available for this program.
Register
