DARPA, DOE & Industry Discuss What’s Next in Semiconductors
The future of semiconductors is being shaped now. Join the people helping determine where it goes next.
On September 21–22 at NC State University, DARPA, the Department of Energy, national laboratories, industry leaders, researchers, innovators and investors will come together for the Ultrawide Bandgap Market Identification Workshop.
North Carolina Coalition for Defense Research Hybrid Event: Army FUZE, XTech & Pathway for Innovation Technology Discussion
This event is co-sponsored by the NC CDR, UNC’s Office of Research Development, Innovate Carolina, and the North Carolina Military Business Center to advance the collaboration among NC University researchers, the NC Innovation ecosystem, and the Defense sector to better identify, understand and pursue research in support of national defense.
DARPA Convergence Industry Day
America’s Seed Fund SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference
This three-day event is designed for high-growth startups and small businesses seeking to secure non-dilutive funding – the nation’s largest source of such capital. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with representatives from the 11 federal agencies participating in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
2026 ALA Annual National Conference and Professional Development Forum
Join the American Logistics Association (ALA) for the 2026 National Conference — our annual event bringing together leaders from the military resale and quality-of-life ecosystem, including industry partners, government agencies, and military services.
ALA has a long tradition of being in the right place at the right time and serving as the focal point for partnership and representation in the military marketplace.
TechTextil North America
As North America’s premier event for technical textiles and nonwovens, Techtextil North America unites every segment of the industry—from research and innovation to sourcing, manufacturing, finishing, and recycling—empowering professionals to discover solutions, build partnerships, and stay ahead of what’s next.
When.
Chemical Protective Textiles Challenge – Industry Day
AFFOA, in partnership with the Capability Program Executive for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (CPE CBRND), and SPARK, CPE CBRND’s Innovation Incubator, invites textile manufacturers, material innovators, research organizations, industry, government partners, and end users to participate in Industry Day for the Chemical Protective Textiles Challenge, sponsored by SPARK, CPE CBRND’s Innovation Incubator.
Effectively Presenting Your Business to the Government, Military & Prime Contractors
This training focuses on real world tips, tricks, tools and lessons learned on how to effectively market a business to federal customers. It also focuses on techniques to market a business to federal prime contractors, in anticipation of teaming on current and future opportunities.
DMVA Roadshow 2026: Unlock the Veteran & MilSpouse Advantage for Your Business
About the Roadshow
North Carolina businesses are coming together to unlock the power of veteran and military-spouse talent. The Unlock the Veteran & MilSpouse Advantage Roadshow is a statewide series connecting employers, workforce leaders, and community partners to explore how hiring from the military community strengthens our workforce, economy, and your company’s bottom line.
National Veterans Small Business Engagement (NVSBE) 2026
This year’s theme — Show Up. Connect. Own the Opportunity. — captures the spirit of what NVSBE is all about. It is a call to action for every Veteran entrepreneur and small business owner to step forward, build meaningful connections, and seize the contracting opportunities that await.
People Side of Government Sales: Building Relationships, Connecting with Buyers (online)
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.
Federal Sales Cycle: Understanding The Government Timeline to Make a Sale
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.
Capability Statements: Your One-Page Business Pitch for the Government
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.
Intro to Federal Contracting (In-Person)
Join Fran Perez‑Wilhite of the North Carolina Military Business Center for an informative session on federal contracting for small businesses.
If you’re interested in selling your products or services to the federal government, it’s essential to understand the requirements and processes involved.
Using Your Past Work Performance to Win Government Trust (Online)
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.
OTAs in Construction—What Changes, Breaks, and Works!
Date: July 14, 2026
Time: 11:30 am. (Eastern standard)
Date: July 14, 2026
Time: 11:30 am. (Eastern standard)
Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) are generating significant interest across the Department of Defense acquisition community, particularly following recent changes affecting military construction and infrastructure programs.
CMMC and Cybersecurity Workshop for DoD Contractors and Small Businesses
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 9:00-11:30 am | Free In-Person Workshop
Continental breakfast provided at 9:00 a.m.
NC A&T University, 226 McNair Hall, 1601 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Training begins at 9:30 a.m.
NC A&T University, 240 McNair Auditorium, 1601 E.
Medical, Biomedical & Biodefense: Support to America’s Warfighters and Veterans
The Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, Office of US Senator Ted Budd, the North Carolina Military Business Center, and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center will host the Medical, Biomedical & Biodefense: Support to the Warfighter and Veteran Symposium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on September 23-24, 2026.
CMMC Level 1: Implementation
In this session participants will map out their scope, create basic cyber security procedures, learn how to capture required evidence, and prepare for a final self assessment before uploading a score to SPRS.
When. Wednesday, August 12 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Register
CMMC Level 1: Getting Started
In this session, we begin to break down the phases of a CMMC implementation. Participants will be introduced to environment scoping, required policies, procedures, and documentation that must be completed before a final CMMC self-assessment can be conducted.
Full Series
- CMMC Level 1: Getting Started: Thursday, July 9, 2026
- CMMC Level 1: Implementation: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Register
CMMC Level 1: Compliance Overview
In this session, participants will learn what the CMMC standard is, how it impacts small businesses, and what it takes to move from understanding to compliance. Attendees will leave this session with a basic understanding of CMMC, what it takes to become certified and the steps required to achieve certification.
Building Basic Research Capacity: Research and Education Program Webinar
For HBCUs and TCUs, expanding basic research capacity is not just about funding. It is about building the infrastructure, partnerships, and momentum needed to turn academic expertise into long-term research opportunity.
On June 24, Dept. of War (DoW) SciTechConnect will host Building Basic Research Capacity: Research and Education Program Webinar, a focused 45-minute session designed to help institutions better understand the Research and Education Program and how it can support research growth.
Secure Your Spot: Join the DoW’s Inaugural DIB Accelerator
Defense Industrial Base partners,
DON’T MISS OUT – Attend the DoW’s inaugural Defense Industrial Base Accelerator (DIBX), August 25-27, 2026 in Philadelphia.
Register, reserve your booth, and view the agenda at https://events.ati.org/dibx.
On behalf of the Honorable Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, we are pleased to invite you to the inaugural DIBX.
Navigating a Future in Government Contracting
The federal contracting environment is undergoing many changes. Adjustments in set-aside programs, shifts in agency priorities, evolving contract vehicles and fluctuations in budget cycles continue to shape how businesses compete and operate in this space. This webinar is designed to equip participants with a structured and adaptable approach to federal contracting that remains effective despite changes in policy, regulation or market conditions.
2026 NCEDA Annual Conference
We’re excited to share the agenda and current registrant list for the 2026 NCEDA Annual Conference, presented by ECS Southeast. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with more than 300 of your economic development colleagues later this month for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration!
Gold Coast 2026 | Strengthening National Security Through Small Business Innovation
THEME: Strengthening National Security Through Small Business Innovation
WHEN. August 17-20, 2026
WHERE. San Diego Convention Center
INDUSTRY
Expo Attendee/Booth Staff
$799 – Until July 15, 2026
$899 – Walk-in rate (valid through event close)
BOOTH SPACE*
$1,099 – Until July 15, 2026
$1,199 – Walk-in rate (valid through event close)
*Booth package includes space plus one staff member
Why Attend Gold Coast?
Cyber Training Workshop for DoD Contractors and Small Businesses
This interactive workshop equips DoD contractors and small businesses with practical tools and foundational knowledge to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and business continuity strategy. Participants will learn how to move beyond “checking the box” to creating a sustainable cyber program that protects operations, improves resilience, and builds a culture of cybersecurity awareness across the organization.
The Process for Winning Government Contracts
The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), in partnership with Person County Economic Development, will be hosting an informational breakfast highlighting services offered to businesses interested in pursuing government contracting opportunities at the local, state, and federal level. If your business is interested in pursuing government contracting opportunities, this is a great opportunity to learn about the resources offered by SBTDC to help your business land government contracts.
NC World Trade Association Annual Summit
The summit will take place on September 17th – 18th, 2026 — with an optional opening night welcome reception on September 16th at the hotel for early arrivals — at the beautiful Charlotte Marriott SouthPark, in Charlotte, NC. The summit brings together top business and industry leaders, owner-managers, shippers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, supply chain experts, government leaders, students and professors from our colleges and universities, and trade professionals engaged in global trade.
SBIR/STTR Proposal Development Series
Join SBTDC & First Flight for a 2-day SBIR/STTR series—learn to craft winning proposals and secure federal funding from expert advisors.
Join the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) and First Flight Venture Center for an interactive 2-day SBIR/STTR proposal development series on June 1st and June 8th, 2026 designed to help you compete and win.
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