Innovation

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

Coast Guard ALC Modernization & Sustainment Accelerator

Event Overview

When. June 16 – 18, 2026

Where. Elizabeth City, North Carolina

As part of the modernization effort, the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is partnering with the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) on the ALC Modernization and Sustainment Accelerator.

US Department of Transportation National Small Business Matchmaking Series

The National Small Business Matchmaking Series is a premier initiative designed to bridge the gap between local small businesses and the federal marketplace. Our mission is to empower American entrepreneurs by providing the tools and connections necessary to succeed in federal contracting.

Ethics and Excellence: Navigating Today’s Business Challenges

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.

Advancing Research and Innovation for National Defense and Security

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.

Empowering Small Businesses for Financial Readiness

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.

NCDOT Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan – Asheville

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).

NCDOT Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan – Raleigh

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).

Boots to Business/REBOOT

Boots to Business Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Veterans of all eras, Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and spouses are eligible to participate.

Small Business Outreach Event, Coastal Carolina Community College

When. 19 May 2026, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Where. Coastal Carolina Community College, Melton Skills Center, 444 Western Blvd. Jacksonville, NC  28546

Purpose of the Outreach Event.

• Inform and educate businesses on the North Carolina-based support organizations available to assist businesses in becoming eligible and competitive for Department of Defense contracts.

US Forest Service Industry Day

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.

CMMC Level 1 Implementation Workshop: Hands-On Guidance Through All 15 Controls

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.

SciTechCONNECT Regional Pop-Up event in Greensboro

DoW SciTechCONNECT North Carolina Regional Pop-Up Information Session

Summary

Join the North Carolina Military Business Center for an information session in advance of the DoW SciTechCONNECT North Carolina Regional Pop-Up (April 29, 2026, Greensboro). The Regional Pop-Up is designed to break down barriers to entry and educate, motivate, and inspire new potential performers from small businesses, industry, and academia to engage with the Department of War and grow the national security innovation ecosystem.

Summit Keynote SpeakerDr. Larry D. McCallister, Ph.D, PE, PMP, SESDirector of ProgramsUS Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division

Dr. Larry McCallister was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) in September 2013 and serves as the as the South Atlantic Division Programs Director where he oversees work in the Southeast United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He is responsible for the US Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works mission consisting of planning, engineering and construction for navigation, flood control, stream bank and shore protection, hurricane and storm damage reduction, emergency preparedness response and recovery, hydropower, water supply, recreation, environmental protection and recovery, permitting, real estate and interagency and international support. 

Exhibitor Spaces for Summit are Nearly Sold Out

Interest in exhibiting this year at Summit has been exceptionally strong, and only a limited number of exhibit spaces remain. ​If your organization is interested in securing a booth, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase your products, services, and capabilities to a wide audience of industry leaders, federal and DoD representatives, and business professionals from across the region. 

Virtual Industry Day Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

This is an announcement for an upcoming virtual industry day only. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Jacksonville District (Corps) will hold a virtual Industry Day for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) Indian River Lagoon South (IRL-S) C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area (C-44 RSTA) Seepage Management Feature – Relief Wells Contract A, Martin County, Florida on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

State Energy Conference

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.

DLA Energy Worldwide

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.