Innovation

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

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)

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

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.