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. 

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.

USACE Charleston & Savannah Districts Virtual Industry Day

Charleston and Savannah Districts are hosting a Virtual Industry Day on 20 August 2026 at 10:00AM!

Click on the link below to join the session:

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/meet/993673710320?p=TCJcr99wQsGUtw8F8p

Meeting ID: 993 673 710 320

Passcode: 7un7Qy3d

Dial in by phone

+1 503-207-9433,,592668394# United States, Beaverton

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 592 668 394#

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.

Introduction to Federal Contracting For the Small Business Owner

Selling or providing services to the federal government can create valuable opportunities for small businesses, but there are specific requirements that must be met before pursuing federal contracts.

Join this webinar to learn about the requirements for becoming a federal contractor, gain practical guidance on getting started, and get answers from subject matter experts.

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.

Setting Up for Contracting Success: Tools and Systems You Need (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.

Introduction to Federal Contracting for Small Business Owners – Online

To sell your products or services to the federal government, your small business must meet specific requirements. While the contracting process may seem complicated and overwhelming at first, the government offers resources, guidance, and tips to help small business owners learn to successfully compete for federal contracts in North Carolina.

Finding Which Government Agencies Need Your Products or Services

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)

Topic: Government Contracting

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.

Small Business Certifications: Unlocking Special Advantages

Session 2 – Small Business Certifications: Unlocking Special Advantages
Learn how certifications help your federal business journey.
From 8(a) to WOSB, HUBZone, and SDVOSB, we’ll cover what these certifications mean, who qualifies, and why they matter. We’ll also clear up common myths and give you practical guidance on whether and when to pursue certification.

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.

Reverse Industry Day – Emerging Acquisition Strategies for Military Construction and Civil Works Projects

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District (SPK)

Subject: Reverse Industry Day – Emerging Acquisition Strategies for Military Construction and Civil Works Projects

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District (SPK), invites industry partners to participate in a Reverse Industry Day focused on emerging acquisition strategies and project delivery methods.

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: 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

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 , 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.

Manufacturers Webinar – Strengthen Your Network and Modernize Operations

Looking to strengthen your North Carolina manufacturing network—or modernize your operations?

Join us on Wednesday, June 24, for a virtual workshop hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration North Carolina District Office.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
  • Connect with North Carolina-based suppliers
  • Explore proven manufacturing technologies for both the front office and factory floor
  • Access expert support and resources—many at no cost

We’ll be joined by a specialist from NC State University Industry Extension Services, who will discuss the suite of resources – many at no charge – they can offer to businesses just like yours.

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?