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.
- 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.
Lender Matchmaking Session in Edenton, NC!
Are you an entrepreneur looking to secure a small business loan?
Join us in Edenton to learn how to prepare for and connect with small business lenders. The morning begins with remarks from special guests and proceeds with a panel discussion of ex-perts in small business lending who will reveal the ins and outs of applying for a small business loan.
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?
CMMC Level 1 for Federal Contractors
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.
Financial Readiness for Entrepreneurs – NC Rural Rise Initiative
The Financial Readiness for Entrepreneurs event will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the John A. Walker Center at Wilkes Community College. This free event features a panel discussion designed to equip North Carolina small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to build financially resilient businesses.
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.
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.
From Service to Stability: Advancing Veteran Homeownership 2026 Q2 Symposium | Homeownership Pillar
The LendingTree Foundation’s 2026 Q2 Symposium, From Service to Stability: Advancing Veteran Homeownership, will explore how cross-sector collaboration can expand access to sustainable homeownership for veterans. Centered on the power of public-private partnerships, this event will bring together leaders from financial institutions, higher education, and community organizations who are working to better serve those who have served our country.
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.
U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI)
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.
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 – Charlotte
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.
4th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon
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.)
AES Export Compliance Seminar
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.
US Commercial Service Export Week
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.
Navy Week – Charlotte, North Carolina
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).
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.
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.
Cumberland Industrial Luncheon
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.
SciTechCONNECT Regional Pop-Up event in Greensboro
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.
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