SBA Programs and Resources Webinar
Learn how the SBA supports small businesses through counseling, lending programs, federal contracting programs, and disaster assistance. Begin to understand how to access expert guidance, financial capital, government contracting assistance, and disaster recovery support. Ideal for start-ups, growing businesses, and entrepreneurs exploring available resources.
Small Business Outreach Event in Jacksonville, NC
When. 10 December 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.
Respond & Recover: USACE Emergency Management Contract Opportunity
Learn about the upcoming USACE Enterprise-Wide Emergency Management Services opportunity and how your business can support critical preparedness, response, and recovery missions nationwide. Discover requirements for Blue Sky planning and training services, Gray Sky disaster response support, rapid deployment expectations, and key qualifications needed to compete for this contracting opportunity.
Furniture Manufacturing Expo
Furniture Manufacturing Expo is the opportunity to take part in the only trade show in North America showcasing the largest gathering of suppliers and the latest solutions for manufacturers of furniture.
Over two days, attendees have the chance to engage with exhibiting suppliers and see first-hand the latest innovative products, equipment, and machinery as well as gain a better understanding of the services and new technology making a critical impact on warehousing, logistics, finance, and the bottom line.
NCMMI Southeastern Listening Session
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES), UNC-Wilmington, the Office of Representative David Rouzer, and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) are hosting a North Carolina Maritime Manufacturing Initiative (NCMMI) Regional Listening Session for Congressional District 7.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 10 a.m.
Joint Innovation Outpost Virtual Industry Day
The Army’s Joint Innovation Outpost (JIOP) is where urgent operational needs meet expert acquisition. The JIOP serves as the Army’s nexus for rapid innovation at the operational acquisition detachments for XVIII Airborne Corps, I Corps, and III Armored Corps. The JIOP is chartered to discover, develop, and deliver decisive capabilities directly to the warfighter.
From Innovation to National Security: Understanding the OTA Pathway
Do you have a technology that could solve a national security problem but unsure of how to get it in front of the right government organization, find funding, or navigate the path from prototype to commercialization?
Join the NCMBC for this training that will demystify the federal innovation ecosystem and show North Carolina companies, researchers, startups, and technology developers how Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) can provide a faster, more flexible pathway to develop and demonstrate new capabilities.
SAME Omaha Post / APEX Accelerator – Virtual Matchmaking Event – October 15, 2026
SAME Omaha Post, in partnership with the Nebraska APEX Accelerator, is hosting Prime Connections: SAME Virtual Industry Matchmaker 2026, a virtual matchmaking event designed to connect prime contractors with small businesses and other potential subcontractors. We are excited to invite you to participate in this event and connect with businesses that may support your current and future contracting needs.
Mid-Atlantic Small Business Outreach + Industry Day
Join us at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, VA, February 22 – 24, 2027, for the 2027 SAME Mid-Atlantic Small Business Outreach + Industry Day, hosted by the Hampton Roads, Coastal Carolina, Virginia Peninsula, and Central Virginia Society of American Military Engineers Posts.
Office of Small Business Programs Networking Event 2026
Purpose
SOFWERX, in coordination with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), will provide a networking opportunity for Small Businesses with capabilities that support National Security Interests and/or the USSOCOM mission to engage with Government Stakeholders, Prime Contractors, and Investors in the form of “Speed Dating.”
Drone Days with Raven Advisory
Calling all drone enthusiasts — get ready to fly — Drone Days lands September 15–17, 2026. Network with industry leaders and experience the latest technology by signing up via the RSVP link below.
Sep 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – Sep 17, 2026, 4:30 PM
Raven Advisory DOME – Gryphon Group, 16780 Airbase Rd, Maxton, NC 28364, USA
Register
Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health – FASTPASS Program
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TA1 – SAMPLE: Develop advanced through-packaging sensing technologies to evaluate the chemical makeup of a product using spectrographic or other non-contact, non-destructive means.
North Carolina Coalition for Defense Research Hybrid Event: Army FUZE, XTech & Pathway for Innovation Technology Discussion
This event has been postponed to late fall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Medical, Biomedical & Biodefense: Support to America’s Warfighters and Veterans
Online Registration has been closed.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
NC Advanced Mobility Symposium at RTI International
The NC Advanced Mobility Symposium convenes leaders from industry, government, defense, research, and emerging technology organizations to focus on real-world deployment of advanced mobility, autonomy, UAS, AAM, and dual-use technologies. The 2026 program emphasizes on connecting policy, funding, and operational pathways at a pivotal moment for the ecosystem.
Small Business Outreach Event at Wayne Community College
Join the NCMBC for an engaging Small Business Outreach Event at Wayne Community College. This session brings together regional experts, federal partners, and local resource organizations that will share valuable opportunities and insights supporting business growth, government contracting, workforce development and small business assistance.
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