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

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.

Federal Contracting

Topic: Government Contracting

This training is an introduction to doing business with the federal government.

Topics trained include:

Levels of Federal Purchasing, How the Federal Government Buys Products, Construction, Engineering, and Non-Personal Services, Marketing a Business to the Federal Government, Socio-Economic Small Business Programs, Registering as a Federal Contractor, Locating, Identifying, and Responding to Federal Business Opportunities, and Resources Available to Assist Federal Contractors in North Carolina.

Federal Contracting 101: How to Sell to the Government and Get Registered

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.

SAME Carolina Midlands Post – Procrastination Engineer Seminar

Procrastination is common among engineers and other technical professionals, and can hurt both productivity and quality. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to break the cycle and meet deadlines without last‑minute stress.

The Carolina Midlands Post is pleased to provide a 3-hr seminar on this important self-improvement topic.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CMMC Level 1 Readiness Workshop

Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Computer & Information Technology Department invites defense contractors, small businesses, consultants, and subcontractors to participate in a comprehensive CMMC Level 1 Readiness Workshop designed to strengthen cybersecurity posture and support federal contract compliance.

This interactive workshop provides a clear, practical pathway for organizations seeking to understand and implement the foundational requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 framework.

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 – 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.

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.)