small business

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

CMMC Level 1 Implementation Workshop: Hands-On Guidance Through All 15 Controls

Rear Adm. Jeff Kilian is a native of Spokane, Washington. Prior to joining the Navy, Kilian served four years as a Marine assigned to 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. In 1994 he was commissioned via Officer Candidate School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University and a Master of Science in Engineering (Construction Engineering and Project Management) from the University of Texas at Austin.

Virtual Industry Day Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

This is an announcement for an upcoming virtual industry day only. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Jacksonville District (Corps) will hold a virtual Industry Day for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) Indian River Lagoon South (IRL-S) C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area (C-44 RSTA) Seepage Management Feature – Relief Wells Contract A, Martin County, Florida on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

Business Insurance 101 Webinar

Hosted by the NC Department of Insurance – Consumer Services Division

The Consumer Services Division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance is offering a free Business Insurance 101 webinar to help business owners understand how to protect their operations from financial risks and ensure they have the right insurance coverage in place.

Business Insurance 101 Webinar

Hosted by the NC Department of Insurance – Consumer Services Division

Business Insurance 101 Webinar

Hosted by the NC Department of Insurance – Consumer Services Division

Government Purchase Card Program at SJAFB

Representatives from the 4th Contracting Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will deliver an in‑depth briefing on the Government Purchase Card (GPC) program and its role in supporting the Air Force’s day‑to‑day operational needs. This session will explain how the GPC program streamlines small purchases, improves efficiency, and ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations.

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.

Introduction to Federal Contracting For the Small Business Owner (Online)

To sell your products or services to the federal government, your small business must meet specific requirements. Although the contracting process can seem complicated and overwhelming at first, the government provides information and tips to help you learn to compete as a federal contractor in North Carolina.

Introduction to Federal Contracting For the Small Business Owner (Online)

Government Contracting for Manufacturers: Turning Capability into Opportunity Webinar

Many North Carolina manufacturers have the capabilities, quality standards, and capacity that government agencies seek but few are tapping into this multi-billion-dollar market. This one-hour webinar introduces manufacturers to the fundamentals of federal contracting and how their products, processes, and certifications align with government purchasing needs.

Growing Opportunity: Connecting North Carolina’s Agriculture Industry to Federal Markets Webinar

North Carolina’s agriculture industry is one of the most diverse and advanced in the country — stretching from family farms and food processors to ag-tech innovators, packagers, and distributors. Every part of this ecosystem contributes to feeding the nation, yet only a small share currently participates in the federal market.

Introduction to Federal Contracting and the North Carolina Military Business Center: A Resource for Businesses in Forsyth County

Join Representative Kanika Brown in partnership with the North Carolina Military Business Center for an informative Federal Contracting workshop.

About. 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 and 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.

NC Community College System’s Small Business Center Network (SBCN) and the Wells Fargo Foundation are launching the SBCN Startup Showdown

The NC Community College System’s Small Business Center Network (SBCN) and the Wells Fargo Foundation are launching the SBCN Startup Showdown, a new statewide competition designed to support emerging entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and up to $30,000 in startup funding. This collaboration reflects Wells Fargo’s ongoing commitment to helping entrepreneurs thrive in communities across North Carolina, in partnership with the NC Community Colleges Foundation.