Contractor’s Academy
The Contractor’s Academy is an intensive eight-session certificate program presented by Wake Tech and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC). The program takes business owners and entrepreneurs through the complete journey from first understanding what public sector contracting is to being fully prepared to find, pursue and win contracts at the federal and North Carolina state level.
Small Business Tool Support
We invite you to help us spread the word about an upcoming webinar for Durham entrepreneurs and startup business owners.
The Durham LIT Tool Support Program provides reimbursement for eligible business tools and services to support business growth. This opportunity is designed for Durham-based businesses that are less than 2 years old.
Charleston District and SAME Charleston 2026 Federal Contractor Summit and Annual Oyster Roast
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Charleston District, and the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Charleston Post, invite you to attend the 2026 Federal Contractor Summit and Annual Oyster Roast on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at The Citadel’s Altman Center.
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.
ISO 9001:2026 Information Update Webinar
ISO 9001:2026 introduces several updates that certified organizations, quality professionals, and business leaders need to understand as they prepare to transition from ISO 9001:2015.
When. November 10, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 est.
Where. Online
During this free webinar, NC State University Industry Extension Services will provide a practical overview of the revised standard, including:
- What has changed from ISO 9001:2015
- What has remained substantially the same
- The most meaningful new and revised requirements
- Expected transition considerations
- Actions organizations can begin taking to transition
- Questions and answers with IES quality professionals
This webinar is appropriate for quality managers, internal auditors, management representatives, organizational leaders, and others involved in maintaining or supporting an ISO 9001 quality management system.
NCMMI Northeastern Listening Session
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES), Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), the Office of Representative Don Davis, and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) are hosting a North Carolina Maritime Manufacturing Initiative (NCMMI) Regional Listening Session for Congressional District 1.
Advanced Textiles Expo
Connect with manufacturers, fabricators, engineers, designers, suppliers and decision-makers exploring the latest innovations, sourcing new solutions and building valuable business relationships across every market segment.
Join thousands of textile professionals at Advanced Textiles Expo to explore the latest innovations in materials, technology, and manufacturing.
Boots to Business
This two-day seminar will provide participants with an introduction to business ownership and guide them through the start-up process. Topics include: entrepreneurship assessment, business feasibility, the business plan, understanding your market, business legal structure, and sources of funding. Participants will be provided with a number of resources and tools to compliment the training topics.
Federal and Defense Textile and Tactical Equipment (FEDTEX) Summit
The Federal and Defense Textile and Tactical Equipment (FEDTEX) Summit, hosted by the Office of Senator Ted Budd and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC), connects the US Department of Defense (DoD) and federal agency clothing and individual equipment buyers with US textile manufacturers, textile supply chain suppliers, cut and sew contractors, research and development (R&D) facilities, testing labs and academic resources.
Southeast Region Federal Construction, Infrastructure & Environmental Summit
The Office of US Senator Ted Budd and the North Carolina Military Business Center are pleased to announce the Southeast Region Federal Construction, Infrastructure & Environmental Summit on April 20-22, 2027 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
WHEN.
April 20-22, 2027
WHERE.
Understanding the Basics of Government Contracting: From Opportunity to Award
North Carolina SBTDC’s Government Contracting Assistance Program presents GovCon Connect Series on contracting fundamentals.
Finding an opportunity is only the first step. Learn how to understand common government solicitation types, identify key requirements and evaluation criteria, and use a practical Go/No-Go approach to determine which opportunities deserve your time and resources.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Federal 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.
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.
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.
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.
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