Small Business Expansion Summit

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) at North Carolina Central University is excited to host its Inaugural Small Business Expansion Summit on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. The SBE Summit was created with the sole purpose of accelerating Mainstreet NC and helping local small business owners take ACTIONABLE steps to grow 1% better.

This dynamic one-day event is designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the knowledge, strategies, and resources they need to expand operations and thrive. The summit will feature interactive workshops designed to provide actionable insights and practical advice, expert panel discussions, and keynote addresses. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and gain valuable resources to drive their business growth.

Learning Tracks Include:

Optimizing Your Current Market: Learn strategies to deepen market reach, identify the right time to expand, and explore methods for sustainable growth.
Going International: Gain insights into exporting, entering global markets, and navigating international operations.
Growing with the Government: Discover opportunities in government contracting, including how to register and secure contracts.
Expansion Through Acquisition: Understand how acquisitions can drive business growth and how to leverage them effectively.
Financing Your Expansion: Explore capital strategies and financing options to successfully fund and grow your business.

Please click the link below to REGISTER and be informed as more information becomes available.

Interested in serving as a sponsor, vendor, speaker, workshop facilitator or volunteer? Complete our SBE Interest Form located here.

Small Business Expansion Summit Agenda (Tentative)

Saturday, March 22, 2025

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM:

Speaker and panelist check-in and orientation.

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM:

Attendee Check-In, Light Breakfast, and Networking

9:00 AM – 9:25 AM:

Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:30 AM – 10:25 AM:

Expert Panel Discussion

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM:

Learning Track Workshops – Session 1
- Tracks:
  - Optimizing Your Current Market
  - Going International
  - Growing with the Government
  - Expansion Through Acquisition
  - Financing Your Expansion

12:05 PM – 1:05 PM:

Networking Lunch and Vendor Visits

1:10 PM – 2:40 PM:

Learning Track Workshops – Session 2
- Repeat the morning tracks to allow attendees to join another topic.

2:45 PM – 2:55 PM:

Break and Refreshments

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM:

Keynote Address
Hear from an entrepreneur who has successfully launched and expanded a home grown business.

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM:

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM:

Post-Event Networking

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