#triangle-entrepreneurs — Public Fediverse posts

Black Entrepreneur Week 2026 Brings Business, Creativity and Community to Raleigh

Raleigh entrepreneurs, creatives and community supporters are invited to connect, learn and invest in local businesses during Black Entrepreneur Week 2026, taking place September 27 through October 3.

Presented through THE BLKPRNT, the inaugural week will bring entrepreneurs, business leaders, artists and residents together for programs focused on business growth, creativity, relationships, visibility and economic opportunity.

Most events will be held at The Wright Note Café, 399 Hubert Street in Raleigh. The week concludes with a guided Black Business Trail traveling to businesses throughout the Triangle.

Black Entrepreneur Week 2026 schedule

Community Kickoff

Sunday, September 27 | 2–5 p.m.
Admission: Free

Black Entrepreneur Week begins with a free, family-friendly Community Kickoff featuring food, music, business resources, community organizations and opportunities to meet local entrepreneurs.

Free food will be available from 2:15–4:15 p.m. while supplies last. Registration is encouraged but does not guarantee food.

Register for the Black Entrepreneur Week Community Kickoff

Built to Be Heard

Sunday, September 27 | 7–9 p.m.

Built to Be Heard is a curated open-mic experience featuring storytelling, spoken word, music and original creative expression. Participants will share perspectives connected to entrepreneurship, identity, culture, creativity and community.

The program is designed as an intentional space for meaningful stories and voices rather than a traditional business pitch competition.

Get tickets for Built to Be Heard

Build What Pays Business Intensive

Monday, September 28–Thursday, October 1 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. daily
Application required

Build What Pays is a four-day business-growth intensive for established, revenue-generating entrepreneurs. Sessions will focus on strategy, finance, marketing, operations and practical uses of artificial intelligence.

Participation is limited, and acceptance into the program requires a separate application. The intensive is included with the Builder Pass but is not included with the standard Week Pass.

The Art of Business: An Art and Culinary Experience

Tuesday, September 29 | 7–9 p.m.

The Art of Business will explore the intersection of creativity, storytelling and entrepreneurship through visual art and food.

The evening will include artwork curated by Tiff Possible Presents and tastings from five culinary entrepreneurs in partnership with Taste of Black. Guests can meet participating creatives, hear the stories behind their businesses, purchase original artwork and experience Raleigh’s creative economy firsthand.

Get tickets for The Art of Business

The Value of Creativity

Wednesday, September 30 | 6:30–9 p.m.

The Value of Creativity is a networking mixer and workshop created for artists, designers, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, writers, content creators, makers and other creative entrepreneurs.

Discussions will cover pricing, marketing, ownership, positioning, audience development and building sustainable revenue around creative work. Attendees will also have opportunities to develop relationships with professionals from across the Triangle.

Register for The Value of Creativity

Founder Showcase and Night Market

Thursday, October 1 | 6–10 p.m.
Admission: Free

The Founder Showcase will place selected entrepreneurs in the spotlight through live podcast interviews about their businesses, challenges, growth and future plans.

The showcase will be followed by a community Night Market featuring local vendors, shopping, networking and live music. The event is designed to connect entrepreneurs directly with customers while encouraging residents to support local commerce.

Reserve a free ticket for the Founder Showcase and Night Market

Black Business Trail

Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Black Entrepreneur Week concludes with the Black Business Trail, a curated bus experience visiting five Triangle-area stops and introducing participants to 10 businesses.

The six-hour experience includes round-trip transportation from The Wright Note Café, business stories, shopping opportunities and tastings at each stop. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are required.

Tickets start at $99 plus applicable fees. The Black Business Trail requires separate registration and is not included with the standard Week Pass.

Get tickets for the Black Business Trail

Black Entrepreneur Week passes

The $79 Black Entrepreneur Week Pass includes admission to three ticketed programs:

• Built to Be Heard
• The Art of Business
• The Value of Creativity

The free Community Kickoff and Founder Showcase and Night Market are open to the public with individual registration.

Build What Pays and the Black Business Trail are not included with the standard Week Pass. A limited Builder Pass includes Build What Pays and participating ticketed programs. Ticket prices and availability may change, so attendees should review the latest information before purchasing.

View the complete Black Entrepreneur Week 2026 collection and purchase a pass

Supporting Raleigh’s Black-owned businesses

Black Entrepreneur Week is designed to do more than provide educational programming. By bringing founders, customers, creatives, resource providers and community members together, the week creates opportunities for greater business visibility, collaboration and local spending.

Residents do not need to own a business to participate. Anyone interested in discovering Triangle entrepreneurs, supporting Black-owned businesses or strengthening Raleigh’s business community is welcome to attend.

Advance registration is recommended because several programs have limited capacity.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything Raleigh!

Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |

Brand Growth Lab Helps Entrepreneurs Turn Offer Confusion Into Clarity

Raleigh entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to sharpen their messaging can join the upcoming Brand Growth Lab: Offer Clarity vs. Offer Confusion, a free virtual workshop focused on helping customers better understand—and buy—what a business offers.

The online session will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The workshop is part of The Wright Village Virtual Learning Series and is organized by Mel Wright.

Why Offer Clarity Matters

If prospective customers regularly ask what a business does, its offer may not be as clear as the owner believes.

A confusing offer can make it harder for potential customers to recognize the value of a product or service. Even a strong business may lose leads when its marketing uses vague language, tries to communicate too many ideas or fails to explain the specific problem it solves.

A clear offer helps customers quickly understand:

• What the business provides
• Who the product or service is designed for
• What problem it solves
• Why the customer should choose it
• What action the customer should take next

During the Brand Growth Lab workshop, participants will examine how they currently present their products and services, identify areas that may create confusion and learn how to communicate their value more effectively.

What Participants Will Learn

The one-hour workshop will explore several essential elements of business and brand messaging, including:

• The difference between a clear offer and a confusing offer
• Why customers struggle to understand certain businesses
• How entrepreneurs can communicate value more effectively
• Common mistakes in offer positioning
• Practical ways to create greater clarity in marketing

The session may be especially helpful for entrepreneurs who have a valuable product or service but struggle to explain it in a short, compelling way.

Meet the Workshop Facilitator

The workshop will be led by Tab Wolod, founder of IEI Agency and a branding and go-to-market strategist.

Wolod has more than a decade of experience helping mission-driven founders transform their ideas into clear brands that support stronger offers, content strategies and revenue opportunities.

About Brand Growth Lab

Brand Growth Lab is a free online learning series hosted by The Wright Village. The series is designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their brands, improve their marketing and grow their businesses with greater confidence.

Each session examines a different aspect of branding or go-to-market strategy and provides practical guidance that business owners can apply to their own marketing.

Because this workshop is offered virtually, entrepreneurs throughout Raleigh, Wake County and the Triangle can participate from home or the office.

Event Details

Event: Brand Growth Lab: Offer Clarity vs. Offer Confusion
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 6–7 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Online
Admission: Free
Organizer: Mel Wright
Facilitator: Tab Wolod

Follow DoRaleigh.com for more Raleigh business workshops, networking opportunities, community events and resources for local entrepreneurs.

Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |

Triangle Startup Events Guide – July 21–23 Edition

Entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders can find several networking and startup events across Durham and Research Triangle Park this week. The DoRaleigh Triangle Weekly Startup Events Guide for July 21–23, 2026, includes early-stage science presentations, real estate investing conversations, founder support and casual business networking.

Whether someone is building a company, searching for investment opportunities or looking to connect with the Triangle’s entrepreneurial community, these upcoming events offer several ways to get involved.

Tuesday, July 21

First Flight “Itineraries”

First Flight Venture Center’s lunchtime “Itineraries” program gives members of its community and the broader Triangle innovation ecosystem an opportunity to learn about early-stage, science-focused companies.

The name refers to a planned route or journey. Participating companies—often First Flight residents—receive a forum to explain where their businesses are now and where they plan to go next.

The session also provides time for networking and community building in a casual environment.

• Time: Noon–1 p.m.
• Location: First Flight Venture Center, Research Triangle Park
• Presented by: First Flight Venture Center
• Focus: Early-stage science companies, innovation and networking

This event may be especially useful for science entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and professionals interested in the growth of emerging technology companies in RTP. Learn More

RTP Real Estate Founders, Investors & Developers

Founders, investors and developers will gather at Topgolf for an afternoon of real estate networking and conversation.

The event focuses on real estate investing, remodeling and development. Attendees at different stages of their real estate ventures can exchange ideas, discuss opportunities and build professional connections.

• Time: 3–4:30 p.m.
• Location: Topgolf, Durham
• Listed organization: DareToShift
• Focus: Real estate investing, remodeling and development

New and experienced real estate professionals can use this gathering to meet potential collaborators and learn from others working across the Triangle market. Learn More

Wednesday, July 22

1 Million Cups Durham

1 Million Cups Durham brings entrepreneurs together for a community town hall centered on storytelling, questions and meaningful local connections.

This session includes special community participation intended to help shape the future of Durham’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It offers founders and supporters an opportunity to discuss what local businesses need and how the community can work together.

• Time: 9–10 a.m.
• Location: echo, Durham
• Focus: Entrepreneurship, community participation and networking

The open format makes this event a helpful starting point for new entrepreneurs looking to meet other founders and learn more about Durham’s startup community. Learn More

Thursday, July 23

Business and Beer

Business and Beer offers a casual return to the days when professional relationships were developed over drinks and new ideas flowed through informal conversation.

Presented by Startup Women NC, the event creates space for entrepreneurs and business professionals to meet, exchange ideas and form new connections in a relaxed setting.

• Time: 6–7:30 p.m.
• Location: Durham
• Presented by: Startup Women NC
• Focus: Business networking and entrepreneurship

Attendees should review the official event listing for the complete program, venue information and participation requirements. Learn More

Connect With the Triangle Startup Community

The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region continues to attract founders working in technology, science, real estate and other growing industries. This week’s events provide multiple entry points into that entrepreneurial ecosystem, from structured presentations to informal networking.

Advance registration may be required, and schedules, venues or attendance policies may change. Prospective attendees should confirm the latest information directly with each organizer before attending.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh and the Triangle, including startup events, business news, government meetings and weekly community guides.

Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |

Triangle Startup Events Guide – Thursday, July 16, 2026

Entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders have several opportunities to connect across the Triangle on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Thursday’s startup calendar includes a free coworking day at American Underground, a customer-positioning workshop from CED, an outdoor mastermind for founders, LiLa’s second-anniversary celebration and a happy hour at First Flight Venture Center.

Whether you are launching a business, refining your marketing strategy or expanding your professional network, here are the Triangle startup events to know about.

Free Coworking Day at American Underground

Time: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Host and location: American Underground

Entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers can experience American Underground during its Free Coworking Day.

The full-day event provides an opportunity to work from one of the Triangle’s best-known entrepreneurial communities while connecting with startup founders, creatives and other professionals.

Participants should check with American Underground for registration requirements, available workspace and arrival instructions.

From Positioning to Pipeline: Know Your Customer, Craft Your Message

Time: 9:30–11 a.m.
Host: CED — Center for Entrepreneurial Development

CED’s morning program focuses on two essential parts of building a successful company: understanding the customer and communicating a clear value proposition.

The session is designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen their positioning, create more relevant messaging and turn customer insights into a stronger sales pipeline.

This event may be especially useful for startup founders, marketing professionals and small-business owners who need to clarify what they offer—and why customers should care.

Walking Mastermind: Beyond Networking for Community Leaders and Founders

Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Host: ADVAgo

ADVAgo’s Walking Mastermind offers an active alternative to a traditional networking event.

The program is designed to encourage deeper conversations among founders and community leaders while participants walk, exchange ideas and discuss professional challenges.

Rather than concentrating on quick introductions, the mastermind format creates space for relationship-building, peer support and collaborative problem-solving.

LiLa’s Two-Year Anniversary

Time: 4–7 p.m.
Host: LiLa — Ladies Investing/Local Angels

LiLa celebrates its second anniversary with an evening gathering for members of the Triangle’s investment and entrepreneurial communities.

The event recognizes two years of helping women connect with local angel investing opportunities and the founders building emerging companies.

Attendees can expect an opportunity to celebrate LiLa’s progress, meet investors and founders, and learn more about participating in the region’s startup ecosystem.

First Flight Happy Hour

Time: 4–5:30 p.m.
Location: First Flight Venture Center

First Flight Venture Center hosts an afternoon happy hour for entrepreneurs, innovators and members of the Triangle business community.

The gathering provides a relaxed setting to meet other professionals, discuss new ventures and learn more about the resources available through First Flight.

Build Your Thursday Startup Schedule

Entrepreneurs can turn Thursday into a full day of startup activity. Begin with free coworking at American Underground, attend CED’s customer-positioning program and finish the afternoon with a mastermind, anniversary celebration or happy hour.

Because several events overlap, attendees should choose the program that best matches their current goals:

• Choose CED if you want to improve customer positioning and marketing.
• Choose the Walking Mastermind for deeper founder and community conversations.
• Attend LiLa’s anniversary to connect with women investors and local angels.
• Visit First Flight Venture Center for informal startup networking.

Registration requirements, locations and event availability may change. Confirm the latest information with each organizer before attending.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for Triangle startup news, networking opportunities, business events and everything Raleigh.

Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |