The U.S. Small Business Administration  North Carolina District Office is dedicated to sparking change and igniting action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, and expand.

To support this initiative, the NCDO is hosting Let’s Talk Business: Reignite North Carolina series.

The series will begin on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 and will put attendees in a virtual environment (MS Teams) with representatives from local banks, resource partners, and community stakeholders. The Series will consist of six virtual events aimed to provided information on SBA’s resources and programs, such areas will include: access to capital, federal contracting, and entrepreneurial development. Additionally, updates will be given regarding the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. 

All events are free and open to small businesses owners, non-profits, and faith-based organization; millennial and minority business owners are also strongly encouraged to attended.

Events will address the following topics:

• August 26 Session 1: Fire Up w/ Brian Hamilton
• This is the inaugural session of this series, featuring Brian Hamilton, a North Carolina entrepreneur who founded and later sold Sageworks. Hamilton now runs the Brian Hamilton Foundation, a nonprofit which seeks to spur entrepreneurship.
• Register for this session at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-business-reignite-nc-kick-off-tickets-114529679354 [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]

• Sept 2 Session 2: You have your PPP- What’s next?
• A discussion centered around the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), a loan program funded by lending institutions and guaranteed by SBA to help businesses with payroll and utility expenses during the pandemic. Featuring a small business recipient of a PPP loan,  SBA District Office staff, a lender that participated in the program and a counselor from the Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC). 
• Register for this session at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-business-reignite-nc-you-have-your-ppp-whats-next-tickets-114531885954 [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]

• Sept 9  Session 3: An update on the EIDL Program

1. A discussion of the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a direct loan to help small businesses and other organizations to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19. Featuring speakers from the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
2. Register for this session at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-business-reignite-nc-you-have-your-eidl-what-now-tickets-116885721339 [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]

• Sept 16 Session 4: Building a Sustainable Business Strategy amid COVID 19
• How can your business recover and move forward during this pandemic? Representatives from NC’s free business counseling services will share practical ideas and methods to keep you in business and positioned to survive and thrive!
• Register for this session at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-business-reignite-nc-building-a-strategy-during-covid-19-tickets-116886565865 [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]

• Sept 23 Session 5: Fuel Your Business with SBA Funding
• In fiscal year 2019, more than 1,000 North Carolina businesses received a total of $686 million dollars through SBA’s 7(a) and 504 guaranty loan programs. From $5,000 to $5 million, SBA guaranty loans are made by lenders from Murphy to Manteo.  Featured speakers will be business owners who have benefited from an SBA guaranteed loan and lenders  who have made the loans possible. They will share their stories and how you too can get a loan.   
• Register for this session at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-business-reignite-nc-access-to-capital-tickets-116886987125 [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]

• Sept 30 Session 6: The World’s Largest Opportunity for Small Business: The U.S. Government
• The Federal Government is the world's largest buyer of goods and services. Last year, nearly $5 billion were awarded to businesses located in North Carolina. Forty three percent of those dollars were awarded to North Carolina's small businesses. The panel session will include the Procurement Technical Assistance Center, North Carolina Military Business Center, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, and will address common contracting questions, resources available, and how to get certified as a small business to sell your goods and services to the federal government. The session will also feature a guest speaker who will share how he leveraged the 8(a) certification to build relationships and increase revenue in the federal marketplace.
• Register for this session at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-business-reignite-nc-small-business-the-us-government-tickets-116887358235 [gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]