Give It To The People® x Commissioner Michelle Burton x Durham County Library System present the Durham Business Listening Tour
Durham’s business landscape is evolving, and so are the needs of the entrepreneurs who keep our county thriving. That’s why Give It To The People®, in partnership with Durham County Commissioner Michelle Burton and the Durham County Library System, is launching a countywide Durham Business Listening Tour, a dedicated effort to hear directly from the small business owners who fuel our local economy.
As one of the NC’s leading curators of business education, professional development, and ecosystem-building experiences, Give It To The People® knows that sustainable growth starts with real conversations. This tour is designed to meet business owners where they are, understand the challenges they face, and identify how they’re accessing (or struggling to access) the resources available across Durham and the Triangle.
Commissioner Michelle Burton brings the heart of an educator and the vision of a public servant to this initiative. Together, we are committed to being intentional about listening, truly listening, to what Durham’s business community needs to grow, hire, scale, innovate, and stay competitive.
Every stop on the tour will create space for entrepreneurs to share their lived experiences, offer insight on what’s working and what isn’t, and shape future solutions that reflect the real needs of our community. From new startups to established firms, from solo consultants to brick-and-mortar owners, this tour is a chance to ensure Durham’s economic ecosystem is responsive, equitable, and built to last.
As an added benefit, every attendee will have the opportunity to join the Give It Get It Biz Membership, the premier hub for small business connectivity, training, events, and ecosystem access in Durham. Membership opens the door to resources, relationships, and opportunities that help entrepreneurs navigate the region more effectively and stay plugged into the support system they deserve.
This Listening Tour is a commitment to building a stronger, more connected Durham where business owners feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.
Let’s Give It & Get It Together.
Join us for Give It To The People LIVE, a dynamic podcast experience where business meets community! Each month, we spotlight leaders in marketing, money, and ecosystem building who are shaping the future of small business in North Carolina and beyond.
This live, in-person experience brings together entrepreneurs, business service providers, and ecosystem builders for authentic conversations, networking, and inspiration. You’ll walk away with actionable insights, real connections, and a renewed sense of purpose for your business journey.
What to Expect:
📍 Location: Alternating each month between Durham and Raleigh, NC
Durham Location: 302 W. Main Street, Durham, NC
Raleigh Location: 7029 Harps Mill Road, Raleigh, NC
🗓️ Schedule: 2nd Wednesday of every month, January–December 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sponsored by Self-Help Credit Union, this series celebrates the power of community, collaboration, and financial empowerment.
Money In Action: Tax Series is a three-part, in-person Lunch & Learn designed to help business owners stop guessing, start understanding, and walk into tax season prepared—not panicked.
Hosted by Give It To The People in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Pinnacle Bank, this series brings credible experts to the table—literally—so you can ask real questions and get real answers.
4.6.26 Business Tax Essentials
Understand what taxes apply to your business, deadlines that matter, and common mistakes that cost money.
4 13.26 Sales & Use Tax
Learn when you should be collecting sales tax, how to file correctly, and how to avoid penalties that sneak up on growing businesses.
4.27.26 Online Seller Tax Basics
Selling online, across platforms, or across state lines? This session breaks down what you actually owe and why.