Artificial Intelligence is here and it's not going anywhere. It's changing the world around us in many ways, including how we market our businesses.

These live virtual events will teach you how to use AI to make tasks easier while saving you time and making more money. Attendees can expect to learn:

• What tools are out there?
• How to use them for marketing?
• How to implement them in your business?

Our entire catalog of classes has an AI component to them, so bring your computer and your to do list and you will leave with work completed for your brand as well as a resource guide that tells you exactly what each tool does, where it can be found, and how you can use it.

 

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 9 AM-5 PM

The North Carolina Employee Ownership Center (NCEOC) will host its first-ever NC Business Continuity & Employee Ownership Conference on September 16, 2026, at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC.

Event Overview

This inaugural conference will bring together:

• Existing employee-owned companies

• Companies considering employee ownership

• Municipalities

• Advisors and service providers 

The program is designed to address both business continuity and employee ownership strategies, offering practical insights for maintaining operations and transitioning to or sustaining ownership models.

Registration & Cost

• Registration fee: $25

• Includes: Lunch

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2 PM -4 PM 

​What happens when the system changes, but thousands of businesses still need access, opportunity, and support?

​The elimination of North Carolina’s HUB Office and changes resulting from SB 257, Session Law 2026-41 have created new questions for businesses, procurement professionals, municipalities, business support organizations, and institutions across the state.

​And this conversation is bigger than one demographic.

​HUB did not just impact one group of people. The businesses navigating this new environment represent communities, industries, regions, and backgrounds across North Carolina. The real question now is:

​What are we going to do to support the thousands of businesses that still need access to contracts, certifications, procurement opportunities, capital, and capacity-building resources?

​Join BizBridges, hosted by Chisa Pennix-Brown of Give It To The People® and La-Tasha Best-Gaddy of Infinity Bridges, Inc., for Life After HUB: Procure & Certify, an important conversation about what comes next.

​What We'll Discuss

​Attendees will learn about the changing procurement and certification landscape, opportunities that still exist, how businesses can better position themselves for contracting, and what public, private, and community partners can do to ensure businesses do not get lost during this transition.

​We will also welcome guest speakers and procurement, certification, government, economic development, and business support leaders from across North Carolina to bring multiple perspectives to the conversation.

​Who should attend: Business owners, entrepreneurs, contractors, consultants, vendors, procurement professionals, municipalities, economic development professionals, business support organizations, lenders, nonprofits, advocates, and organizations that purchase from or support small businesses.

 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 9 AM -3 PM

The Beauty Biz Summit is a full-day experience designed for beauty professionals, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to take their skills and businesses to the next level. Participants will gain practical insights, explore valuable resources, and connect with others in the beauty industry. Whether you are considering a career in beauty, preparing to launch a business, or looking for new ways to grow an established one, this summit will provide inspiration, education, and connections to help you move forward with confidence.

Speaker(s): Give It To The People

Co-Sponsor(s): The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce, and Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce