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DURHAM BUSINESS LISTENING TOUR

 

The Durham Business Listening Tour 

 

What is the Durham Business Listening Tour?

The Durham Business Listening Tour is a community-driven initiative designed to gather real-time feedback from local business owners about challenges, opportunities, and access to resources in Durham County.

Who is hosting the Durham Business Listening Tour?

The tour is hosted by Give It To The People®, in partnership with Durham County Commissioner Michelle Burton, to ensure entrepreneur voices directly inform future economic development efforts.

 

Who is sponsoring/partnering this effort?

Our sponsors are the Durham County Public Libraries & Forward Cities.

Our partners are Infinity Bridges and the Durham Business Collaboration. 

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Who should attend the Durham Business Listening Tour?

This tour is for small business owners, entrepreneurs, creatives, startups, nonprofit leaders, and self-employed professionals operating in Durham and the surrounding areas.

Why is the Durham Business Listening Tour important?

Many business decisions are made without direct input from entrepreneurs. This tour centers lived experiences so policies, programs, and resources reflect what businesses actually need to grow and sustain operations.

What topics are discussed during the listening sessions?

Topics include access to capital, workforce challenges, marketing support, certifications, government contracting, technology gaps, mental health, and navigating local and state business resources.

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FAQ'S

 

Is the Durham Business Listening Tour a training or workshop?

No. This is not a training. It is a listening-focused experience designed to collect insights, identify gaps, and shape future solutions that support Durham’s business ecosystem.

How does Give It To The People use the feedback collected?

Feedback helps guide programming, partnerships, policy conversations, and future events that are more aligned, inclusive, and impactful for local businesses. These events will be recorded and attendees will have 2-3 minutes to share their issue or concern with 

Is the Durham Business Listening Tour free to attend?

Yes. The listening sessions are free and open to the public, though registration may be required due to space limitations.

How does this tour support economic development in Durham?

By connecting entrepreneurs directly with decision-makers, the tour strengthens trust, improves communication, and helps build an economy that works for businesses at every stage.

How can I participate in the Durham Business Listening Tour?

You can register for upcoming sessions and learn more at
www.giveittothepeople.com/dblt

Who is sponsoring/partnering this effort?

Our sponsors are the Durham County Public Libraries & Forward Cities. Our partners are Infinity Bridges and the Durham Business Collaboration. 

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How the Durham Business Listening Tour Works

 

Each Durham Business Listening Tour session is intentionally structured to center real entrepreneur voices, not pitches or promotions.

Attendee Participation Process

Every attendee will have 2–3 minutes to:

  • Share a current business need or challenge

  • Ask one focused question

  • Identify a specific resource they are seeking

  • Briefly explain what they have struggled with in business

This time is designed to create space for honest, concise input so that every voice in the room can be heard.

Recording & Data Collection

Sessions will be recorded to ensure accuracy and accountability in how feedback is captured and used. In addition, attendees will complete a brief demographic survey to help us better understand:

  • Who is in the room

  • The types of businesses represented

  • The stages, industries, and communities being served

This data allows Give It To The People® and Michelle Burton to identify gaps, trends, and opportunities for more targeted support.

Use of Information

Collected insights and anonymized data may be shared with partners, sponsors, and ecosystem stakeholders to improve programming, partnerships, funding strategies, and future resources that directly benefit Durham’s business community.

Important Guidelines

  • This is not a business advertisement, sales pitch, or promotional opportunity

  • Respectful, professional communication is required at all times

  • Participants must adhere to stated rules and time limits

We reserve the right to refuse service or ask a participant to leave if they are disruptive, disrespectful, or unable to follow the guidelines. Our goal is to protect the integrity and safety of the space for everyone.

 

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Business Membership

 

Additional Opportunities

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about and join the Give It Get It Business Membership, which provides ongoing access to resources, education, networking, and ecosystem-building support beyond the listening session.

Why This Matters

This process ensures that feedback leads to action, not just conversation, helping shape a stronger, more responsive business ecosystem for Durham.

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