Hello,

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re taking a moment to reflect on who we are, why we do this work, and the partners who help make it possible.

Give It To The People is a Black-owned company, proudly serving the entrepreneurship community across North Carolina through the lens of underrepresented populations. We understand the realities of business because we’ve lived them. Our journey from idea to full-time entrepreneurship wasn’t easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. That lived experience shapes everything we build.

This month, we’re especially excited to share a powerful announcement.

Forward Cities is now a Premier Partner of Give It To The People.

Forward Cities is a national nonprofit dedicated to building inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems by advancing equitable access to capital, resources, and opportunity. Their commitment to data-driven, place-based strategies and community-centered collaboration aligns seamlessly with our mission. Together, we are investing in entrepreneurs and strengthening local economies—intentionally and equitably.
Learn more about Forward Cities: https://forwardcities.org

Through this partnership, Forward Cities is sponsoring three of our core initiatives designed to support, listen to, and equip business owners across NC. 

Give It Get It Member Meetup & Orientation

We’re hosting our Membership Meetup + Orientationtomorrow from 6–7 PM ET, and we’ll be sharing practical resources to help you get more organized in your business (because chaos is expensive 😅).

This session is perfect if you’re new, thinking about joining, or ready to actually use your membership.

👉 Not a member yet? Join now and pull up anyway.

AI In Action: How to Choose Which AI to Use?

AI is everywhere, but knowing which tool to use, when, and why is where most business owners get stuck. Our AI In Action session is designed to cut through the noise and help you make smart, practical decisions about AI for your business.

This class will walk you through how to evaluate AI tools based on your goals, capacity, and real business needs—so you’re not chasing trends or wasting time.

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM ET📹 Format: Live webinar (will be recorded)

Premium Members: This webinar is sponsored by Self Help Credit Union at no cost. Please expect a separate email with access instructions so you can join live or watch the replay.

Give It To The People Podcast

A live, community-centered podcast featuring entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders in honest conversations about money, marketing, mental wealth, and business growth. This is real talk, real tools, and real connection, designed to help business owners grow with clarity and confidence.

Podcast Dates:
Feb 11 | Mar 11 | Apr 8 | May 13 | Jun 10 | Jul 8 | Aug 12 | Sept 9 | Oct 14 | Nov 11 | Dec 9

🗣️ Durham Business Listening Tour

This is where we listen first. The Business Listening Tour creates space for entrepreneurs to share what’s working, what’s not, and what support they actually need. These conversations directly inform programming, partnerships, and ecosystem strategy.

Durham County Commissioner Michelle Burton is cohosting the Durham Business Listening Tour as outreach to small businesses who are eager to do more business in Durham County. This effort is supported by the Durham County Library System and Forward Cities. 

Dates:
Feb 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 17 | Mar 25 | Mar 31 | Apr 7 | Apr 14

Linked Local Raleigh

February 26, 2026 6-8 pm| LinkedIn Local Raleigh

We’re excited to host LinkedIn Local Raleigh, an in-person gathering designed to strengthen real relationships beyond the screen. This event is sponsored by Wake Tech Small Business Center and Premium Member, The Wright Village. We are bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who value connection, collaboration, and showing up authentically, online and in real life.

If you’re looking to expand your network, sharpen how you show up on LinkedIn, and meet people who are actually doing the work, this is a room you want to be in.

💰 Money In Action: Business Tax Series 

We have moved this series from February to April due to inclement weather. Money In Action is a practical, no-nonsense training series that helps business owners understand taxes, compliance, and financial systems, without fear or confusion.

This series will be facilitated by Jonetta Appling of the NC Department of Revenue with our host sponsor Pinnacle Bank.  The goal: protect your business, keep more of what you earn, and plan with intention.

Dates: April 6, April 13, April 27