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Free Seminars/Webinars

All Seminars

Please check each individual seminar to see its location and registration information. Attend any 5 seminars with the Core Business Seminar (CBS) designation, and you will receive an Entrepreneurial Foundation Certificate.

  • Call (919) 718-7544 to pre-register or for more information about Chatham County seminars.
  • Call (910) 892-2884 to pre-register or for more information about Harnett County seminars.
  • Call (919) 774-6442 to pre-register or for more information about Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce seminars.
  • Call (919) 718-7544 to pre-register or for more information about Lee County seminars.

  • Contract Ready Cohort: Institutional Vendor Certification Program

    May
    21

    Are you interested in becoming a vendor to large institutions? Join our Contract Ready Cohort to learn how to navigate the paperwork, get your finances in order, and successfully secure contracts with government agencies, universities, healthcare systems, and other anchor institutions in our region. Upon completion of the 6-session program, cohort members will earn their Contract Ready - Institutional Vendor Certification. Dates- May 21, 2025; June 18, 2025; July 16, 2025; August 20, 2025; September 17, 2025; October 15, 2025 First Session- Understanding and Finding Contract Opportunities - May 21, 530-730pm This introductory session establishes relationships among participants while providing a comprehensive overview of how to find and interpret solicitation opportunities with the federal government and with local institutions, namely counties, municipalities, universities. Participants will also learn about essential certifications needed to qualify as vendors. Other topics the program will cover include: Financial Readiness and Funding Resources: Preparing your financial documents, understanding contract payment terms, exploring and getting ready for external funding options through CDFIs and other financial partners. Insurance and Bonding Essentials - Learn the critical insurance coverages and bonding requirements that institutions demand, plus strategies to obtain them affordably while meeting all compliance standards. Marketing Your Business to Institutions - Develop targeted marketing strategies that showcase your capabilities to procurement officers, including effective networking approaches and creating compelling capability statements that stand out. Strategic Hiring and Team Development - Assess your readiness to expand your workforce, develop effective hiring and onboarding systems, and learn strategies for finding qualified talent to support your business as you take on institutional contracts.

    • Start • End Date: 05/21/2025 • 10/15/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NC Growth, FSU Entrepreneurship HUB, CCCC SBC
    • Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
    • Building Location: 111

    Register Now

  • Sales and Use Tax Workshop for the Small Business Owner (Online)

    Jun
    17

    This workshop will help business owners better understand their sales and use tax obligations including covering sales and use tax basics, registering for an account, and learning about the most common types of sales and use taxes collected. In addition, participants will receive hands-on help preparing sales and use tax returns. Sales and use tax law changes regarding capital improvements and repair, maintenance, and installation services will not be addressed in any depth during this workshop. This webinar will be presented via Webex platform. If you've never used Webex it will ask you to download onto your computer. We ask that you go ahead and complete this step, utilizing the same First Name, Last Name and Email address used during registration. Once you do this it will allow you access to the webinar. We recommend that you sign in to the webinar at least five minutes prior to the start of the session to ensure you don't have any technical issues. For assistance please contact Ginny Hayes via email: ghayes@cfcc.edu

    • Start • End Date: 06/17/2025 • 06/17/2025
    • Day: Tu
    • Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Leveraging Email Marketing

    Jun
    17

    Join us for an engaging Lunch and Learn designed specifically for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to harness the power of email marketing. In today’s competitive market, email remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to connect with customers, drive sales, and build lasting relationships. During this session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of email marketing, including how to craft compelling messages, grow and manage your email list, and how to easily increase the open rates of your campaign. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your existing efforts, you’ll leave with practical tips you can implement right away. Seating is limited. Co-Sponsor(s): Siler Area Chamber of Commerce

    • Start • End Date: 06/17/2025 • 06/17/2025
    • Day: Tu
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor:
    • Location Code: SCMC (Siler City Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Contract Ready Cohort: Institutional Vendor Certification Program - Part 2

    Jun
    18

    Join our Contract Ready Cohort to learn how to navigate the paperwork, get your finances in order, and successfully secure contracts with government agencies, universities, healthcare systems, and other anchor institutions in our region. Upon completion of the 6-session program, cohort members will earn their Contract Ready:Institutional Vendor Certification. Financial Readiness and Funding Resources: Preparing your financial documents, understanding contract payment terms, exploring and getting ready for external funding options through CDFIs and other financial partners. Participants will also learn about essential certifications needed to qualify as vendors. Speaker(s): TBD

    • Start • End Date: 06/18/2025 • 06/18/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: TBD
    • Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Conceptos básicos de retención de impuestos en España (en línea)(Spanish Withholding)

    Jun
    18

    Este taller brindará a los participantes una mejor comprensión de los requisitos estatales de retención de impuestos al contratar a un nuevo empleado. Los participantes aprenderán sobre los conceptos básicos de la retención de impuestos estatales, cómo registrarse para una cuenta y cómo completar una declaración, además de discutir cuándo se requiere la retención para ciertos destinatarios 1099. Este seminario web se presentará a través de la plataforma Webex. Si nunca ha usado Webex, le pedirá que lo descargue en su computadora. Le pedimos que continúe y complete este paso, utilizando el mismo nombre, apellido y dirección de correo electrónico que utilizó durante el registro. Una vez que haga esto, le permitirá acceder al seminario web. Le recomendamos que inicie sesión en el seminario web al menos cinco minutos antes del comienzo de la sesión para asegurarse de que no tenga ningún problema técnico. For assistance please contact Ginny Hayes via email: ghayes@cfcc.edu

    • Start • End Date: 06/18/2025 • 06/18/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Withholding Tax Basics for the Small Business Owner (Online)

    Jun
    24

    This workshop will give participants a better understanding of state withholding tax requirements when hiring a new employee. Participants will learn about the basics of state withholding taxes, how to register for an account, and how to fill out a return in addition to discussing when withholding is required for certain 1099 recipients. This webinar will be presented via Webex platform. If you've never used Webex it will ask you to download onto your computer. We ask that you go ahead and complete this step, utilizing the same First Name, Last Name and Email address used during registration. Once you do this it will allow you access to the webinar. We recommend that you sign in to the webinar at least five minutes prior to the start of the session to ensure you don't have any technical issues. For assistance please contact Ginny Hayes via email: ghayes@cfcc.edu

    • Start • End Date: 06/24/2025 • 06/24/2025
    • Day: Tu
    • Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Online Seller for the Small Business Owner (Online)

    Jun
    26

    This webinar will assist online sellers that are “engaged in business” in North Carolina. Areas of discussion within the webinar will include: sellers with a physical presence in N.C., remote sales to N.C., marketplace facilitators and marketplace sellers as well as applying for a N.C. Sales and Use Tax Account ID, if necessary. This webinar will be presented via Webex platform. If you've never used Webex it will ask you to download onto your computer. We ask that you go ahead and complete this step, utilizing the same First Name, Last Name and Email address used during registration. Once you do this it will allow you access to the webinar. We recommend that you sign in to the webinar at least five minutes prior to the start of the session to ensure you don't have any technical issues. For assistance please contact Ginny Hayes via email: ghayes@cfcc.edu

    • Start • End Date: 06/26/2025 • 06/26/2025
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Contract Ready Cohort: Institutional Vendor Certification Program - Part 3

    Jul
    16

    Join our Contract Ready Cohort to learn how to navigate the paperwork, get your finances in order, and successfully secure contracts with government agencies, universities, healthcare systems, and other anchor institutions in our region. Upon completion of the 6-session program, cohort members will earn their Contract Ready:Institutional Vendor Certification. Insurance and Bonding Essentials - Learn the critical insurance coverages and bonding requirements that institutions demand, plus strategies to obtain them affordably while meeting all compliance standards. Participants will also learn about essential certifications needed to qualify as vendors.

    • Start • End Date: 07/16/2025 • 07/16/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: TBD
    • Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Contract Ready Cohort: Institutional Vendor Certification Program - Part 4

    Aug
    20

    Join our Contract Ready Cohort to learn how to navigate the paperwork, get your finances in order, and successfully secure contracts with government agencies, universities, healthcare systems, and other anchor institutions in our region. Upon completion of the 6-session program, cohort members will earn their Contract Ready: Institutional Vendor Certification. Marketing Your Business to Institutions - Develop targeted marketing strategies that showcase your capabilities to procurement officers, including effective networking approaches and creating compelling capability statements that stand out.

    • Start • End Date: 08/20/2025 • 08/20/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: TBD
    • Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Psychology Infused Advertising

    Aug
    21

    Psychology-Infused Advertising equips marketers and brand leaders with the science and strategy to build trust, influence behavior, and create lasting customer connections. Featuring Clicksuasion’s reTRUST Framework, this session explores emotional branding, persuasive communication, and how to design advertising that resonates authentically. Attendees walk away with actionable tools to navigate today’s skeptical consumer landscape and craft campaigns that are both ethical and effective.

    • Start • End Date: 08/21/2025 • 08/21/2025
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Michael Barbera
    • Location Code: Harnett County (see details below) (Harnett County)
    • Building Location: Harnett Regional Jetport

    Register Now

  • Next Level (10 Part Series)

    Aug
    26

    Next Level is an intensive 10-week course designed for small business owners who are ready to scale their operations"whether that means moving from home-based to storefront, expanding into new communities, or boosting online sales. This hands-on program provides a structured roadmap to growth, guiding entrepreneurs through strategic planning, opportunity analysis, and proven marketing tactics rooted in behavioral economics. Through expert instruction, interactive exercises, and real-world applications, participants will develop a clear growth strategy, refine their business pitch, and leave with actionable plans to drive revenue and reach new customers. Ideal for both online and brick-and-mortar business owners, this course helps reduce the risk of expansion by building confidence, clarity, and practical know-how. Who Should Enroll - Home-based business owners planning to grow or explore a physical location - Brick-and-mortar owners seeking increased revenue and expanded reach - Entrepreneurs looking to attract new customers, investors, or partners Dates - Tuesdays, August 26th through October 28th from 6 pm - 8 pm August 26, 2025 Orientation & Vision Mapping, Next Level Part 1 Define your expansion goals and complete a growth-readiness assessment.

    • Start • End Date: 08/26/2025 • 10/28/2025
    • Day: Tu
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
    • Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Sales Strategies for Business Owners: Sales is a Skill - Not a Personality Trait

    Aug
    27

    You know your business. You’ve put in the work, built a strong reputation, and created something valuable. But if selling your product or service still feels uncomfortable"or inconsistent"you’re not alone. Many successful entrepreneurs thrive in operations, branding, or customer service, but have never been taught how to sell.This course is designed to close that gap. Sales Strategies for Business Owners teaches you a structured, authentic approach to sales"one that fits your voice, respects your values, and works in the real world. You’ll learn how to identify the right people, guide conversations with confidence, and turn interest into committed customers. No pressure tactics. No scripts. Just a repeatable system you can trust. Selling isn’t a personality trait�"it’s a business skill. And mastering it could be the most profitable decision you make this year. What You’ll Learn - How to find and reach the decision-makers that matter; What to say (and what not to) when starting sales conversations; Techniques for setting meetings, closing sales, and securing repeat business; How to represent yourself and your business with clarity and confidence; A simple follow-up system using CRMs to stay organized and engaged; Strategies to develop a resilient, focused sales mindset You’ve built the business. Now build the revenue

    • Start • End Date: 08/27/2025 • 08/27/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Mark Mistretta
    • Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Bookkeeping Basics for Business Owners: Understand Your Numbers with QuickBooks

    Sep
    10

    Are you great at running your business"but feel lost when it comes to the numbers? This practical seminar is designed for new and existing business owners who want to build confidence in bookkeeping and financial management. You’ll learn how to read and understand your financial reports, stay organized with business expenses, and use QuickBooks to streamline your bookkeeping process. Whether you're just getting started or need to clean up your current system, this session will help you take control of your finances and make smarter business decisions"without the overwhelm.

    • Start • End Date: 09/10/2025 • 09/10/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Crystal Wambeke
    • Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • The Business of Childcare Conference - How to Start or Grow a Successful Family Childcare Home Bus.

    Sep
    15

    • Start • End Date: 09/15/2025 • 09/15/2025
    • Day: M
    • Time: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor:
    • Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Contract Ready Cohort: Institutional Vendor Certification Program - Part 5

    Sep
    17

    Join our Contract Ready Cohort to learn how to navigate the paperwork, get your finances in order, and successfully secure contracts with government agencies, universities, healthcare systems, and other anchor institutions in our region. Upon completion of the 6-session program, cohort members will earn their Contract Ready: Institutional Vendor Certification. Strategic Hiring and Team Development - Assess your readiness to expand your workforce, develop effective hiring and onboarding systems, and learn strategies for finding qualified talent to support your business as you take on institutional contracts.

    • Start • End Date: 09/17/2025 • 09/17/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: TBD
    • Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Finding Your Perfect Customer and Creating a Marketing Plan - Online

    Sep
    17

    Just because you have an idea doesn’t mean anyone will buy it. In Finding Your Perfect Customer and Creating a Marketing Plan there are 4 ways to describe your customer and sources to find out how many there are in your market area. The program features 5 ways to create a winning plan to target them.

    • Start • End Date: 09/17/2025 • 09/17/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Mike Collins
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Introduction to QuickBooks

    Sep
    18

    In this learning lab, attendees will be introduced to the cloud-based software QuickBooks Online. You will discover ways this popular online software can help small business owners save time, simplify bookkeeping, and avoid costly errors. You’ll learn account setup, how to track business income and expenses, and generate financial reports

    • Start • End Date: 09/18/2025 • 09/18/2025
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Crystal Wambeke
    • Location Code: Harnett County (Harnett County -See Details)
    • Building Location: Harnett Regional Jetport

    Register Now

  • NEW Small Business Center Lab Series! Smart Content Marketing: What Works in 2025 (6 Part Series)

    Oct
    08

    • Start • End Date: 10/08/2025 • 10/08/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Katie Stokes
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Financial Management & Bookkeeping for Agri-Business: Cultivate Confidence in Your Numbers

    Oct
    15

    • Start • End Date: 10/15/2025 • 10/15/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Crystal Wambeke
    • Location Code: SCMC (Siler City Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Contract Ready Cohort: Institutional Vendor Certification Program - Part 6

    Oct
    15

    Join our Contract Ready Cohort to learn how to navigate the paperwork, get your finances in order, and successfully secure contracts with government agencies, universities, healthcare systems, and other anchor institutions in our region. Upon completion of the 6-session program, cohort members will earn their Contract Ready:Institutional Vendor Certification. This session will cover the various certifications for federal, state, and local government contracts.

    • Start • End Date: 10/15/2025 • 10/15/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: TBD
    • Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Smart Content Marketing Lab 1: Plan Your Content - Build a 30-day Calendar

    Oct
    15

    Stop scrambling for ideas and start posting with purpose. In this hands-on session, you’ll create a full 30-day content calendar tailored to your business goals. Learn how to balance promotions, tips, behind-the-scenes, and engagement posts to keep your audience interested and coming back for more.

    • Start • End Date: 10/15/2025 • 10/15/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Katie Stokes
    • Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Networking That Works: Connect, Learn and Grow Your Business

    Oct
    16

    Networking is a critical skill for small business owners. This dynamic seminar dives deep into the art of making meaningful connections at business functions and in one-on-one settings. You'll discover compelling ways to introduce yourself and initiate engaging conversations that naturally lead to valuable business insights. For those who find networking challenging we'll explore practical strategies to navigate shyness and confidently put yourself out there. We'll also reframe the concept of networking, demonstrating how it's about building mutually beneficial relationships, not self-promotion. Walk away with actionable techniques to forge lasting connections, expand your professional circle, and make more sales. Speaker(s): Mike Collins Co-Sponsor(s):

    • Start • End Date: 10/16/2025 • 10/16/2025
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Mike Collins
    • Location Code: Harnett County (Harnett County -See Details)
    • Building Location: Harnett Regional Jetport

    Register Now

  • Smart Content Marketing Lab 2: Write Emails that Work - Create & Schedule Your 1st. Campaign

    Oct
    22

    • Start • End Date: 10/22/2025 • 10/22/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Katie Stokes
    • Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
    • Building Location: https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=110450072

  • Smart Content Marketing Lab 3 - Record Confidently On Camera - Film Your Intro or Tip Video

    Oct
    29

    • Start • End Date: 10/29/2025 • 10/29/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Katie Stokes
    • Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Smart Content Marketing Lab 4 - Edit Your First Video - Add Text, Trim and Finish It

    Nov
    05

    Your raw footage is just the beginning. In this lab, you’ll learn how to turn it into a polished, shareable video. We’ll cover the basics of trimming clips, adding text or subtitles, and finalizing your video for platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or your website.

    • Start • End Date: 11/05/2025 • 11/05/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Katie Stokes
    • Location Code: CWI (Center for Workforce Innovation (Sanford))
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Smart Content Marketing Lab 5 - Make a Scroll-Stopping Social Video - Create a Short, Engaging Clip

    Nov
    12

    • Start • End Date: 11/12/2025 • 11/12/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Katie Stokes
    • Location Code: CWI (Center for Workforce Innovation (Sanford))
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Smart Content Marketing Lab 6: Build a Landing Page - Capture Leads with a Simple Page

    Nov
    19

    • Start • End Date: 11/19/2025 • 11/19/2025
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Katie Stokes
    • Location Code: CWI (Center for Workforce Innovation (Sanford))
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Canva for Beginners

    Nov
    20

    Boost your brand and marketing with eye-catching graphics! In this Canva session, you'll unlock the secrets to stunning visuals. We'll break down design basics like layouts and fonts, but with a focus on using Canva's powerful tools. Get ready to create eye-catching social media graphics, presentations, and more. Bring your laptop and Canva login credentials for some hands-on experience at this workshop.

    • Start • End Date: 11/20/2025 • 11/20/2025
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: TBD
    • Location Code: Harnett County (Harnett County -See Details)
    • Building Location: Harnett Regional Jetport

    Register Now