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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.

  • Marketing in the Age of AI: A Small Business Playbook

    May
    21

    Join us for an engaging webinar on how small businesses can harness the power of AI to transform their marketing. We’ll explore practical tools, emerging trends, and easy-to-use strategies that can help drive growth and exposure"without needing technical expertise. As AI continues to reshape the way businesses connect with customers, small businesses that learn how to use these tools now will be better positioned to compete, grow, and stay relevant. Those who ignore AI risk falling behind in an increasingly digital and fast-moving marketplace. Discover simple, actionable ways to start using AI and gain a competitive edge for the future. Speaker(s): Martin Brossman, and Justin Rose

    • Start • End Date: 05/21/2026 • 05/21/2026
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost:
    • Instructor:
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

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

    May
    27

    This seminar will help small business owners better understand their sales and use tax obligations. Participants will receive a hands-on experience preparing sales and use tax returns in addition to learning about sales and use tax basics, about the most common types of sales and use taxes collected, and how to register an account. 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 Jenna O'Neal via email: jloneal998@mail.cfcc.edu

    • Start • End Date: 05/27/2026 • 05/27/2026
    • Day: W
    • Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 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)

    May
    28

    This webinar will give small business owners 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 Jenna O'Neal via email: jloneal998@mail.cfcc.edu

    • Start • End Date: 05/28/2026 • 05/28/2026
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Food Truck Dreaming: Preparing for a Safe, Legal, Profitable Mobile Food Business

    Jun
    03

    This interactive, lively overview will cut through the noise with clear, specific, unique information and support for you and your food truck dreams. In a confidential, judgment-free space we’ll address the realities of food business you’ll need to know to make it work, including: business planning for a mobile food business, basics of food business financials and the rules of regulations and inspections.

    • Start • End Date: 06/03/2026 • 06/03/2026
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Dani Black
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Business Tax Essentials for the Small Business Owner (Online)

    Jun
    10

    This webinar will cover the basic requirements to help small business owners understand the laws and obligations necessary to be a tax compliant business. Participants will learn about filing and administrative requirements, the basics of NC sales & use tax law, and the basics of NC withholding tax law in addition to receiving directions for completing sales tax and withholding returns and for filing and paying online. 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 Jenna O'Neal via email: jloneal998@mail.cfcc.edu Fee: No Cost

    • Start • End Date: 06/10/2026 • 06/10/2026
    • Day: W
    • Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Penny Ballgame -Costs, Prices and Profits for Food Businesses

    Jun
    10

    How can you know whether you'll make money in food business? Do the math! Sometimes smart, talented people who are very good at food might plan or start businesses without the basic “food math” needed to get profitable. Gaps show up over time, not overnight. Don't let fear of the unknown (or of math) hold you back. Come learn the fundamentals of how food becomes revenue, and revenue becomes profit in a restaurant, food truck, bakery or catering business. In this seminar, we’re stripping away the math-anxiety to show you the vital metrics every food founder needs to stay profitable. Learn to manage your growth and master your numbers without leaving the kitchen behind."

    • Start • End Date: 06/10/2026 • 06/10/2026
    • Day: W
    • Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Dani Black
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Federal and State Estimated Individual Income Taxes (Online)

    Jun
    11

    This seminar will help participants gain a better understanding of their federal and state estimated income tax obligations. Participants will learn who is required to pay estimated taxes, when estimated tax payments are due, and how to file and pay estimated tax payments. This seminar will include presenters from the IRS and NCDOR. 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 Jenna O'Neal via email: jloneal998@mail.cfcc.edu Fee: No Cost

    • Start • End Date: 06/11/2026 • 06/11/2026
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

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

    Jun
    16

    This seminar will help small business owners better understand their sales and use tax obligations. Participants will receive a hands-on experience preparing sales and use tax returns in addition to learning about sales and use tax basics, about the most common types of sales and use taxes collected, and how to register an account. 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 Jenna O'Neal via email: jloneal998@mail.cfcc.edu Fee: No Cost

    • Start • End Date: 06/16/2026 • 06/16/2026
    • Day: Tu
    • Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Marketing Your Business Through Storytelling

    Jun
    18

    This session helps leaders, marketers, and creators cut through the noise by turning messages into meaningful moments. Grounded in behavioral science and narrative strategy, this session shows how to craft stories that connect emotionally, build trust, and inspire action. Participants will learn how to structure stories around audience motivations, use techniques like tension and authenticity, and apply storytelling across brands, presentations, and everyday communication to create lasting impact.

    • Start • End Date: 06/18/2026 • 06/18/2026
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
    • Location Code: Harnett County (Harnett County -See Details)
    • Building Location: Harnett Regional Jetport

    Register Now

  • Spanish Withholding Tax Basics (Online)

    Jun
    18

    This seminar will help participants better understand their withholding tax obligations with NCDOR. Participants will receive instructions on how to file and when to file a withholding tax return in addition to learning about the basics of state withholding taxes, how to register for an account in order to remit withholding tax, and when State withholding is required for employees and other types of compensation. Este seminario ayudará a los participantes a comprender mejor sus obligaciones de retención de impuestos con el Departamento. Los participantes recibirán instrucciones sobre cómo presentar y cuándo presentar una declaración de retención de impuestos, además de aprender los conceptos básicos de la retención de impuestos estatales, cómo registrarse para obtener una cuenta para remitir la retención de impuestos y cuándo se requiere la retención estatal para los empleados y otros tipos de compensación. 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. Si tiene preguntas adicionales, comuníquese con Jenna O'Neal at jloneal998@mail.cfcc.edu. Fee: No Cost

    • Start • End Date: 06/18/2026 • 06/18/2026
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 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
    23

    This webinar 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 Jenna O'Neal via email: jloneal998@mail.cfcc.edu Fee: No Cost Register Online

    • Start • End Date: 06/23/2026 • 06/23/2026
    • 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
    24

    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 Jenna O'Neal via email: jloneal998@mail.cfcc.edu Fee: No Cost Register Online

    • Start • End Date: 06/24/2026 • 06/24/2026
    • Day: W
    • Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: NCDOR
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Smart Content Marketing, Build a Landing Page & Capture Leads with a Simple Page

    Jul
    15

    • Start • End Date: 07/15/2026 • 07/15/2026
    • Day: W
    • Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Katie Stokes
    • Location Code: SCMC (Siler City Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • How to Obtain Capital for Your Business (Taught in Spanish)

    Aug
    06

    Securing funding is one of the most significant hurdles for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This seminar is designed to demystify the capital acquisition process, specifically tailored for the Spanish-speaking business community in North Carolina. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the financial landscape and the concrete steps needed to prepare their business for lending.

    • Start • End Date: 08/06/2026 • 08/06/2026
    • Day: Th
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Carlos Liriano
    • Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • How to Start a Business in Harnett County

    Aug
    18

    Understand the basics of starting a business in this seminar that takes you from idea to opportunity. Learn key strategies for start-up, financing and marketing as well as important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, operations and more. Realize the importance of a self-assessment and how to evaluate the feasibility of your business idea. Discover the resources available to help you start and successfully operate your business.

    • Start • End Date: 08/18/2026 • 08/18/2026
    • Day: Tu
    • Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Terri Brown
    • Location Code: Harnett County (see details below) (Harnett County)
    • Building Location: Harnett County Public Library

    Register Now

  • Next Level (10 Part Series)

    Aug
    25

    A 10-week program for small business owners who are ready to grow and want a real plan to do it. Running a small business in Chatham County isn’t easy. This program is for owners who are ready for what comes next. Next Level is a hands-on, 10-week course for business owners in Chatham County who are ready for what comes next, whether that’s opening a storefront, reaching new customers, or figuring out how to make more money doing what you already do. Each week, you’ll work through a specific piece of your growth plan with expert guidance, feedback from other local business owners, and tools you can use right away. By the end, you won’t just have ideas. You’ll have a clear, written plan and the confidence to follow through on it. Is this for you? You run a business from home and are thinking about getting a storefront or just want to grow where you are You have a shop, studio, or service business and want more customers You want to sell more online but don’t know where to start You’re ready to grow but feel stuck and want a clear path forward What you’ll walk away with: A real growth plan: Not a template, your actual plan, built week by week around your business. A sharper pitch: Know how to talk about what you do so customers, lenders, and partners say yes. More customers: Learn what drives people to buy and how to reach the ones you haven’t yet. Less guesswork: Understand your numbers, your risks, and how to grow without betting everything. August 25, 2026 Where do you want to take your business? (Next Level Part 1) Set your growth goals and take an honest look at where your business stands today.

    • Start • End Date: 08/25/2026 • 08/25/2026
    • 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

  • Is Your Business Ready to Grow and What's in the Way? (Next Level Part 2)

    Sep
    01

    Identify what’s working, what needs attention, and whether your finances and operations can handle growth right now.

    • Start • End Date: 09/01/2026 • 09/01/2026
    • 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

  • Treasure Hunt - Finding Funding for Your Small Business

    Sep
    15

    • Start • End Date: 09/15/2026 • 09/15/2026
    • Day: Tu
    • Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Mike Collins
    • Location Code: Harnett County (see details below) (Harnett County)
    • Building Location: Harnett County Public Library

    Register Now

  • Finding Your Next Customers and Revenue Streams (Next Level Part 3)

    Sep
    15

    Look at your market with fresh eyes. Spot where the opportunities are and which ones are actually worth chasing.

    • Start • End Date: 09/15/2026 • 09/15/2026
    • 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

  • Why People Buy and How to Use that Information (Next Level Part 4)

    Sep
    22

    Learn what actually drives customers to say yes, and how to use that in your sales and marketing, no psychology degree required.

    • Start • End Date: 09/22/2026 • 09/22/2026
    • 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

  • How to Talk About Your Business so People Say Yes (Next Level Part 5)

    Sep
    29

    Build and practice a clear, confident pitch, whether you’re talking to a customer, a bank, or someone who could send you business.

    • Start • End Date: 09/29/2026 • 09/29/2026
    • Day: Tu
    • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
    • Instructor: Mr. Michael Barbera
    • Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
    • Building Location:

    Register Now

  • Get Found Online and Turn Clicks Into Customers (Next Level Part 6)

    Oct
    06

    Make your website and social media actually work for you. Learn the basics of getting in front of more people, without wasting money.

    • Start • End Date: 10/06/2026 • 10/06/2026
    • 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