Editor’s note: WRAL TechWire event calendars are part of our weekly Startup Monday package.

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Here’s our exclusive roundup of upcoming events across North Carolina through the end of May. Included are the latest meetups, conferences, workshops, application deadlines and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Triad, Wilmington and other parts of the state.

Many events will be held in person, as some organizers are returning to live events. Others will be held virtually and are noted as such.

If you’d like to submit an event for WRAL TechWire’s statewide events calendar, feel free to reach out here. 

CIO Executive Roundtable

May 2, 7:45-9 a.m. (online)

In this quarterly session, CIOs or tech strategy executives at NC TECH member companies will discuss relevant topics and developments in their field.

Business Launch Academy Lunch & Learn

May 2, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. @UNCW CIE

Organized by UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Cape Fear Community College’s Small Business Center, this four-part series will offer strategic planning and implementation, access to capital support and more resources for starting or pivoting a business.

Mountain BizWorks’ Craft Your Commerce Series

May 2, 12-2 p.m. (online)

Mountain BizWorks’ spring 2023 Craft Your Commerce series runs from March to May. Creative entrepreneurs will learn about SEO and analytics, how to make an engaging website landing page and how to connect with customers via e-commerce platforms.

1 Million Cups Lake Norman

May 3, 7:30-9 a.m. @Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (& online)

Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.

1 Million Cups Charlotte

May 3, 8-9 a.m. (online)

Held every week, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community.

1 Million Cups Fayetteville

May 3, 9 a.m. @Fayetteville Tech Community College

Entrepreneurs in Fayetteville are welcome to attend 1 Million Cups every Wednesday to present their ventures and meet other founders in the area.

1 Million Cups Wilmington

May 3, 9-10 a.m. @UNCW CIE (& online)

This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.

1 Million Cups Asheville

May 3, 9-10 a.m. @Hatch Innovation Hub

Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear pitches from local founders and network with peers, investors and business leaders.

Anatomy of a Trade Finance Deal

May 3, 10-11 a.m. (online)

The North Carolina Small Business Technology and Development Center will host a webinar covering trade finance topics such as landed costs and full vs. variable costing.

WICE Networking Luncheon

May 3, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @Proximity Hotel

This networking luncheon will center around personal development, gender equity/equality, mentorship and leadership. Note: Space is limited. 

CO.STARTERS Getting Started Workshop

May 3, 6-9 p.m. @Do Greater Charlotte

This workshop will offer participants guidance on refining their business ideas through the CO.STARTERS Canvas, gathering customer feedback and planning their next steps. Note: Space is limited. 

Mountain BizWorks’ Craft Your Commerce Series

May 4, 2-4 p.m.

Mountain BizWorks’ spring 2023 Craft Your Commerce series runs from March to May. Creative entrepreneurs will learn about SEO and analytics, how to make an engaging website landing page and how to connect with customers via e-commerce platforms.

Coffee & Conversation with Charlotte Business Group

May 5, 8-9:30 a.m. @Suffolk Punch Brewing

The Charlotte Business Group will host members and guests for connections over coffee. Note: Space is limited, so registration is required.

WE Power Food Empowerment Expo 2023

May 5, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @Enterprise Conference & Event Center

This one-day conference convenes women in the food industry across North Carolina. The event will feature speakers, networking, support agencies and more.

Get2Know NC TECH Webinar

May 5, 9-9:30 a.m. (online)

This free monthly interactive webinar gives participants an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.

Business Launch Academy Lunch & Learn

May 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. @UNCW CIE

Organized by UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Cape Fear Community College’s Small Business Center, this four-part series will offer strategic planning and implementation, access to capital support and more resources for starting or pivoting a business.

Intro to Community Development Financial Institutions

May 9, 12-1 p.m. @Transform GSO

This workshop, hosted by Launch Greensboro, will cover how community development financial institutions can support small businesses seeking lending and technical assistance services in North Carolina.

Mind vs. Machine: Generative AI & the Future of Innovation

May 9, 5-7 p.m. @Launch Factory

In this meetup, Charlotte IoT will discuss the implications of ChatGPT, relevant opportunities, potential dangers, the latest advancements in chatbot technology and more.

1 Million Cups Lake Norman

May 10, 7:30-9 a.m. @Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (& online)

Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.

1 Million Cups Charlotte

May 10, 8-9 a.m. (online)

Held weekly, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community.

1 Million Cups Robeson County

May 10, 8-9 a.m. @Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub

In this monthly event, entrepreneurs local to Robeson County will present their products/services to peers and network with the startup community.

PitchBreakfast

May 10, 8:30-10 a.m. @Carolina Esports Hub (& online)

Every month, a handful of Charlotte-area companies headline PitchBreakfast, pitching their products and services for six minutes, after which they will answer questions from the audience and a panel of entrepreneurs and experts. Note: This is a hybrid event with streaming available. 

1 Million Cups Fayetteville

May 10, 9 a.m. @Fayetteville Tech Community College

Entrepreneurs in Fayetteville are welcome to attend 1 Million Cups every Wednesday to present their ventures and meet other founders in the area.

1 Million Cups Wilmington

May 10, 9-10 a.m. @UNCW CIE (& online)

This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.

1 Million Cups Asheville

May 10, 9-10 a.m. @Hatch Innovation Hub

Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear pitches from local founders and network with peers, investors and business leaders.

How to Build Smart City Apps to Engage Citizens

May 10, 1-2 p.m. (online)

This virtual lunch and learn will discuss how city governments are using sensors and software applications to engage with citizens and bring their communities in the future.

Virtual Bagels & Business

May 11, 7:30-8:30 a.m. (online)

This new series from RIoT will cover topics relevant to starting or growing a business, such as customer discovery, sales, finances, product development, marketing and more.

Business of Innovation Series (Greenville)

May 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. @East Carolina University Willis Building

This statewide workshop series will cover a range of topics relevant to early-stage businesses, including SBIR/STTR programs, state-specific funding resources, legal considerations, patents, university and business partnerships, accounting requirements and more. The second session in the series will be held in Winston-Salem on June 20.

Rural Road Trip Sessions: Troy

May 15, 2-4 p.m. @Montgomery Community College

The North Carolina Rural Center’s statewide Rural Road Trip tour will stop by a dozen rural counties to discuss the obstacles they’re facing and where they’re having the most success.

Asheville Small Business Week

May 15–19 in Asheville

Asheville Chamber’s Small Business Week includes sessions discussing the economic impact of childcare, the evolution of marketing and other topics. The program’s Sky High Growth Awards will also celebrate fast-growing small businesses.

Charlotte Innovation Week 2023

May 15–19 in Charlotte

Charlotte Innovation Week, hosted by Innovate Charlotte, will bring together local entrepreneurs, investors and organizations to discuss ways to support and expand the Queen City’s startup ecosystem.

CISO Executive Roundtable

May 16, 7:45-9 a.m. (online)

This quarterly meeting will convene CISOs, VPs and director-level security leaders from NC TECH member companies.

Rural Road Trip Sessions: Pembroke

May 16, 1-3 p.m. @Thomas Entrepreneurship Center at UNCP

The North Carolina Rural Center’s statewide Rural Road Trip tour will stop by a dozen rural counties to discuss the obstacles they’re facing and where they’re having the most success.

Talent Jam Charlotte

May 16, 5:30-8 p.m. Heist Brewery

Held during Charlotte Innovation Week, this event features dueling open-mic pitches where job seekers and startups looking for talent each deliver alternating 60-second pitches. A networking reception will follow.

1 Million Cups Lake Norman

May 17, 7:30-9 a.m. @Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (& online)

Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.

1 Million Cups Charlotte

May 17, 8-9 a.m. (online)

Held weekly, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community.

1 Million Cups Fayetteville

May 17, 9 a.m. @Fayetteville Tech Community College

Entrepreneurs in Fayetteville are welcome to attend 1 Million Cups every Wednesday to present their ventures and meet other founders in the area.

1 Million Cups Wilmington

May 17, 9-10 a.m. @UNCW CIE (& online)

This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.

1 Million Cups Asheville

May 17, 9-10 a.m. @Hatch Innovation Hub

Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear pitches from local founders and network with peers, investors and business leaders.

LaunchCLT: The Surprising Link Between Sleep & Human Health

May 17, 5-7:30 p.m. @Hurt Hub at Davidson

This workshop, held during Charlotte Innovation Week, will cover the role of sleep in health and well-being and tips for maximizing sleep quality.

Rural Road Trip Sessions: Kenansville

May 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. @Lois G. Britt Agricultural Center

The North Carolina Rural Center’s statewide Rural Road Trip tour will stop by a dozen rural counties to discuss the obstacles they’re facing and where they’re having the most success.

Mountain BizWorks’ Craft Your Commerce Series

May 18, 2-4 p.m. (online)

Mountain BizWorks’ spring 2023 Craft Your Commerce series runs from March to May. Creative entrepreneurs will learn about SEO and analytics, how to make an engaging website landing page and how to connect with customers via e-commerce platforms.

Clean Energy in the Mountains 2023 

May 18, 6-9 p.m. @Highland Brewing Company

This conference will bring together clean energy professionals, advocates and other leaders to discuss the latest updates on decarbonization, state policies, and the role of governments, organizations and the private sector in meeting cleantech goals.

Service Delivery: Product Market Launch

May 19, 12-1:30 p.m. @UNC Charlotte’s PORTAL Building

This in-person seminar will offer tips on preparing a product/service for the market and making it stand out online.

LaunchLab Growth Spring Demo Day

May 22, 5-7:30 p.m. @Elm & Bain

LaunchLab Growth will feature 16 startups in the Greensboro area. Join to hear their pitches and network with the entrepreneurial community.

Bertie Business Network Small Business Conference

May 22-24 @Martin Community College

This conference, hosted by Bertie Business Network, will bring together small businesses in the northeast region of North Carolina to network and meet small business resource providers.

1 Million Cups Lake Norman

May 24, 7:30-9 a.m. @Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (& online)

Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.

1 Million Cups Charlotte

May 24, 8-9 a.m. (online)

Held weekly, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community.

1 Million Cups Fayetteville

May 24, 9 a.m. @Fayetteville Tech Community College

Entrepreneurs in Fayetteville are welcome to attend 1 Million Cups every Wednesday to present their ventures and meet other founders in the area.

1 Million Cups Wilmington

May 24, 9-10 a.m. @UNCW CIE (& online)

This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.

1 Million Cups Asheville

May 24, 9-10 a.m. @Hatch Innovation Hub

Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear pitches from local founders and network with peers, investors and business leaders.

Webinar: Developing Skilled Tech Talent

May 25, 9-9:45 a.m. (online)

NC TECH is hosting a webinar with speakers from Tech Elevator, who will share how companies are collaborating to develop skilled tech talent. Registration is open to members and non-members of NC TECH.

GrindFest 2023

May 26–28 in Asheville

This three-day festival will celebrate Asheville’s community of Black entrepreneurs and business owners. The event includes music and live performances, games, food, vendors, employment and partnership opportunities, and more.

1 Million Cups Lake Norman

May 31, 7:30-9 a.m. @Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (& online)

Every Wednesday morning, entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area join to present their companies to mentors, advisers and other startups. Join to meet new people and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.

1 Million Cups Charlotte

May 31, 8-9 a.m. (online)

Held every week, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community.

1 Million Cups Fayetteville

May 31, 9 a.m. @Fayetteville Tech Community College

Entrepreneurs in Fayetteville are welcome to attend 1 Million Cups every Wednesday to present their ventures and meet other founders in the area.

1 Million Cups Wilmington

May 31, 9-10 a.m. @UNCW CIE (& online)

This weekly event brings together entrepreneurs in the Wilmington and Cape Fear community to gather for coffee, casual startup pitches and conversation.

1 Million Cups Asheville

May 31, 9-10 a.m. @Hatch Innovation Hub

Asheville’s startup community meets weekly to hear pitches from local founders and network with peers, investors and business leaders.