Community and Workshops

Are you a minority or woman-owned business owner? Are you looking to expand your opportunities for exposure? Do you want more opportunities to increase your cash flow? If you answered “YES” to these questions, this information session is for you! If your business is not certified, please join the City of Raleigh's MWBE Program, NC DOA/HUB Office, and the NC DOT/DBE Office to learn the requirements and process to apply for certification. Benefits of Certification as HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) & DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise): Increased exposure to business and procurement opportunities Addition of your business to the online directory Receive bid notices from all government organizations Provides opportunities for business development And, more… Who should apply? The business must be 51% or more owned and controlled by the following minority groups: Black Americans Hispanic Americans Pacific Asian Americans American Indians Females Disabled - A person with disability as defined in G.S. 168-1 or G.S. 168A-3 Disadvantaged - A person who is socially and economically disadvantaged as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 637

The City of Raleigh is partnering with Wayne Community College Small Business Center and the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce to hold workshops for Spanish-speaking small business owners. When? Thursday, January 25 from 3-5 p.m. Where? Walnut Creek Wetland Center, 950 Peterson St There will be two workshop sessions. The first workshop will teach you how to turn your business idea into a reality. This session will cover entrepreneurship, from brainstorming concepts to registering your company, addressing legal requirements, planning your finances, and how to use market research. The second workshop will teach you how to create a business plan and effective marketing strategy through discussions and practical exercises. Learn to set achievable goals, craft a winning business model, and master marketing tools to boost your brand's presence and engage customers.

Registration is now open here.  Please sign up by Friday, January 19 to help us with planning for lunch.

Community Activist Octavia Rainey will discuss the forgotten history of the Fourth Ward, a predominantly Black neighborhood in downtown Raleigh, and how the legacy of this historical neighborhood that was lost to the urbanization of the City can be honored. Registration required: 919-662-2264

Student Pop-Up Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Bus Rapid Transit is coming to Wake County! The western corridor will connect downtown Raleigh to downtown Cary along Western Boulevard. This will mean more frequent service and faster bus transit connections.  Station Area Planning New Bus Rapid Transit will attract new residents, businesses, and investment to areas around new stations. The Station Area Plan will ensure that these changes benefit existing residents and businesses, as well as visitors.  Key topics include: Walking and biking paths to stations. Housing for current and future residents. Strategies for existing businesses to thrive in the future. Regulations and policies to shape new development. Station Area Plan Options and Alternatives Join us to explore how we can achieve station area plan goals. New and enhanced sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.  Expanded bike connections. Future development options – homes, businesses, community facilities. Affordable housing strategies.  Spaces for existing businesses to grow.  Open spaces and public amenities.

Need Help With Technology? Get Advice About Your Device! Raleigh Digital Ambassadors are here to help! Whether you have a short question about how to work your computer or have long-term digital goals, join us at the Raleigh Pathways Center! You will be paired up with a Digital Ambassador to create a plan to best support your needs and tackle goals together in a 1:1 setting. Whether you need help with your phone, computer, or have other digital goals, we have you covered! Join us at the Pathways Center on the first Saturday of each month at 1 - 3 p.m. from November to May! No appointment is needed for this FREE session.

City staff will be at the Tarboro Road Community Center on Feb. 19 to show teens how to travel the City on a GoRaleigh bus. Teens can sign up for hourly bus rides, enjoy snacks, learn about volunteer and job opportunities, play glow in the dark hoops, tour the St. Monica Teen Center, and more. Registration is encouraged

Need Help With Technology? Get Advice About Your Device! Raleigh Digital Ambassadors are here to help! Whether you have a short question about how to work your computer or have long-term digital goals, join us for drop-in hours! This session is offered in partnership with StepUp Ministry and will take place at the White Memorial Presbyterian Church. You will be paired up with a Digital Ambassador to create a plan to best support your needs and tackle goals together in a 1:1 setting. Whether you need help with your phone, computer, or have other digital goals, we have you covered! No appointment is needed for this FREE session.