Key Takeaways

• Before you pay your first employee, North Carolina requires a federal EIN, a state withholding account, and an unemployment insurance account.
• Workers’ compensation insurance becomes mandatory once you have three or more employees, including yourself if you are a corporate officer.
• New hires must be reported to the state within 20 days, and I-9 forms are due within three business days of a start date.
• The average cost to hire a nonexecutive employee runs close to $5,475 before you even factor in wages.
• Required workplace posters are free from the issuing state and federal agencies, so there is no reason to pay for them.

In Guilford County, roughly 49,000 businesses run without a single employee on payroll, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sooner or later, plenty of those owners will reach the same point you’re at now, weighing whether it’s time to bring someone on. If that’s you, the paperwork can feel like the hardest part of an otherwise exciting decision.

How Do You Know When to Hire Your First Employee?

You’re likely ready to hire when you’re having to consistently turn down work, your own hours no longer cover the demand, and revenue can support another person’s wage without dipping into savings.

These signs rarely show up all at once. A Greensboro bakery owner might notice a backlog of custom orders piling up, while a solo bookkeeper might realize they’ve started turning down new clients. Either way, the real test is whether the extra revenue can cover a paycheck before you send the offer.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Your First Employee?

Hiring your first employee costs about $5,475 on average, not counting wages, according to SHRM’s 2025 benchmarking report.

This number only covers the cost of finding and hiring someone. Training, wages, and payroll taxes come later, and together they add up to far more than the hiring cost itself. Here’s what to budget for once someone is officially on payroll.

• Social Security and Medicare (FICA): You’ll pay 7.65% of your new hire’s wages out of your own funds, on top of their gross pay. This FICA payment is the employer share of Social Security and Medicare, matching the 7.65% withheld from the employee’s paycheck for the same taxes.
• Federal unemployment tax (FUTA): This tax applies to the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages per year, and it starts at 6% but can drop as low as 0.6% once your state unemployment taxes are paid on time.
• North Carolina unemployment tax (SUI): New employers pay 1% on the first $34,200 of each employee’s wages in 2026.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: Coverage becomes required once you have three or more employees, with rates that vary by industry and claims history, so treat any number you see online as a rough guide rather than a quote.

How Do You Hire Your First Employee in North Carolina: 5 Steps

Hiring your first employee in North Carolina comes down to a short checklist of state and federal requirements, most of which you can complete online before their start date.

1. Get Your EIN and Register for NC Tax Accounts

Before you can legally pay anyone, three registrations need to be in place.

• Federal EIN: Apply directly through the IRS at no cost, and most applicants receive their number immediately after finishing the online application.
• NC withholding tax account: Register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue using Form NC-BR, either online or by mail, so you can withhold and remit state income tax.
• NC unemployment insurance account: Register with the NC Division of Employment Security to receive your unemployment tax number before your first payroll runs.

None of these registrations carry a fee, but processing times vary. Start them as soon as you have a start date in mind rather than waiting until the week before.

2. Set Up Payroll and Report the Hire

Once your accounts are active, a short stack of forms needs to be collected and filed by a deadline. Have your new employee complete a federal W-4 and an NC-4 so you can withhold taxes correctly, and complete Form I-9 within three business days of their start date to verify work eligibility.

Separately, North Carolina requires you to report the new hire online through the state’s New Hire Directory within 20 days of their start date. Once your business reaches 25 or more employees in the state, North Carolina’s E-Verify law also applies, which means confirming each new hire’s eligibility to work through a federal database.

3. Get Workers’ Comp Insurance If You’ll Have 3 or More Employees

North Carolina law requires workers’ compensation coverage once a business regularly employs three or more people, and that count includes corporate officers. A corporation with two officers and one additional hire, for example, already meets the threshold.

If you expect to grow past two employees within the year, it’s worth pricing out coverage now rather than scrambling later.

4. Post the Required Workplace Notices

Once you have even one employee, North Carolina requires you to display the combined Wage and Hour poster and Occupational Safety and Health notice where every employee can see it. You will also need the state’s unemployment insurance notice and, once workers’ comp applies, the Industrial Commission’s notice to workers.

Federal posters covering equal employment opportunity, minimum wage, and OSHA rights round out the requirement. All of these are free directly from the issuing agencies, so skip anyone trying to sell you a bundle.

5. Decide on Benefits

North Carolina doesn’t mandate benefits for a business hiring its first employee, so what you offer is a business decision rather than a legal one. Even a modest offering, like a small stipend toward health coverage or flexible scheduling, can matter in a labor market where candidates are comparing several small businesses at once. Start with what you can sustain and build from there.

Get Support Hiring in Greensboro

Bringing on your first employee is growth in action for a Greensboro business, and it’s exactly the stage LaunchLab Growth, a Launch Greensboro program, is built for. Founders get paired with a dedicated mentor and a cohort of peers working through the same hiring and budgeting decisions, with guidance on everything from writing that first job description to budgeting for payroll. If you’re still testing your idea, LaunchCamp offers a weekend intensive to build that foundation first.

Learn more about Launch Greensboro to see which program fits your stage of growth, and explore Chamber membership to connect with other business owners navigating the same decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Capital Connects, Startup Week’s signature pitch event, gives Greensboro founders a live stage at the Carolina Theater to pitch investors, with past winners including Sarilla, F3TCH, and Blue Recruit.
• Greensboro Startup Week 2026 runs April 27 through May 1, bringing together 400+ attendees for 40+ sessions centered on advanced industry and entrepreneurship.
• Programming spans topics like aerospace, advanced manufacturing, battery technology, and tech commercialization, reflecting the region’s growing innovation ecosystem.
• Key sessions include The Founders Panel and Triad Women in Manufacturing, giving attendees direct access to local entrepreneurs and industry leaders sharing hands-on experience.
• Both badge registration for Capital Connects and general Startup Week attendance are free, making the event accessible to founders, students, and curious community members alike.

Greensboro’s entrepreneurial community is growing, and Greensboro Startup Week is where that growth gets its moment in the spotlight. Every spring, founders, investors, operators, and business leaders gather for one of the region’s most dynamic innovation events — five days of real conversations, hands-on sessions, and direct access to the people and capital shaping what comes next.

If you haven’t attended before, review our guide to everything you need to know about the week before you register.

Capital Connects: A Live Pitch Event for Startups

The week’s signature event, Capital Connects gives Greensboro startups a live stage at the Carolina Theater on April 30 to pitch bold ideas to investors and community leaders and compete for prizes. Similar to Shark Tank, this Greensboro-based pitch event has run for more than 20 years, launching some of the region’s most recognized companies, with past winners including Sarilla, F3TCH, Blue Recruit, Storage Scholars, and LivWell.

Picture the energy of a live pitch competition television show, applied to the startups shaping your own backyard. High-energy, high-stakes, and free to attend.

Badge registration is free, so there’s no reason not to claim your spot early.

If you’re building something, this event is for you. Startup Week as a whole draws early-stage founders, seasoned operators, venture investors, corporate leaders, and professionals from manufacturing, legal, finance, and beyond.

Students exploring entrepreneurship and experienced executives looking to connect with Greensboro startups are equally at home here. Anyone curious about the Greensboro startup investing scene will find the region’s most promising companies under one roof, alongside the investors and mentors already backing them.

What Is Greensboro Startup Week?

Greensboro Startup Week is a five-day summit built around the theme “Startups That Build Things, Industries that Matter.” Programming focuses on providing entrepreneurial and startup advice at the intersection of advanced industry, with sessions covering aerospace, advanced manufacturing, battery technology, and tech commercialization.

With 400+ attendees and 40+ sessions across the week, the event is designed for people doing the work. Conversations here turn into partnerships, pitches, and next steps. Whether you’re scaling a company, exploring a new venture, or looking to plug into the region’s growing innovation ecosystem, Startup Week was built with you in mind.

Greensboro Startup Week 2026 runs April 27 through May 1 at Launch Greensboro, 111 Bain St, Greensboro, NC. Most sessions take place at Transform – BAIN, the coworking and event space serving as home base for the week.

4 Other Key Events to Attend at Greensboro Startup Week 2026

With 40+ sessions on the calendar, these five are worth putting on your radar first:

• The Future of Tech Transfer in NC: Kicking off the week on Monday, April 27, NCInnovation CEO Michelle Bolas, NC IDEA President Thom Rhue, and NC IDEA VP Tom Snyder discuss how research institutions and startups are collaborating to turn breakthrough ideas into fundable, scalable companies.
• The Founders Panel: On Tuesday, April 28, Andy Zimmerman of AZ Development, Detara Williams of Made For Locs, and Matt Hanan share honest perspectives on building and scaling ventures within Greensboro’s ecosystem, covering everything from national retail expansion to downtown revitalization.
• Fundraising Rules for Raising Capital: Paul Clark of Venture South takes attendees inside the venture capital process on Tuesday afternoon, covering what investors actually look for and how to move from first pitch to closed deal in today’s market.
• Triad Women in Manufacturing: Leaders from P&G, Honda Aircraft Company, and Banknote Corporation of America gather on Wednesday, April 29, to discuss how modern manufacturing teams drive results across safety, quality, delivery, and beyond. This session is among the week’s sharpest panels for women operating or investing in the region’s industrial sectors.

Register for Greensboro Startup Week

Learn more about Greensboro Startup Week today. If you’re interested in attending, please book your free tickets online.

Key Takeaways

• The North Carolina Department of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina offer one-on-one guidance for new business owners on planning, structure, licensing, and funding.
• Funding resources like the SBCN, SBTDC, and federal STTR/SBIR programs help business owners understand and access capital, from general advice to technology-specific grants.
• NCWorks.gov and programs like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit give employers tools and incentives for hiring, while the Greensboro Chamber offers its own talent and workforce guide.
• Business development resources from SBTDC and the Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub, along with programs like Launch Greensboro, support marketing, market research, and business growth.
• SCORE mentoring and Greensboro Chamber mentorship programs connect entrepreneurs and college students with experienced local mentors suited to their business needs.

Whether you’re opening a business or want to grow an existing one in North Carolina, you can find many resources available to give you the support you need to succeed. From new business counseling and funding resources to hiring support and mentorship programs, North Carolina offers a great deal of assistance to small businesses.

Let’s review the primary support services available to help North Carolina small businesses.

6 Types of Support Services Available for Small Businesses in North Carolina

North Carolina has many small business resources you can access to receive assistance with launching, funding, developing, and managing your business. Review the following top support services for small businesses in North Carolina:

1. Support for Opening Your Business

When you want to start a business in North Carolina, you’ll want to contact Small Business Advisors from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. These advisors offer one-on-one phone consultations for people interested in starting a business, counseling them through each step of the process.
You’ll also want to review the advice and resources the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina offers new businesses. With their team, you can learn how to create a small business plan, decide on a business structure, meet license requirements, and gather tax information. They can also help you identify sources of funding and understand your responsibilities as an employer. Your local chamber of commerce may also offer startup assistance and education programs.

2. Funding Resources

Whether you’re launching a business or trying to grow, you’ll likely need outside funding to reach your full potential. The primary funding resources available to North Carolina business owners include:

• Small Business Center Network (SBCN) Funding Advice: Before you look for funding for your business, you can review funding advice from the SBCN. They have multiple resources for business owners who want to be fully informed while they search for funding.
• SBTDC’s Funding Resources: SBTDC has a full guide for capital opportunities that provides information about financial resources available to small businesses. They also have private equity initiatives that help companies receive counseling assistance when they’re seeking funding from venture capitalists and/or angel investors.
• Technology Funding: If you operate a business that performs research and development, you may be qualified for technology-related Federal funding. For example, the Small Business Technology Transfer and Small Business Innovation Research programs offer grants to businesses.

3. Hiring Support

Need help hiring top-tier talent for your organization? The following resources can help you find new hires and receive hiring-related grants or tax credits:

• NCWorks.gov: If you’re looking to hire new employees, NCWorks.gov is a free job search site designed for business owners and those looking for employment in NC. The site gives businesses the tools they need to access labor market data, search for ideal candidates, post job listings, review resumes, and track applicants.
• Grants and Tax Credits for Hiring or Training Employees: North Carolina offers several workforce grants for businesses that want to upskill their employees to better meet their industry’s needs. The Federal government also offers the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which provides a tax credit to businesses that hire people from eligible groups who face barriers to employment but are qualified for the position. Alongside the WOTC, employees can receive tax benefits when they hire and accommodate people with disabilities.
• Local Chamber of Commerce Resources: Your city’s chamber of commerce should have resources for businesses looking to hire new talent. For example, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has a talent and workforce guide for finding and retaining employees.

4. Business Development and Marketing Assistance

After you’ve launched your business, business development resources and marketing advice can help it grow. North Carolina business owners can access the following marketing and business development programs:

• Training Programs From SBTDC: SBTDC provides several online training programs for businesses that employers can access.
• Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub Events: The Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub hosts a variety of events designed to help North Carolina businesses grow their business. These events and webinars cover topics like financing, time management, using social media to market a business, and bookkeeping basics.
• Market Research Support: SBTDC and SBCN both offer market research services for small businesses. SBTDC’s marketing analysts can help you better understand and analyze data while creating a marketing plan. SBCN’s marketing research program focuses on ensuring small business owners understand their market.
• Local Chamber of Commerce Business Development Programs: If you’re looking for local business development assistance, your chamber of commerce should have programs available to you. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of business development programs, such as Launch Greensboro, which aims to accelerate growth for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

5. Networking Opportunities

Knowing other business owners and entrepreneurs in your area can be huge for your business’s overall success. Your local chamber of commerce should offer networking events and opportunities for you to meet other entrepreneurs in the area. Whether you want to talk shop or develop connections with others in your industry, you won’t want to pass up networking opportunities in your area.

6. Mentorship Programs

Some mentorship programs are available for small businesses in North Carolina. Partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to U.S.-based businesses or entrepreneurs with a business idea. Once you fill out a mentoring request form and provide your zip code, you’ll be matched with a local SCORE mentor right for your business.
If you’re looking for a mentor who knows your area and target demographics, you’ll also want to check if your local chamber of commerce offers mentorship programs. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, for instance, has mentorship opportunities for college students and local entrepreneurs.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: Supporting Small Businesses in NC

If you’re looking for small business support services in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has you covered. With networking and mentorship opportunities, resource information, educational programs for entrepreneurs, community events, and talent development advice, we’re confident we can help your business reach its full potential.
Learn more about how the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can serve your small business today.

If you own a business that ships products internationally, you’ll need a Certificate of Origin for the products you plan to ship out of the United States. These certificates are vital for global trade, helping businesses sell their goods internationally and governments better control the flow of trade into their countries. As you prepare to ship your products from North Carolina to another country, you should know how to obtain a Certificate of Origin from your local Chamber of Commerce.

What Is a Certificate of Origin for a Business?

A Certificate of Origin is an important document used in international trade. This document shows which country an imported good comes from, determines whether a product qualifies for preferential treatment under trade agreements, and verifies that businesses are following tariff and customs requirements. It also confirms that goods aren’t being imported from countries under trade sanctions or other restrictions. Finally, a Certificate of Origin protects worker’s rights by verifying that products haven’t been produced under exploitative or unethical conditions.

In the United States, most Certifications of Origin are digital and issued by a Chamber of Commerce. To receive one, you’ll need to register with your local Chamber of Commerce, apply for a Certificate of Origin, and wait for your local chamber to verify your Certificate of Origin and issue it to you.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Origin in North Carolina

If you need a Certificate of Origin, you can follow a few simple steps to receive one. Below, you can find the six steps for receiving and using a Certificate of Origin in North Carolina below:

1. Find Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Since Chambers of Commerce are responsible for issuing Certificate of Origin documents, you’ll want to start by visiting your local chamber’s website or office to see how they can help. Your local Chamber of Commerce should provide you with the necessary documentation and provide instructions on how to complete your application.

If you have a business in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has a Certificates of Origin program to help local businesses. While visiting this program’s page, you can find out how to register and apply for a Certificate of Origin electronically or through the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s office.

2. Register Your Business With Your Chamber of Commerce

Your next step will be to register your business with your local Chamber of Commerce. Since most chambers provide electronic Certificates of Origin, you can likely register online.

3. Apply for the Certificate of Origin

After you’ve registered your business with your local chamber, you should be able to submit an application for a Certificate of Origin through your local chamber’s online system. While filling out the application, you’ll need to provide information about the importer’s and exporter’s details, the goods being shipped, and the country of origin.

If you’re importing identical goods over multiple importations, you’ll need to apply for a blanket certificate, so you don’t have to apply for multiple COAs for identical goods. This blanket certificate will allow you to import identical products over a 12-month period without having to apply for another COA.

4. Wait for Your Chamber of Commerce to Review Your Application

Once you’ve turned in your Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin application to your local chamber, you’ll need to wait for them to review it. While they review it, they’ll make sure your product meets various international guidelines and rules for trade. Part of their verification process will involve checking that all your documentation is completed and verifying that your goods were actually produced where you said they were.

5. Receive Your Certificate of Origin

After your local chamber has verified your Certificate of Origin application, they’ll issue a Certificate of Origin to you electronically. When you first receive your certificate, it will have a unique identification number, and you’ll likely have to enter a QR code for verification.

6. Wait for the Importing Country to Verify Your Certificate of Origin’s Authenticity

Before the country you’re exporting your goods to lets you bring your products across their borders, they’ll check that your Certificate of Origin is authentic. Typically, they’ll just need to scan the Certificate of Origin’s QR code or enter its unique identification number while using the Internal Chamber of Commerce’s verification platform for Certificates of Origin. After verifying the authenticity of your certificate, the importing country should allow your goods to be shipped to customers or distributors within their borders.

Receive a Certificate of Origin Through the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

If you have a business based in Greensboro, NC, and need a Certificate of Origin, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can help. Our Certificate of Origin program makes it easy for businesses to register their business and apply for a Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin online. When you’re a member of the Chamber, our Certificates or Origin cost $25, while non-members can receive one for $50. Alongside providing Chamber-stamped Certificates of Origin, our collaboration with the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce allows us to offer other export-related documents.

Learn more about our Certificates of Origin program and register your business today. If you have any questions about your registration or application, you can call us at (336) 387-8301.

Key Takeaways

• The most valuable small business classes offer material directly relevant to a business’s industry or specific weaknesses, rather than generic content.
• Instructors with real-world business experience and a strong track record in their field make a class more credible and worth attending.
• Classes that build in dedicated networking time, especially in-person, help business owners form lasting connections with other local entrepreneurs.
• Checking for testimonials, reviews, or direct conversations with past attendees can reveal whether a class actually leads to business success.
• Post-class resources like recordings, guides, or ongoing mentorship help business owners keep applying what they learned long after the course ends.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started, a small business class can be a great way to develop your skills, network with other leaders, and improve your business’s operations. As a business owner, however, you’re likely busy and don’t want to waste your time in classes or business seminars that won’t help.

Fortunately, you can narrow your search and ensure you attend a class worth your time by knowing a few qualities to look for in excellent small business classes.

5 Things to Look for in Small Business Classes

Maximizing the value you receive from a small business class begins with knowing what to look for. For example, making sure the material is relevant and the instructor has relevant experience can both be ways to verify the class will be actually useful to you. As you search for a class, review the top five qualities to look for in a small business class below:

1. Material Relevant to Your Business or Weaknesses

While it might seem obvious, the first thing you should look for in a small business class is its relevance to your business. Typically, you’ll get more out of the class if you choose one that aligns with your industry or the specific challenges you face in your business. For example, a small retail business may benefit from a class that focuses on inventory management and e-commerce strategies, while a service-based business might need more guidance on client acquisition or project management.

Alongside looking for classes that focus on your industry, it can be beneficial to consider your weaknesses. For example, if you make a great product but struggle to sell it, taking a class on marketing could help you address the issue and better advertise your product to your target customers.

2. Educators With Strong Backgrounds in Your Field

A good small business class should have an experienced and knowledgeable teacher. After all, you don’t want to show up to a class only to realize that the instructor doesn’t have any real-world experience running a business.

Before you sign up for a course, read over the bios of featured speakers and educators for the class. You might also want to look them up online to learn more about their accomplishments, grants they’ve received, past business seminars they’ve spoken at, and their experience with the subject matter they’re teaching. If you can find online reviews for past versions of the class that mention the instructor’s quality, checking them can be useful for deciding if the class is worth your time and money.

3. Opportunities to Network With Other Business Owners in Your Area or Industry

Success often comes down to who you know, and a small business class should encourage you to connect with other attendees. Meeting other local business owners can help you better understand your community and create long-standing relationships that could lead to collaboration. Additionally, it can give you the chance to develop a support network of other like-minded business owners who are dedicated to improving their businesses just like you.

If the class doesn’t take place in your area, it can still be useful to meet other business owners in your industry. They can likely give you new insights on how to grow your business, attract new customers, receive a business license, acquire talent, and better manage your finances or operations. Since networking can be so beneficial, check if the class provides time to mingle and has dedicated networking times. In-person classes may also be more useful for networking than those offered virtually.

4. Track Record of Helping Business Owners Succeed Following the Course

Another way to verify that a class will provide you with valuable information is to see if past attendees have gained greater success after completing the class. A good class will usually advertise success stories or have a testimonials section on their website to showcase how past students have applied what they learned to their business. If the class has online reviews, review them for any red or green flags.

If possible, speaking with past attendees is a great way to get a more accurate perspective on the class. Whether it’s talking to other business owners who have taken the class or requesting contact information of past attendees from the course, doing your due diligence can be well worth it. By knowing the pros and cons of the class, you can make a well-informed decision about whether to attend.

5. Resources and Opportunities for Post-Class Support

When you’re looking for a class, see if they offer resources you can take with you after the course is over. For example, recordings of lectures, copies of PowerPoints, and any guides they’ve presented can all be useful to remind yourself of what you learned years after taking the course. You might also want to attend a class that provides additional readings and materials that you can take advantage of to learn more about the topic after the class ends.

Classes that offer some form of support after the class ends can also help you continue to apply the material you learned to your business. Post-class support might include an opportunity to meet with other past students monthly to hold each other accountable. Some instructors might also offer mentorship opportunities, which can be incredibly useful when you’re still learning the ropes.

Attend a Small Business Class at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

At the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, we’re dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs through a variety of classes and networking events. Our LaunchCamp and LaunchLab 101 are two programs perfect for those who need assistance starting a business. If you’re looking for help growing your business, LaunchLab Growth is a 14-week entrepreneurship program focused on accelerating a business’s growth. Scale to Excel is another flagship program that offers minority business owners the chance to receive executive education, management know-how, and a business support system.

Learn more about Launch Greensboro and our other small business advisory programs today. If you have any questions about our educational programs, please contact us.

Key Takeaways

• Greensboro’s business networking culture, especially through Chamber events, emphasizes building long-lasting connections rather than quick, transactional introductions.
• Coffee & Conversation combines networking with education on topics like talent development, entrepreneur support, and economic growth, meeting monthly at Sagewell Health & Fitness.
• WE Connect is the Chamber’s women-led networking group, focused on empowerment and leadership development for female-identifying professionals in Greensboro.
• Business Round Tables, including the quarterly Rise & Connect breakfast series, group business leaders by company size for peer-focused conversations.
• On the Go gives members a members-only way to explore different local businesses while building new connections at each stop.

Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or a young professional based in Greensboro, North Carolina, you’ll want to take advantage of the city’s many networking events and groups. As you search for networking opportunities in Greensboro, take a moment to learn more about how the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce helps business leaders, community members, and professionals connect!

What’s the Business Networking Culture Like in Greensboro?

Greensboro has a welcoming and vibrant business networking culture where you can grow professionally and meet others who will inspire you to reach new heights. Unlike traditional networking events, where you might meet someone quickly and exchange business cards before moving on, networking events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce focus on developing long-lasting connections. Due to this focus, we offer multiple chances for community members, business leaders, and professionals to meet and support one another.

How to Find Greensboro Networking Events and Groups

When you’re looking for Greensboro networking groups, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is ready to help. We regularly host networking events and groups you can attend, such as Coffee & Conversation, Lunch with Leaders, and WE Connect. If you’d like to stay up to date on the latest Greensboro networking groups and events, review our networking page and keep an eye on our event calendar.

Networking Events in Greensboro, NC

Whether you’re interested in growing professionally, connecting with other business leaders, or finding new career opportunities, you can take advantage of many networking events in Greensboro. Review our top Greensboro networking groups and events below:

1. Coffee & Conversation

Held monthly and sponsored by Cone Health, Coffee & Conversation combines educational programming with networking to give attendees an opportunity to connect with others and learn more about important economic issues affecting Greensboro. At these meetings, community members, organizations, and businesses discuss a wide range of topics, such as the following:

• Talent development
• Entrepreneur support
• Local agendas
• Economic growth
• City and county-wide initiatives

During the networking portion of these meetings, participants are encouraged to share information about their business or organization. By sharing this information with one another, attendees can receive invaluable advice, connect with like-minded business leaders, and create meaningful connections with community members. If you’re interested in attending, Coffee & Conversation is held at Sagewell Health & Fitness on the third Thursday of every month.

2. WE Connect

WE Connect is the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s women’s networking group that aims to maximize the impact of strategic connections and strong leadership for women in Greensboro. As a women-led group, all of the topics discussed at this networking group are chosen for women, by women. Typically, meetings focus on empowerment, leadership development, and education.

If you’d like to attend, WE Connect usually takes place once a month and is hosted at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, meetings are open to all female-identifying individuals.

3. On the Go

On the Go is one of the Chamber’s most popular networking series, and it works a little differently than a standing meeting. Each event visits a different local business, giving members a chance to see a new space firsthand while making connections with the people who work there.

This members-only series runs regularly throughout the year, with each stop offering a preview of where the series heads next. If you want to discover businesses you might not otherwise walk into, On the Go turns that discovery into a built-in networking opportunity.

4. Business Round Tables

Not every business faces the same challenges, and the Chamber’s Business Round Tables reflect that. These quarterly peer groups are organized by company size, so participants are talking with others navigating similar decisions rather than a broad mix of unrelated business types.

The Round Table series includes:

• Small Business Round Table: Built for owners and operators managing the day-to-day realities of a small team and limited resources.
• Middle Market Round Table: Designed for leaders scaling past the early stages, often balancing growth with more complex operations.
• Large Business Round Table: A space for leaders at larger organizations to compare notes on enterprise-level challenges.
• Business Leader Round Table: A peer group for business leaders, meeting on the same quarterly rhythm as the other tiers.

Each tier meets quarterly, giving participants a recurring touchpoint with the same group of peers rather than a one-off conversation. Check the Chamber’s events calendar for your tier’s next date.

5. Women’s Executive Connection

Women’s Executive Connection is the Chamber’s annual event spotlighting women making an impact in Greensboro’s business community. The day combines panels, keynotes, and interactive sessions with local and national women leaders speaking on relevant business topics.

A highlight of the event is the presentation of the ATHENA Award, recognizing leadership and community impact. For women looking for a higher-profile networking opportunity beyond WE Connect’s monthly meetings, this annual event offers a chance to connect with leaders across industries in a single day. Check the Chamber’s events calendar for this year’s date.

6. Membership 101

If you’re new to the Chamber or considering joining, Membership 101 is a low-pressure way to get oriented. Staff members walk through what the Chamber does, answer questions, and share upcoming opportunities to get involved.

It’s less a networking event than a starting point, but it’s worth mentioning here since it’s often the first place new members meet Chamber staff and other members face-to-face before diving into the Chamber’s other networking programs. Sessions run regularly, so check the Chamber’s events calendar for the next one.

7. Leadership Greensboro Alumni Network

With more than 1,700 graduates, Leadership Greensboro’s alumni network gives past participants an ongoing way to stay connected. The LG Alumni Council organizes lunch and learns, networking events, and family-friendly gatherings throughout the year, keeping graduates linked to each other and to the current class.

If you’ve completed the Leadership Greensboro program, staying connected with the Chamber keeps this network active well beyond your nine months in the program.

Find Greensboro Networking Groups and Events with the Chamber

When you’re looking for additional support and the opportunity to network with other professionals, turn to the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. We’re always looking for new ways we can help businesses, professionals, and community members connect with one another and grow together. Alongside the networking groups we highlighted above, we offer various talent development resources you can use to grow as a young or seasoned professional!

Learn more about our networking opportunities. If you have any questions or want to find an event, please review our calendar.