The Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) is proud to announce the second annual Moore Entrepreneurial Summit. This must-attend event will bring together aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs, small business owners, business support experts and resource providers for an evening of learning and networking.

This event will take place on Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024 from 6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. at The Fair Barn located at  200 Beulah Hill Rd S. in Pinehurst. 

Attendees at the 2024 Moore Entrepreneurial Summit will have the opportunity to win door prizes from local businesses, engage with and learn from successful entrepreneurs, business support experts, resource provider and other attendees to gain valuable insights on how to take their business to the next level.

“We invite both aspiring entrepreneurs and established small business owners to join us at the Summit on Nov. 19 at The Fair Barn. Attendees can expect to leave equipped with real-world tools, important information, and valuable resources needed to thrive in today’s competitive business market. They may even be the lucky winner of door prizes donated by local businesses,” saidMCEDP President Natalie Hawkins, in a press release.

The Summit will include two panel discussions to help small business owners unlock expert strategies to market and scale their business.

Planned panels include: 

1. “Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Technology to Market Your Small Business” - AI and other digital applications are revolutionizing the marketing landscape for small businesses. Panelists will share the latest AI, social media, and ecommerce tools that small businesses can successfully integrate into their marketing strategies to achieve a competitive edge and drive business growth. 

Expert panelists include:

• Vinay Raman, Founder & CEO of CAARMO, Inc.,
• Kit McKinley, Agency Director of First Flight Agency,
• Joseph White, Founder & CEO of Tuff Digital Marketing, and
• Liza Rodewald, Founder & CEO of Instant Teams.

2. “How to Scale Your Small Business”- Scaling a business presents unique challenges and opportunities.

Panelists will discuss strategies, lessons learned, and financing mechanisms to help small businesses navigate the complexities of growing and expanding a business. Experienced panelists include:

• Micah Niebauer, Co-founder & CEO of Southern Pines Brewing Company,
• Erica Parker, VP & Government Guaranteed Lending Business Development Officer at Fidelity Bank,
• Nathan Cherry, Owner of Fidelis Financial,
• Amanda Gustafson, Owner of Amanda Gustafson Consulting, and
• Frank Del Villar, Director of Underwriting & Strategic Initiatives at Carolina Community Impact.

The Summit will also feature a Resource Expo – More than a dozen organizations that support emerging startups and small businesses will be on hand to connect one-on-one with and provide valuable resources to attendees. Attendees can explore services offered by resource providers, including FREE business coaching/counseling, financial services and more.

The Summit will also serve as a networking opportunity - Attendees will be able to network with fellow entrepreneurs, expert panelists, representatives from entrepreneurial support organizations and event sponsors.

“Supporting Moore County’s vibrant entrepreneurial community to help foster business growth and job creation is a high priority for MCEDP,” said Hawkins. “We’re excited to host this Summit once again to provide attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to both market and grow small businesses here in Moore County.”

Pre-registration is required, with seating limited to the first 200 registrants. Attendees can take advantage of the $25 Early Bird registration fee through Oct. 25. After Oct. 25, admission is $30 per person. The registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 15. To register and learn more about the 2024 Moore Entrepreneurial Summit, please

visit www.moorecountyedp.org/ent-summit. 

Sponsors of the second annual Moore Entrepreneurial Summit include MCEDP, the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, The Pilot, Village of Pinehurst, Duke Energy, First Bank, Fidelity Bank, LKC Engineering PLLC, DMJPS PLLC, FirstCarolinaCare Insurance Co., Sandhills Community College, First Capital Bank, Cooper Ford, C.F. Smith Property Group, Southern Pines Brewing Co., Clark Chevrolet, Robbins May & Rich LLP, Tri South Builders, Summit Retirement Partners, Rhetson Companies Inc., Thigpen & Jenkins, and Maggie’s Farm.