The Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) announces the 2025 Sandhills Entrepreneur Summit taking place Nov. 13, 2025 in Pinehurst. This third annual summit has been expanded to a full day of interactive workshops, expert presentations and networking designed to accelerate business growth in Moore County and the surrounding Sandhills region.
The summit comes at a critical time for small business development, with Moore County designated as a Certified Entrepreneurial Community® and experiencing significant economic growth. This year's program focuses on practical, actionable strategies that entrepreneurs can implement immediately.
Event Highlights
Keynote Address – Advancing Entrepreneurship in NC
Three Interactive Workshops
Additional Features
The Summit will be held at The Fair Barn located at 200 Beulah Hill Rd S. in Pinehurst, N.C. The cost to register is $25 before the early bird deadline (Oct. 15) and $30 after the early bird deadline. Registration fee includes all meals and beverages.
“This summit represents our commitment to Moore County's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Natalie Hawkins, MCEDP president, in a press release. “We've designed this year's program to provide immediate, actionable insights that entrepreneurs can use to build a stronger business.”
Hawkins emphasizes that both aspiring entrepreneurs and established small business owners will benefit from the programming. “Attendees should bring laptops or tablets to maximize their experience in our hands-on workshops,” she added in a press release.
The summit is made possible through partnerships with presenting sponsors MCEDP, NC IDEA and RIoT, along with support from other organizations committed to fostering entrepreneurial success, including Sandhills Community College Small Business Center, The Pilot, First Capital Bank, First Bank, Robbins May & Rich LLP, The Insurance Center, C.F. Smith Property Group, Clark Chevrolet Cadillac, Summit Retirement Partners and Tri South Builders.
Early registration is encouraged. Purchase tickets at www.moorecountyedp.org/2025entsummit
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Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
