The Small Business Expansion Summit: "Accelerating in the Age of Disruption

Accelerating Mainstreet NC to grow 1% better.

Second Annual Small Business Expansion Summit

Theme: Accelerating in the Age of Disruption

We are living and operating in an era defined by chaos and disruption. From shifting tariffs and political and social unrest to the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence and the realities of a K-shaped economy, today’s business environment is anything but predictable. For small business owners, the question is no longer “How do I grow?” — it is “How do I position my business to survive, adapt, and still expand?”

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) at North Carolina Central University invites small business owners, founders, and growth-minded professionals to the Second Annual Small Business Expansion Summit, a dynamic convening designed to help businesses not only navigate disruption, but leverage it.

This year’s theme, “Accelerating in the Age of Disruption,” centers on preparation, resilience, and opportunity. Through expert panels, practical workshops, and real-world case studies, participants will explore:

• Strategies for expanding in uncertain economic conditions
• How AI and emerging technologies can be used as growth accelerators rather than threats
• Financial and operational readiness for scaling
• Market positioning and brand resilience during social and political volatility
• Identifying and capitalizing on “silver lining” opportunities in challenging environments

Disruption is not new — but the speed and scale of today’s changes are. This summit is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools, insights, and networks needed to turn uncertainty into momentum and intention into expansion.

Whether you are preparing to scale, seeking to stabilize, or looking for your next strategic move, this experience will provide actionable guidance and forward-thinking perspectives to help you thrive in the new business landscape.

Come prepared to learn, connect, and accelerate.

Learning Tracks Include:

Amplify with AI : Artificial intelligence is no longer optional — but how it is used makes all the difference. This dual-track workshop series will help business owners move beyond experimentation and into intentional application.

• Track 1: Generative AI – Your Strategic Thought Partner
  Learn how to leverage AI tools to enhance creativity, speed up content development, refine messaging, and support strategic decision-making without losing your brand voice.
• Track 2: Agentic AI – Operational and Administrative Lift
  Explore how AI agents and automation tools can streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden, improve customer response times, and create operational efficiency that frees owners to focus on growth and innovation.

Going International: Africa is emerging as one of the most dynamic economic regions in the world. This workshop examines the continent’s rising influence from an economic development and market expansion perspective. This session is ideal for businesses considering export, partnership, or international customer acquisition strategies.

Optimizing Your Current Market: Expansion does not always require new geographies — sometimes the greatest opportunity lies within your existing customer base. This workshop focuses on maximizing visibility, strengthening brand positioning, and uncovering untapped revenue streams in the markets you already serve. Attendees will learn strategies for customer retention, pricing optimization, partnership development, and local or regional dominance without overextending resources.

Financial Readiness for Growth: Growth without preparation can strain cash flow, operations, and credibility. This session helps business owners evaluate whether they are truly ready to expand and how to build financial and structural stability before scaling. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to pursue expansion with intention, discipline, and financial confidence.

Location: NCCU's School of Business, 829 E. Lawson St, Durham, NC 27701, Lowe's Auditorium

View a Downloadable Map of the Parking Deck and School of Business at NCCU Campus Map - North Carolina Central University / nccu-campus-map-north-carolina-central-university.pdf / PDF4PRO