It's AJOY DOING BUSINESS!

A 7-Year Celebration of Connection, Resilience, and Abundance!

Ready to stop navigating the entrepreneurial journey alone? Join us for "It's AJOY Doing Business!" – a dynamic and action-oriented gathering designed to empower you with authentic, mutually valuable connections and ensure interaction with the business community and support organizations ready to help everyone thrive!

This isn't just an event; it's a celebration of 7 years of fostering a strong and vibrant business community, fostering incredible connections, and igniting impactful growth across the nation and beyond! Despite current challenges like rising costs and economic uncertainty, NEW OPPORTUNITIES still exist, and accessible resources are within our networks. It's time to proactively Connect and Thrive!

**Over 90% of previous attendees shared they made several high value connections and would definitely return.

“I would have loved to have more time to enjoy the vendors and connections available. I did LOVE everything about the conference, so instead of cutting something out I'd suggest making it a bit longer if possible.”~ Anonymous Survey Respondent

Sneak Peek: We are excited to have Hollywood Actor & Filmmaker Mike Rae Anderson join us as a panelist!

Mike Rae Anderson - a multi-talented actor, filmmaker, and National Spokesperson for Juvenile Justice and Mass Incarceration. Born in Germany, raised in Fayetteville, NC, Mike has appeared in films like "Crossbreed" (with Vivica Fox) and TV shows including "For My Man" on TV One. Beyond his entertainment career, he's the founder of Polished Souls Foundation, Inc., where he mentors adjudicated youth and leads gang intervention efforts. His documentary "A Polished Soul: The Mike Rae Anderson Story" is available on Tubi and tells his powerful personal journey.

Why You CANNOT Miss This:

EXPLORE NEW INDUSTRIES: Learn from the experts and decision-makers about how to get your business into emerging industries, such as film, manufacturing, sustainability etc.

Gain ACTIONABLE Insights: Exchange strategies to overcome today's biggest business challenges – from rising operational costs and talent acquisition to economic uncertainty, technology adoption, and profitability.

Discover Vital RESOURCES: Connect directly with supporting organizations and corporate partners who are ready to help your business flourish.

EXPAND Your Network: Meet fellow entrepreneurs, small business leaders, vendors, supplier engagement professionals, corporate entities, and small business support organizations from across various industries.

Reignite Your PASSION: Leave feeling not just inspired, but with practical tools and a renewed sense of why you embarked on this exciting adventure in the first place!

Top 5 Challenges This Event Solves:

For Small Businesses:

1. Difficulty accessing corporate buyers and decision-makers

2. Limited visibility and customer reach

3. Isolation and burnout in a tough economy

4. Lack of access to resources and funding support

5. Disconnected from vibrant entrepreneurial networks

For Corporate Buyers & Supplier Leaders:

1. Need for dynamic, qualified small business pipelines

2. Limited authentic engagement with small businesses

3. Desire for innovative, purpose-driven sourcing opportunities

4. Low brand visibility in community-centered spaces

5. Gaps in supplier equity and inclusive ecosystem partnerships

Event Highlights:

• Morning Empowerment Panel, Expert Fireside Chats + Catered Lunch
• Small Business Expo, Vendors & Networking experience
• DJ Entertainment, Professional Headshots and AJOYfull Atmosphere

BONUS:

COMPLIMENTARY BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT *Full Day Access Only*

EARLY ACCESS TO DATABASE WITH POWERFUL CLIENT INSIGHTS (I.E. Customer Spend, Ideal Customer Profile) *Full Day Access Only*

POWERFUL AI PROMPTS WITH IMMEDIATE BUSINESS OUTCOMES

PARTICIPATE IN THE CVMSDC R.I.N.G. Meeting (A local work group comprised of CVMSDC Corporate Partners and certified Small Business Enterprise owners)

Who Should Attend?

Supplier Engagement Professionals & Corporate Entities

Small Business Leaders & Owners

Vendors & Suppliers

Organizations Supporting Business Growth and Development

Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Don't Navigate Alone! Secure Your Spot Today- Limited Early Bird Tickets!

Catered Lunch and Beverages are included with FULL DAY admission.

Network with Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs from all over the US.

**(Hotel discounts available if you're staying for NC Folk Fest, our 3-day music festival featuring "Arrested Development"- see your ticket confirmation for details.)

Smile! Professional Headshots will be provided!

Attire?: We encourage Bright Colors & Fun Business Casual for the Celebration!

**MUST PURCHASE TICKET ONLINE PRIOR TO EVENT**

**NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR FOR ADMISSION**

***ALL TICKETS ARE FINAL SALE AND NON REFUNDABLE***

This event is managed collaboratively by AJOY Consulting, LLC, A Glass Above, Break The Gate, Brandilly Creative Group and other Strategic Partnership hosts.