Celebrate Small Business Excellence with Us!
Join us for our annual Small Business Week! In partnership with the Coastal Carolina Small Business Center, we’re bringing you a week-long celebration dedicated to empowering and honoring the entrepreneurs who drive our community forward. We have a variety of events designed to help your business grow and thrive.
We wrap up the week by celebrating our community’s best at the Awards Breakfast, where we’ll proudly present the First Citizens Bank Small Business of the Year and the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award. This special event is a chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, celebrate local achievements, and recognize the incredible contributions that small businesses make every day.
The 2026 Small Business Week Awards Breakfast will take place on May 7, 2026 at the Onslow Memorial Hospital Cafeteria from 8 AM to 10 AM.
Tickets are now open for The 2026 Small Business Week Awards Breakfast! Secure your seats at the button below.
Funding Foundations: Business Loan Basics
Ready to take the guesswork out of business loans? Join us for an interactive Lunch & Learn that walks small business owners and startups through the essentials of business banking and lending. Learn what lenders look for, explore loan options, and work through examples so you know exactly how to prepare! Whether you’re planning to apply soon or building toward future funding, you’ll leave informed, confident, and ready to take the next step.
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: The Commerce Center
Seating is limited! Register at the button below.
Lunch is provided at no cost to you.
First Citizens Bank Small Business of the Year
The First Citizen’s Bank Small Business of the Year Award, is an honor that recognizes outstanding contributions to our local business landscape.
Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated excellence of knowledge and integrity in their business or professional field.
- Provision of valuable business/service/profession to the Community.
- Active Chamber Membership and alignment with the Small Business Council’s Mission of supporting our citizens, the military, and the local business community.
View past award recipients
Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award
The Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award honors an exceptional individual or team making a difference in their community or workplace. Whether through time, talent, or heartfelt dedication, these recipients embody the spirit of citizenship and service, inspiring others to join in creating positive change.
The award serves to:
- Recognize and celebrate outstanding leadership and volunteerism
- Foster a culture of service and engagement within our communities
- Support initiatives aimed at enhancing our quality of life
Eligibility is open to individuals, teams, or workgroups within any organization, regardless of Chamber membership or Duke Energy affiliation.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor
Thank you to our Bronze Sponsors
