Description

Join the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce for the 2026 Friends in Business EXPO, a free Charlotte business and career expo connecting small businesses, corporations, nonprofits, professionals, job seekers and community members from across North and South Carolina. 

Whether you want to grow your business, meet potential customers, connect with employers, discover community resources or build new professional relationships, there is something waiting for you at the EXPO. 

Connect with other local minority Chambers including: Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte, Women’s Business Center of Charlotte, Carolinas Asian American Chamber, Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce and other additional regional business and community organizations.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, October 16th, 2026
• Time: 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• Event Venue: Grady Cole Center
• Address: 310 N. Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC 28204
• Admission is free
• CLGBTCC membership is not required, but encouraged!
• Continue the experience after the EXPO with Carolinas Ascent, Charlotte’s professional women’s soccer team.

What You Will Find at the EXPO

• Exhibition Hall - Meet small businesses, corporations and community organizations offering products, professional services, employment opportunities and new ways to get involved.
• Resource Hall - Discover nonprofit organizations, business resources and community services available to individuals, families, entrepreneurs and professionals throughout the Carolinas.
• Breakout Sessions - Learn from business leaders and industry experts through practical sessions designed to help you grow professionally, strengthen your organization and make more valuable connections.
• Career Hub - Connect with participating employers and receive practical career support, including resume assistance and professional headshots.
• Health Hub - Access free health testing and connect with organizations supporting the health and well-being of our community.
• Networking and Giveaways - Build relationships throughout the day while enjoying giveaways and opportunities to meet the people behind participating businesses and organizations.

Who Should Attend?

• Business Owners and Entrepreneurs - Meet prospective customers, discover business resources, connect with corporate partners and expand your network beyond the people you already know.
• Job Seekers and Professionals - Meet employers, explore career opportunities, strengthen your resume and build relationships with professionals from different companies and industries.
• Community Members - Shop, discover local businesses, learn about available resources and support organizations investing in the Carolinas.
• Corporate Professionals - Connect with business owners, prospective suppliers, talented professionals and nonprofit leaders while building stronger community relationships.
• Nonprofit and Community Leaders - Introduce more people to your mission, connect with prospective supporters and volunteers, and build partnerships with businesses and corporations.

Put Your Organization in the Room!

The Friends in Business EXPO gives exhibitors access to a diverse regional audience of customers, professionals, employers, business owners and community leaders.*Exhibitor registration closes Friday, October 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Small-Business Exhibitors - Showcase your products or services, meet potential customers and develop relationships that can lead to referrals, partnerships and future opportunities.
• Corporate Exhibitors and Employers - Increase your organization’s visibility, connect with prospective talent and suppliers, and demonstrate your investment in the region’s business community.
• Nonprofit Exhibitors - Connect attendees with your programs and resources while meeting prospective volunteers, supporters and community partners.

[BECOME AN EXHIBITOR]

Interested in Leading a Breakout Session? 

Business leaders, subject-matter experts and community professionals are invited to propose practical, engaging breakout sessions for EXPO attendees.  *Presentation proposals are due Friday, August 28, 2026.

[SUBMIT A BREAKOUT SESSION PROPOSAL]

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Friends in Business EXPO free? Yes. Attendee admission is free. Advance registration is encouraged.
• Do I need to be a CLGBTCC member? No. Chamber members, nonmembers, LGBTQ+ community members and allies are welcome.
• Is this only a business networking event? No. The EXPO includes businesses, employers, career resources, nonprofits, community services, breakout sessions, health resources, shopping and networking.
• Can my organization become an exhibitor? Yes. Exhibitor opportunities are available for small businesses, corporations, employers, nonprofits and community organizations. Exhibitor registration closes October 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
• Will employers and career resources be available? Yes. Participating organizations will offer employment opportunities, and the Career Hub will provide practical support such as resume assistance and professional headshots.