B. Calendar

The Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill are coming together to honor our amazing entrepreneurs and businesses that power our local economy in the first annual Small Business Milestone Celebration. This event will highlight businesses at key milestones—from new ventures to our long-standing institutions who have served generations—recognizing their contributions to job creation, economic resilience, and community building. 

• April 29, 2026 from 10:30am-12:00pm
• Drakeford Library Complex

According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 34.7 million small businesses in the United States, representing 99.7% of firms with paid employees. Small businesses are responsible for 61.1% of net new jobs created since 1995 and employ 45.9% of the employees in the private sector. Additionally, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 58 cents in local business purchasing local goods and services.

Carrboro is home to a diverse business community. The Economic Development department is excited to honor the growth, and impact of our businesses at different points in their journeys. This celebration is a tribute to the passion, resilience, and relationships that make small businesses the heart of our community. Following the event, the Town will recognize National Small Business Week from May 3-9, 2026.