Set up a corporate volunteer day with The Great Raleigh Cleanup. | Photo by RALtoday
You shared your volunteer plans, and we’re spotlighting a few great group volunteer opportunities for your team. With National Volunteer Week around the corner, now’s a great time to plan a company volunteer day.
Activate Good partners with businesses to plan turnkey volunteer experiences, from large team service days to year-round corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Habitat for Humanity of Wake County offers team build days where employees help construct affordable homes together. Thanks to reader Kevin L. from Wells Fargo for the recommendation.
Note in the Pocket offers group shifts sorting and packing clothing for local students in need.
The Great Raleigh Cleanup organizes corporate team litter cleanups with supplies and coordination provided. Bonus: Save the date for Earth YAY! 2026 on Saturday, April 18, with yoga, a cleanup, eco experts, and a sustainable vendor market
The Green Chair Project hosts group shifts assembling furniture for families transitioning into stable housing
Note: Most volunteer shifts are free, but a few custom experiences with supplies or special setups may have a small cost. Want even more ways to give back? Check out our list of 40+ local opportunities.
News Notes
News Notes
Number
$10 million. That’s how much Hitachi Energy is investing in Cary for a new 32,000‑sqft Power Electronics Center of Competence, creating 150 jobs to help meet rising US electricity demand, partly fueled by the growth of AI data centers. (Business North Carolina)
Biz
Raleigh is backing a new plan to keep local businesses local. The Employee Ownership Raleigh Initiative helps retiring owners sell to their employees, avoiding the “silver tsunami” of companies leaving the area. At S&ME, employees don’t just work — they own the company, keeping decisions and benefits in the community. (WRAL)
Cause
M&F Bank awarded a $10,000 Empowering Growth Small Business Grant to Raleigh’s Sherrill’s University. The program offers training in cosmetology, barbering, and entrepreneurship. Funded through a partnership with Fiserv, the grant will help expand operations and marks the final award in the bank’s 2025 grant cycle. (The Carolinian Newspaper)
Apply
Applications are now open for Goldman Sachs’ Fall 2026 Black in Business 12-week program, a free initiative supporting Black women sole proprietors. Participants gain mentorship, resources, and national networking to help grow and scale their businesses. (The Carolinian Newspaper)
The University Club of Durham has closed after nearly 40 years. Located atop University Tower, the members-only club cited lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Established in 1987, it offered private dining and events, serving as a longtime hub for the community. (The News & Observer)
Civic
In case you missed it, Mayor Janet Cowell’s 2026 State of the City shared updates on Raleigh’s growth, affordable housing, City Hall, crime, and the new poet laureate program — applications are open through Friday, April 17.
Trending
Augusta is calling. Events like the Masters drive tourism, spending, and local buzz. Last year’s final round on CBS drew ~12.7 million viewers, and Rory McIlroy took home $4.2 million. What strategies — menus, watch parties, promotions — is your business using to capitalize on the tournament? Reply to this email. If you haven’t made a plan, now’s the time.
State
Novant Health plans a 20-bed hospital and a standalone emergency department in Brunswick County — the first new hospital there since 2011. The Leland facility will offer 24/7 emergency care, imaging, and observation beds, marking a major expansion as coastal North Carolina’s population continues to grow. (WilmingtonBiz)
Asked
Asked
What is the main benefit of transitioning a local business to employee ownership?
A. Increases profits for external investors B. Keeps jobs and decision-making local C. Allows the company to relocate more easily
We’re on the lookout for top networking events each week. If you have any to share, please reply to this email or add your event to our website.
Editor’s Picks
Clinician Connection: Network, Learn and Grow | Wednesday, April 8 | 10 a.m. | The Goat Durham, Morrisville | Free, reserve your spot | Connect with local clinicians over coffee to network and explore how financial stress impacts clients’ mental health and relationships.
Garner League of Women (GLOW) Luncheon | Thursday, April 9 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Alexander’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Garner | Free to attend for all area women business owners | Attend this free monthly networking luncheon for women business owners and connect with local professionals.
5720 Creedmoor Rd., #205 | $690,000 | 2,027 sqft | Fully furnished office condo for sale on in North Raleigh, featuring four private offices, a conference room, a kitchenette, and updated interior and exterior, with high visibility and prominent signage.
720 S. Saunders St. | $1.1 million | 1,820 sqft | Prime property with strong visibility, direct access to I-40 and Downtown Raleigh, near major redevelopment zones and cultural destinations, offering high potential for users or investors in a rapidly transforming area.
Office, for lease
901 N. West St. | $32/sqft/yr | 10,572 sqft | Showroom and office space with 11 parking spots, masonry construction, and IND-2 zoning is available now with flexible lease terms — psst... next door to LaGana.
Retail, for lease
424 E. Six Forks Rd. | $37 sqft/yr | 7,800 sqft | Prime Midtown retail with high visibility, built-out salon space, on-site parking, and easy access to North Hills and downtown.
You know who I love following on LinkedIn? Lindsay Wrege, co-founder of 321 Coffee. Every post leaves me inspired, and her latest — celebrating 321 launching in Costco — is no exception. Most mornings, you’ll find me sipping out of my 321 mug while reading her updates.
If you’re willing to champion this launch (individuals and businesses), they’re building a crew of ambassadors across the state to help make it a success.
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