Like our city, we’re growing each and every day — and our team needed to build some new infrastructure.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be putting on a fresh coat of paint. Thank you for your patience + pleasereply to this email if anything looks wonky.
Editor’s Pick
Search trends around taxes and income are shifting: “1040 form” is now searched more than “W-2 form,” while “1099 form” and “side hustle income” are hitting record highs.
Learn: A W-2 form is for traditional employees with taxes withheld by an employer, while a 1099 form is for independent contractors who handle their own taxes. The 1040 form is the main tax return where all income is reported.
For readers turning side income into something more structured, the NC SBTDC’s Taking the Leap to Kickstart Your Business Venture program offers a free cohort in Raleigh with tools, mentorship, and resources for early-stage entrepreneurs. Applications are open for May 5-26 sessions.
Asked
Asked
What does increased search interest in both “1099 form” and “1040 form” most likely indicate?
A. Fewer people are paying taxes B. More people are managing multiple income types when filing taxes C. Simpler tax filing processes D. A decline in freelance work
You’ve been reading our weekly BizBrief newsletter for awhile now. We’re hiring for contract editor and summer intern positions to help us find the most relevant local business news. Apply now, or send someone the link.
Answered
Last week, we asked: What is the median salary for nonprofit CEOs in Raleigh? 47% of you correctly guessed $100,000–$120,000. Missed it? Last week’s newsletter featured five senior roles we found, all starting at $100,000.
Open
Industrial tech company Ralliant officially opened its global headquarters at North Hills, bringing 150 staff on day one with plans to grow to 180 jobs by 2029. The move could add nearly $1 billion to North Carolina’s economy. (WRAL)
Trending
Whataburger has officially landed on Six Forks Road, marking the brand’s 12th location in North Carolina. The fast-casual burger chain has been steadily expanding across the state since entering the market. Learn about franchise opportunities here.
Coming Soon
Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet is investing $22 million to open its North American Service Center at Raleigh Iron Works — and plans to create 105 jobs. Why it matters: This investment signals that Raleigh’s mixed-use districts are attracting global luxury brands, as well as tech.
Ranked
Raleigh-Cary came in at No. 10 among large US metros for AI job concentration and standout fiber connectivity — a strong indicator of where the region’s workforce is heading.
Biz
Raleigh apparel co. Peter Millar is looking to expand its footprint in the Triangle with a potential new headquarters. They currently operate a design studio locally + have a business operations center in Durham. (Triangle Business Journal)
Try This
Switchyards, the 24/7 neighborhood work club, is coming to downtown Raleigh at 811 W. Hargett St., behind Trophy Pizza. The space offers flexible work areas, private rooms, phone booths, and — our favorite perk — unlimited coffee. Memberships drop Thursday, May 14, with access to all 15 Switchyards clubs nationwide. Only 250 spots are available locally.
Family
Got a product parents will tot-ally love? Add it to our upcoming Parents Gift Guide, publishing in May + June. Your product will be featured in our online guide where we’re highlighting products that make parenting easier. In other words: a little extra visibility to help your brand earn some serious parent points. Add your product.*
Events
Agenda
We’re on the lookout for top networking events each week. Reply to this email, add your event to our website for free, or submit a paid listing for guaranteed inclusion.
Editor’s Pick
Mental Health Check-In: The Inner Kid Is Not Optional | Thursday, April 23 | 6-9 p.m. | John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center/Park | Donation | Slow down, biz professionals, and take this session to explore play as a strategy for mental health and nervous system regulation.
3201 Wellington Ct. | 51,304 sqft | $16.12 sqft/yr | This industrial sublease in Lincoln Park North offers warehouse and office space with easy access to US-1 / Capital Blvd and I-540, connecting quickly to the Triangle region.
Office, for lease
1101 East Whitaker Mill Rd (Double Gable) & 2201 Iron Works Dr (Bow Truss) | Limited spec suites + build-to-suit | Negotiable | Two signature office buildings within the Raleigh Iron Works mixed-use campus — one of Midtown Raleigh’s most sought-after addresses, with walkable retail, food, and residential amenities on-site. ContactCBRE for current pricing.
Retail/Entertainment, for lease
Salvage Yard at Raleigh Iron Works, 2300–2312 Atlantic Ave | ~100,000 sqft | Available July 1, 2026 | Three reimagined warehouse buildings totaling 100,000 sqft of entertainment, food and beverage, and retail space — situated inside the Iron Works development alongside Audemars Piguet’s new North American Service Center. A high-visibility opportunity in a rapidly activating corridor.
Cat is on a well-earned vacation this week and next — can you guess where she is? I’ll give you a hint: this European city is home to nearly 2,000 startups. Reply to this email + send in your guess.