Plus, Apex Chamber Orientation
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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 + please reply 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

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
Test your knowledge

News Notes

Job

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)
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.*

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.

Monday, April 20

City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Job Fair | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 630 Beacon Lake Dr. | Free, reserve a spot

Tuesday, April 21

Apex Chamber Orientation | 12-1 p.m. | Apex Chamber of Commerce | Free, register

Wednesday, April 22

Wake Up Wakefield (Wake Forest Area Chamber) | 8-9 a.m. | Pinnacle Financial Partners | Free, register

LinkedIn Local Raleigh Triangle | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State | $34

Thursday, April 23

Science on the Carolina Coast Screening & Discussion | 6-9 p.m. | Virtual + North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences | Free, reserve a spot

Friday, April 24

NC ITNS 2026 Symposium — Transplant Today: Innovations and Challenges | 7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. | Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh Cary/Parkside Town Commons | Free+

Saturday, April 25

Business Networking Event | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Fulfilled Promise Tabernacle | $31+

Plan Ahead

State Energy Conference of North Carolina | Tuesday, April 28-Wednesday, April 29 | Times vary | McKimmon

Perspectives Conference 2026: Strength in Every Stitch | Thursday, July 9 | 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $195+
See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Listed

Industrial, for lease

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. Contact CBRE 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.
List your space
Ready to get your property in front of more eyes?
Click the button to promote your listing.

The Wrap

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.
Erin McPherson - BizBrief Wrap - Green
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