Friday in Raleigh – Business, Civic Engagement, and Community Fun

Friday in Raleigh was a full-circle day that captured what makes our city special—entrepreneurship, civic participation, and community connection. From a morning small-business workshop to an impactful local candidates forum and a lively game night downtown, here’s a recap of a well-spent Friday in the City of Oaks.

Starting Strong: How to Start a Business in Wake County (In Person)

The day kicked off with “How to Start a Business in Wake County (In Person)”, hosted by the North Carolina Community College Small Business Center at Halifax Community Center.

This informative seminar walked attendees through the journey from idea to opportunity, covering essential topics every entrepreneur needs to know:

Startup strategy and self-assessment Financing and marketing fundamentals Legal considerations, licensing, zoning, and operations Evaluating the feasibility of a business idea Local and regional resources available to new business owners

It was a practical, empowering session for anyone considering launching—or refining—a business in Wake County.

Civic Engagement in Action: Southeast Raleigh Local Candidates Forum

Later in the day, the Local Candidates Forum for Southeast Raleigh brought together community members eager to hear directly from the voices shaping the March 2026 Primary.

The event saw a strong turnout and meaningful discussion. Attending helped clarify key issues and perspectives, making it easier to form informed decisions about the upcoming primary. Forums like this continue to prove how engaged and thoughtful Southeast Raleigh residents are when it comes to local leadership.

📸 Check out the photos below to see the energy and engagement from the event.

Community & Connection: Game Night at Juiced

The evening wrapped up with Game Night at Juiced, and it did not disappoint. Hosted at Juiced, the event was a full house filled with laughter, learning, and friendly competition.

Discovered a new game Met new friends Enjoyed great vibes and positive energy A wide variety of games for all experience levels

It was one of those nights that reminds you how powerful simple, in-person community experiences can be.

📸 Photos below capture just how lively the night was.

A Friday Well Spent in Raleigh

From building businesses to shaping local democracy and connecting with neighbors, this Friday in Raleigh showcased the many ways our community shows up for itself. Whether you’re launching a startup, learning about local candidates, or just looking for something fun to do downtown, Raleigh continues to deliver.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything Raleigh!

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#BoardGameNight #CivicParticipation #Entrepreneurship #events #FridayInRaleigh #JuicedRaleigh #LocalCandidatesForum #News #raleigh #RaleighCommunity #RaleighEventRecap #RaleighEvents #RaleighPolitics #SoutheastRaleigh #thingsToDoInRaleigh #WakeCountySmallBusiness

How ICE’s Plan To Monitor Social Media Threatens Not Just Privacy, But Civic Participation

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.techdirt.com/2025/12/09/how-ices-plan-to-monitor-social-media-threatens-not-just-privacy-but-civic-participation/

💪 10 effective things citizens can do to make change in addition to attending a protest

https://theconversation.com/10-effective-things-citizens-can-do-to-make-change-in-addition-to-attending-a-protest-266432

#politics #protest #change #activism #democracy #civics #civicparticipation

They’re All the Same: Schumer, Thune, Johnson, Jeffries — All Playing Games While America Suffers

https://theinterfaithintrepidart.com/2025/11/01/theyre-all-the-same-schumer-thune-johnson-jeffries-all-playing-games-while-america-suffers/

The City of Raleigh Government Event Guide Thursday October 16th Edition

Raleigh residents have multiple opportunities this Thursday to connect with local leaders, share ideas, and learn about programs that impact the community. From accessibility initiatives to park planning and budget engagement, here’s your guide to all the key City of Raleigh government events happening on October 16, 2025.

Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities Meeting

🕛 12 p.m. | Boards and Commissions

Join the Commission for Persons with Disabilities as they discuss accessibility, advocacy, and inclusion across Raleigh’s public spaces, services, and infrastructure. This meeting helps ensure that all residents—regardless of ability—can participate fully in city life.

Lunch Box Lectures at the City of Raleigh Museum

🕛 12 p.m. | Parks, Recreation, and Athletics

Take your lunch break at the City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum) and learn about the people, places, and stories that shaped our city. These casual midday lectures are perfect for residents curious about local history and civic growth.

HUB/DBE Business Certification Info Session (Spanish Only)

🕓 4 p.m. | Community and Workshops

This Spanish-language session provides valuable guidance for Hispanic and Latinx entrepreneurs seeking HUB/DBE certification—a critical step for small businesses aiming to work with city and state contracts. Register today to learn how to strengthen your business and connect with procurement opportunities.

Design Review Commission Meeting

🕟 4:30 p.m. | Boards and Commissions

The Design Review Commission evaluates major development projects to ensure design excellence and compliance with Raleigh’s urban design standards. Attend to see how new architecture and public spaces are shaping the city’s look and feel.

Advice About Your Device – Drop-In Hours

🕠 5:30 p.m. | Community and Workshops

Need tech help? Stop by this informal drop-in session for one-on-one assistance with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. City staff and volunteers will help you navigate apps, emails, and digital tools to stay connected and informed.

Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board Meeting

🕕 6 p.m. | Open Houses and Public Hearings

This advisory board reviews current and future projects related to parks, recreation, and the city’s beloved greenway system. It’s a great opportunity to learn about new park amenities, community spaces, and sustainability efforts.

Budget and Brews – City Budget Listening Session

🕕 6 p.m. | Community Engagement

Grab a pint and share your voice at Budget and Brews, the city’s interactive listening session designed to gather community feedback on the upcoming fiscal year budget. This relaxed setting encourages open dialogue about where Raleigh should invest for the future—parks, housing, public safety, and beyond.

Why Civic Engagement Matters

Every meeting, workshop, and public hearing is a chance to help shape Raleigh’s policies, priorities, and community identity. Whether you’re a small business owner, a parent, or simply passionate about your neighborhood, your participation makes a difference.

Your week, your city, your fun — stay connected with everything happening in the Raleigh at DoRaleigh.com

#BudgetAndBrews #CityCouncil #CityOfRaleigh #CityOfRaleighGovernmentEventGuide #CivicParticipation #CommunityEngagement #CORMuseum #events #News #RaleighBoardsAndCommissions #RaleighBusinessSupport #RaleighCityGovernment #RaleighEvents

The City of Raleigh Government Event Guide Thursday October 9th Edition

Stay connected and informed with Raleigh’s city government! Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community advocate, these public meetings and workshops are the best way to engage in local decision-making. Here’s what’s happening across Raleigh government this Thursday, October 9, 2025.

🔹 Development Stakeholders Quarterly Meeting

🕘 9:00 a.m.

📍 Community & Workshops

The Development Stakeholders Meeting brings together city planners, developers, and community partners to discuss upcoming projects, zoning updates, and growth strategies shaping Raleigh’s future.

🔹 Fire Prevention Week at A.E. Finley YMCA

🕘 9:00 a.m.

📍 Community & Workshops

Celebrate Fire Prevention Week with the Raleigh Fire Department! Families are invited to learn about home safety, emergency preparedness, and fire prevention techniques through hands-on activities and live demonstrations.

🔹 BPAC Community Outreach Committee

🕑 2:00 p.m.

📍 Boards & Commissions

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission’s Outreach Committee meets to review public engagement efforts, safety campaigns, and new mobility initiatives across Raleigh’s greenway and bike lane network.

🔹 Raleigh Transit Authority Meeting

🕞 3:30 p.m.

📍 Boards & Commissions

The Raleigh Transit Authority discusses GoRaleigh service updates, route changes, and funding opportunities for expanding public transportation options citywide.

🔹 Environmental Advisory Board Meeting

🕓 4:00 p.m.

📍 Boards & Commissions

Join the Environmental Advisory Board as they review sustainability projects, community resilience programs, and green infrastructure plans for a cleaner, more sustainable Raleigh.

🔹 Human Relations Commission Meeting

🕕 6:00 p.m.

📍 Boards & Commissions

The Human Relations Commission works to strengthen equity, inclusion, and civil rights initiatives across the city. This month’s meeting will highlight community partnerships and ongoing diversity programs.

Why It Matters

These meetings reflect Raleigh’s ongoing commitment to transparency, civic engagement, and public collaboration. Residents are encouraged to attend, listen, and share their input—your voice helps shape the city’s growth and future policies.

Stay Engaged

Follow DoRaleigh.com for weekly updates on city meetings, government announcements, and community events across the Triangle.

#BoardsAndCommissions #CityCouncil #CityOfRaleigh #CityOfRaleighGovernmentEventGuide #CivicParticipation #CommunityEngagement #DoRaleigh #events #LocalGovernment #News #PublicMeetings #RaleighEvents #RaleighGovernment #RaleighNews

The City of Raleigh Government Event Guide Wednesday October 8th Edition

Stay informed and engaged with your city! Each week, Raleigh’s boards and commissions meet to shape the future of our community — from historic preservation and public health to civic engagement and equity. Here’s what’s happening on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 across the City of Raleigh government calendar.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

🏗️ Raleigh Historic Development Commission

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Category: Boards & Commissions

The Raleigh Historic Development Commission meets to review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA), discuss historic landmark designations, and ensure preservation of Raleigh’s architectural heritage.

Substance Use Advisory Commission Meeting

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Category: Boards & Commissions

The Substance Use Advisory Commission works to address substance use challenges in our community, sharing strategies and supporting prevention and recovery programs across Raleigh.

Community Engagement Board Meeting

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Category: Community Engagement

Join the conversation virtually! The Community Engagement Board fosters inclusive participation in local government and helps residents build stronger connections with their neighborhoods and city programs.

📍 Join Virtually – Visit the City of Raleigh Public Meetings Portal for meeting links and agendas.

Hispanic and Immigrant Affairs Board Meeting

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Category: Boards & Commissions

This board promotes inclusion and equity for Hispanic and immigrant communities, advising city leadership on programs and policies that support diverse voices in Raleigh.

Why It Matters

Raleigh’s boards and commissions are where residents can directly influence policy — from planning and zoning to public safety and cultural programs. Attending (or tuning in virtually) is one of the best ways to make your voice heard and stay connected with your city’s growth.

How to Participate

Visit raleighnc.gov/public-meetings for official meeting links and agendas. Some sessions are live-streamed or available for replay through the City of Raleigh’s YouTube and Engage Raleigh platforms. Public comments and community participation are encouraged!

Your week, your city, your fun — stay connected with everything happening in the Raleigh at DoRaleigh.com

#BoardsAndCommissions #CityOfRaleigh #CityOfRaleighGovernmentEventGuide #CivicParticipation #CommunityEngagementBoard #DoRaleigh #events #HispanicAndImmigrantAffairsBoard #News #RaleighEvents #RaleighGovernment #RaleighHistoricDevelopmentCommission #SubstanceUseAdvisoryCommission