North Carolina First Statewide Startup Showdown
The SBCN Startup Showdown, powered by Wells Fargo, celebrates North Carolina's first statewide entrepreneurship competition. Over the past several months, 176 entrepreneurs representing eight regions have refined their businesses through coaching, mentorship, and pitch preparation. Their journey culminates at the Awards Celebration, where North Carolina will recognize its inaugural Statewide Champion.
The Journey Behind the Showdown
Every great business begins with an idea. The Startup Showdown transforms those ideas into investor-ready ventures through coaching, business planning, mentorship, and statewide exposure. From a single application to months of preparation, the journey culminates on North Carolina's biggest entrepreneurial stage.
Meet the Finalists
Representing communities across North Carolina, the 17 finalists representing 16 businesses bring bold ideas, diverse industries, and inspiring stories to the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown. Learn more about the entrepreneurs, their businesses, and the community colleges that helped them prepare for this statewide competition in the official finalist announcement.
Community Voting
Help Choose North Carolina's Inaugural Statewide Champion
Community voting is your opportunity to support North Carolina's most promising entrepreneurs. Beginning September 1, watch each finalist's professionally produced pitch video, learn about the businesses competing in the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown, and cast your vote for the entrepreneur you believe should be named the inaugural Statewide Champion.
Every vote celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and the power of supporting local businesses across North Carolina.
Watch the Finalist Videos
Explore each entrepreneur's story on the SBCN YouTube Channel.
Cast Your Vote
Voting is open September 1–15.
Plan Your Visit
Everything You Need for an Exceptional Evening
We're honored to welcome you to the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown Awards Celebration. We hope you'll find everything you need below to prepare for an enjoyable evening as we celebrate North Carolina's entrepreneurs and crown our inaugural Statewide Champion.
Event Details: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Location: Market Hall, 214 East Martin Street, Raleigh, North Carolina
Attire: Business or Business Cocktail
Evening Schedule
Time Experience
5:00 PM Reception & Networking
5:45 PM Ballroom Opens
6:00 PM Dinner Service
6:30 PM Awards Celebration Begins
7:15 PM Winner Announcements
7:30 PM Dessert Reception
Evening Menu
Experience the Venue
This beautiful evening will take place at Market Hall, one of downtown Raleigh's premier event venues.
Parking & Transportation
We want your arrival to be as seamless as possible. Parking is available within walking distance of Market Hall.
Parking at Market Hall
There are three public Parking Decks & one Public Parking Lot available within two blocks of Market Hall in addition to plenty of available street parking. Some street parking is free and some have paid meters. Please look for meter signage. Parking on the Cobblestone Streets of Blake Street and Parham Street is free. Please view the map at the bottom of this page or click the name of each lot to be taken to the City of Raleigh’s parking information page.
Lodging
For guests traveling from outside the area, the following hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of Market Hall.
| Hotel | Address | Phone |
| Raleigh Marriott City Center |
500 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh NC 27601 | (919) 833-1120 |
| Sheraton Raleigh Hotel | 421 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 | (919) 834-9900 |
| Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown | 616 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 | (919) 856-0017 |
For additional lodging options in downtown Raleigh, we encourage you to visit Visit Raleigh, where you'll find a variety of accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and things to do during your stay.
Meet the Coaches
Behind Every Great Entrepreneur Is a Great Coach
The success of the SBCN Startup Showdown extends far beyond the competition itself. Throughout the program, finalists worked alongside experienced Small Business Center professionals from across North Carolina who served as coaches, mentors, and trusted advisors.
Drawing on decades of experience in entrepreneurship, business consulting, financial management, and business ownership, these coaches helped participants refine their ideas, strengthen their business models, prepare investor-ready pitches, and build the confidence needed to compete on a statewide stage. While each coach brings a unique perspective, they share a common goal: helping North Carolina entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.
Meet the Business Trailblazers
The SBCN Startup Showdown is evaluated by an accomplished panel of Business Trailblazers representing entrepreneurship, finance, innovation, economic development, and industry leadership from across North Carolina.
These judges bring diverse expertise and real-world experience to the competition, evaluating each finalist's business model, presentation, growth potential, and overall impact.
Meet the Team
Behind every successful event is a dedicated team working to create meaningful experiences and opportunities for North Carolina's entrepreneurs.
The SBCN Startup Showdown is led by a collaborative team committed to supporting small business growth, celebrating innovation, and showcasing the incredible talent found across our state.
Thank You to Our Entrepreneur Champions
The inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown is a celebration of what can happen when organizations, businesses, community colleges, and communities come together in support of entrepreneurship.
This first-of-its-kind statewide initiative was made possible through the generosity, collaboration, and shared commitment of partners across North Carolina. From sponsorship and event production to mentoring, hospitality, photography, printing, and in-kind donations, every contribution helped create an unforgettable experience for our entrepreneurs.
We're especially grateful to the local businesses and organizations that donated products, services, and experiences in support of our finalists. Your generosity reflects the very spirit of entrepreneurship—neighbors supporting neighbors, businesses investing in businesses, and communities championing innovation.
Thank you for believing in North Carolina's entrepreneurs and for helping make the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown a success. Together, we are strengthening small businesses, celebrating innovation, and investing in the future of our state.
Interested in partnering with the SBCN Startup Showdown?
We welcome opportunities to collaborate as we continue celebrating and supporting North Carolina's entrepreneurial community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Event Details
Logistics
Awards Celebration
Community Voting
About Startup Showdown
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