JCC To Host Second Annual Small Business Summit On January 24

SMITHFIELD – The Small Business Center at Johnston Community College (JCC) has announced the return of its Second Annual Small Business Summit, set to take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the college’s Tart Building in Smithfield.

This half-day summit is a dynamic opportunity for local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring start-up leaders to gather, learn, and connect.

The event will feature a timely keynote address from Jennifer Fix, Deputy State Chief Information Security Officer at the NC Department of Information Technology, who will speak on the state of cybersecurity and fraud for small business owners—an increasingly critical topic in today’s digital world.

In addition to the keynote, the summit will include a panel discussion on accessing and securing capital, featuring local lending and financial experts who will share practical strategies and insights for navigating funding opportunities.

“Supporting small businesses is at the heart of community and economic development,” said Suzanne Ross, Director of the Small Business Center at JCC. “This summit is an opportunity to assist start-ups and empower existing local small businesses with information, tools, and connections to help them thrive.”

Admission is free. For more information and updates, visit the Small Business Center link at johnstoncc.edu