BizBrief

About BizBrief

The RALtoday BizBrief Newsletter, produced by Walk West, is now on audio too! Wake up with Raleigh's business news - in your ears, not just your inbox. Each week, Walk West's Jason Gillikin breaks down the Triangle's biggest business stories: the news, the key hires, and the events worth knowing about, in about 5 to 10 minutes. Whether you're making coffee, walking the dog, or driving in, BizBrief keeps you in the loop on everything happening in Triangle business and moving our city forward. Brought to you by RALtoday, the Triangle's go-to local newsletter, and produced by Walk West. New episodes every Monday.

Publisher

RALtoday x Walk West

Category

business · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Aug 2026

Latest episode

2 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Nov 2026

   Parexel's Biotech Incubator, 3 Strong Earnings Reports, & a $230M Plant for Sanford

   A new biotech incubator at Parexel's Raleigh headquarters, strong quarterly earnings from three of North Carolina's biggest companies, and a $230 million manufacturing plant headed to Sanford. Plus, the events you need on your calendar this week, including Raleigh-Durham Climate Week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) Parexel launches the Parexel Biotech Incubator, with Cape Fear BioCapital (Parexel announcement): https://newsroom.parexel.com/news-releases/news-release-details/parexel-launches-parexel-biotech-incubator-connect-early-stage (https://newsroom.parexel.com/news-releases/news-release-details/parexel-launches-parexel-biotech-incubator-connect-early-stage) About the Parexel Biotech Incubator: https://www.parexel.com/about-us/parexel-biotech-incubator (https://www.parexel.com/about-us/parexel-biotech-incubator) First Citizens BancShares third-quarter 2026 earnings: https://www.earningswhispers.com/epsdetails/FCNCA/202609 (https://www.earningswhispers.com/epsdetails/FCNCA/202609) IQVIA third-quarter 2026 results: https://www.iqvia.com/newsroom/2026/10/iqvia-reports-third-quarter-2026-results (https://www.iqvia.com/newsroom/2026/10/iqvia-reports-third-quarter-2026-results) Labcorp third-quarter 2026 results: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/labcorp-reports-strong-2026-third-quarter-results-raises-full-year-2026-guidance-302921355.html (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/labcorp-reports-strong-2026-third-quarter-results-raises-full-year-2026-guidance-302921355.html) DG Matrix expands at Morrisville's Southport Innovation Center (Triangle Business Journal) — [link] Bracco Imaging's $230M Sanford plant (Radiology Business): https://radiologybusiness.com/topics/medical-imaging/imaging-contrast/bracco-invest-230m-first-us-contrast-media-manufacturing-facility (https://radiologybusiness.com/topics/medical-imaging/imaging-contrast/bracco-invest-230m-first-us-contrast-media-manufacturing-facility) BuildOps lays off 11 in Raleigh (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/10/27/buildops-layoffs-raleigh-hub-construction-slowdown.html Downtown Raleigh Alliance's Q3 2026 market report — https://issuu.com/downtownraleighalliance/docs/state_of_downtown_raleigh_2026 Pellucid Network (NC TECH member directory): https://ourmembers.nctech.org/directory/Details/pellucid-network-inc-4797948 (https://ourmembers.nctech.org/directory/Details/pellucid-network-inc-4797948) EDPNC is hiring a business development professional — https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/business-development-manager-at-economic-development-partnership-of-north-carolina-edpnc-4478736688/ Big Spoon Roasters' Pistachio Crunch Almond Butter, sofi Gold Award finalist — https://www.specialtyfood.com/news-media/news-features/association-press-releases/2027-sofi-awards-finalists/ Futuropolis robotics exhibit at Marbles Kids Museum — https://new.abb.com/news/detail/139890/marbles-kids-museum-and-abb-unveil-name-of-new-futuropolis-exhibit-robot-abby-designed-to-provide-hands-on-learning-and-career-exploration Raleigh-Durham Climate Week, Nov. 2-6: https://raleigh-durham.climate-week.org/ (https://raleigh-durham.climate-week.org/) Full events calendar: https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ (https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/) Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason Gillikin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

2. 

   26 Oct 2026

   Duke Endowment's $100M Pledge, Kevel's $52M Raise, & a New Durham PD Podcast

   A $100 million pledge toward a proposed $3 billion children's hospital in Apex, a $237 million loan for a Morrisville life sciences campus, and why Raleigh employers are paying more to hire. Plus, a $52 million raise for Durham's Kevel, a new podcast from the Durham Police Department, and the events you need on your calendar. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) Duke Endowment donates $100M to NC Children's Hospital (Axios Raleigh): https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/10/20/duke-endowment-donates-100-million-to-nc-children-hospital (https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/10/20/duke-endowment-donates-100-million-to-nc-children-hospital) $237.7M loan for the Pathway Triangle life sciences campus (Commercial Observer): https://commercialobserver.com/2026/10/starwood-property-trust-238m-refi-north-carolina-life-sciences-campus/ (https://commercialobserver.com/2026/10/starwood-property-trust-238m-refi-north-carolina-life-sciences-campus/) Vulcan Elements partners with UNC on rare-earth magnet research (Axios Raleigh): https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/10/20/vulcan-elements-will-partner-with-unc-on-magnets-research (https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/10/20/vulcan-elements-will-partner-with-unc-on-magnets-research) Raleigh employers pay about 8% above the national average (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/10/14/raleigh-north-carolina-hiring-salary-premiums.html NC receives $1.5M+ in federal specialty crop grants (USDA announcement, via WHBL): https://whbl.com/?p=1016936 (https://whbl.com/?p=1016936) Kevel raises $52M Series D (AdExchanger): https://www.adexchanger.com/commerce/retail-media-platform-kevel-raises-52-million-with-ma-on-the-brain/ (https://www.adexchanger.com/commerce/retail-media-platform-kevel-raises-52-million-with-ma-on-the-brain/) Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel's podcast hosted by James Avery and produced by Walk West: https://www.kevel.com/podcast (https://www.kevel.com/podcast) Bull City Beats, the Durham Police Department podcast: https://www.durhamnc.gov/5614/DPD-Podcast---Bull-City-Beats (https://www.durhamnc.gov/5614/DPD-Podcast---Bull-City-Beats) Raleigh-Durham Climate Week, Nov. 2-6: https://raleigh-durham.climate-week.org/ (https://raleigh-durham.climate-week.org/) Full events calendar: https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ (https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/) Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason Gillikin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

3. 

   19 Oct 2026

   NC Tech Award Winners, Raleigh Founded Changes Hands, & Transfer Co. Hits the Market

   What BizBrief readers told us about juggling work and child care, new owners for Raleigh Founded, and Transfer Co. Food Hall hits the market. Plus, who's taking over at Visit Raleigh, and the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) What BizBrief readers told us about life as a working parent — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/business/child-care-work-bizbrief-reader-feedback-raleigh Wake County child care subsidy program, Early Years (free referrals), and Wake County Smart Start: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/social-services/child-care-subsidy-services (https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/social-services/child-care-subsidy-services) NC Tri-Share child care program (EdNC explainer): https://www.ednc.org/02-17-2025-tri-share-nc-pilot-reduce-child-care-costs-expands-businesses-statewide/ (https://www.ednc.org/02-17-2025-tri-share-nc-pilot-reduce-child-care-costs-expands-businesses-statewide/) Raleigh Founded changes hands (Triangle Business Journal): https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/10/15/raleigh-founders-ownership-chage.html (https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/10/15/raleigh-founders-ownership-chage.html) Lauren Romer's LinkedIn announcement — https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7516565673574125568/ Transfer Co. Food Hall listing (York Properties): https://www.commercialsearch.com/commercial-property/us/nc/raleigh/transfer-co-food-hall/ (https://www.commercialsearch.com/commercial-property/us/nc/raleigh/transfer-co-food-hall/) Loren Gold named president & CEO of Visit Raleigh (Northstar Meetings Group): https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/News/Convention-and-Visitor-Bureaus/loren-gold-president-ceo-visit-raleigh (https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/News/Convention-and-Visitor-Bureaus/loren-gold-president-ceo-visit-raleigh) NASA names Christina Koch acting deputy chief engineer: https://www.nasa.gov/?p=1056041 (https://www.nasa.gov/?p=1056041) Dadov handbags and John Cooper's investment (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/10/14/cooper-tacia-dadov-handbags-paris-fashion-week.html Hovilpri FDA approval (Asahi Kasei Therapeutics announcement): https://www.asahi-kasei.com/news/2026/e261013 (https://www.asahi-kasei.com/news/2026/e261013) NC TECH Awards: https://www.nctech.org/events/Awards (https://www.nctech.org/events/Awards) Area Development's 2026 Top States for Doing Business: https://www.areadevelopment.com/Top-States-for-Doing-Business/q3-2026/where-competitive-advantage-becomes-project-certainty.shtml (https://www.areadevelopment.com/Top-States-for-Doing-Business/q3-2026/where-competitive-advantage-becomes-project-certainty.shtml) Rinse-A-Poo at the NC Small Business Center Network Startup Showdown: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/sbcnstartupshowdown/meet-the-cohort/dan-spangler/ (https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/sbcnstartupshowdown/meet-the-cohort/dan-spangler/) Full events calendar: https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ (https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/) Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason Gillikin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

4. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Michael Jordan's Record UNC Gift, The Degree That Earns $300K Salary, & Win a Signed Thriller

   The Triangle degree that pays more than $297,000 four years after graduation, Michael Jordan's record gift to UNC, and Wolfspeed's shot at up to $1.5 billion in federal financing. Plus, a chance to win a signed copy of a brand-new thriller, and the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) Which degrees pay the most (The New York Times analysis of federal earnings data) — https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/10/07/your-money/college-degree-earnings-guide.html Michael Jordan's $10M gift to the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/michael-jordan-honors-mom-with-10m-gift-to-unc-chapel-hill-school-of-social-work/ SAS and NC State partner on AI health research (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/sas-fetes-50th-anniversary-with-nc-state-tied-ai-initiative/ RTI International eliminating about 200 positions (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/10/01/rti-international-layoffs-jobs-funding-rtp-campus.html#new_tab UNC Health breaks ground on Cary/RTP medical campus (WRAL) — https://www.wral.com/news/local/unc-health-breaks-ground-cary-medical-office-hospital-october-2026/ Wolfspeed's potential $1.5B in federal financing (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/wolfspeed-shares-soar-on-news-of-1-5-billion-federal-defense-financing/ NC Chamber Ag Leads launches the Farmer Innovation Bridge (North State Journal) — https://nsjonline.com/article/2026/10/nc-chambers-ag-leads-rolls-out-farmer-innovation-bridge-project/ "Are You a Patriot?" by Donald Thompson and Bob Batchelor — https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Patriot-Xander-Hale/dp/B0HLTFC4S7 Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason Gillikin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

5. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Relay Raises $36M, Caterpillar's $1B Bet on Sanford, & Wake County's $1.5B Investment Surge

   Caterpillar is investing a billion dollars in Sanford, Raleigh-based Relay raises a $36 million funding round, and Wake County reports $1.5 billion in investment since last October. Plus, a podcast recommendation, and the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) Take the BizBrief reader survey (win a $100 gift card) — https://app.youform.com/forms/6xyukibf Caterpillar's $1B Sanford expansion, "Project Paragon" (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/09/30/caterpillar-sanford-nc-expansion-jobs-incentives.html Relay raises $36M funding round (Axios Raleigh) — https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/30/relay-raises-usd36m-from-investors-to-fuel-its-growth-raleigh-smart-walkie-talkie Wake County's State of the County address (CBS17) — https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/wake-countys-growth-major-theme-of-this-years-state-of-the-county-address/ Carl Warren steps down as NCRR president & CEO (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/north-carolina-railroad-co-begins-search-for-new-ceo/ NC's August jobs report (North State Journal) — https://nsjonline.com/article/2026/09/nc-unemployment-rate-falls-to-3-5-in-august/ NC State's new battery workforce lab (ABC11) — https://abc11.com/post/nc-state-opens-battery-makerspace-power-workforce-future/19888634/ NC Main Street communities' 2025-26 investment report (Business NC) —https://caro.news/nc-main-street-program-adds-500m-2500-jobs/ Durham's "Keep It Durham-Owned" campaign (INDY Week) — https://www.durhambusiness360.com/156/Keep-It-Durham-Owned Allstacks launches Code Engine — https://www.allstacks.com/product/product-studio Hersh Tapadia on "First Check, with Venture Capitalist Tim McLoughlin" (2021): https://open.spotify.com/episode/3EeMxNF6RxJW7DZkhsdxrZ Podcast recommendation: Retirement With Purpose, hosted by Trevor Lawson — https://open.spotify.com/show/0B1jf0qJed23lUjRrlVRqU Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

6. 

   28 Sept 2026

   WakeMed-Atrium Clears a Hurdle, 3 Local Job Fairs, & GrepBeat's Startups to Watch

   The WakeMed-Atrium Health combination clears a major hurdle, an electric aircraft company is eyeing North Carolina for a new manufacturing facility, and we're running down this year's GrepBeat Startups to Watch honorees. Plus, the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) City of Raleigh Expo and Job Fair, October 21 — https://raleighnc.gov/careers-jobs-and-volunteering/events/city-raleigh-expo-and-job-fair Durham Career Fair, October 29 — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/durham-career-fair-tickets-1983736042905 Raleigh Job Fair, November 12 — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raleigh-job-fair-november-12-2026-raleigh-career-fairs-tickets-1853503221029 WakeMed-Atrium Health combination clears Wake County approval — https://www.wake.gov/news/wake-county-commission-approves-legal-documents-move-wakemedatrium-health-strategic-combination-forward Beta Technologies eyes NC for new manufacturing facility (Axios Raleigh) — https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/09/23/beta-technologies-considers-large-expansion-in-north-carolina Duke Health & UNC Health expansion approvals (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/09/21/duke-health-garner-emergency-department-ncdhhs.html#new_tab MaKyra Wilson's tuberculosis research (The Carolina Newspaper) — https://caro.news/raleigh-native-achieves-scientific-first-in-tuberculosis-research/ Chatham Park's new golf community (The News & Observer) — [link] EDPNC is hiring: Digital Marketing Manager — [link] Front Porch Venture Partners' Southeast Startup Founder Pulse Survey — [link] Founder Shares Podcast (Hutchison Law Firm) — https://www.hutchlaw.com/podcast The Growth Project, Episode 400 (AMPLOS) — [link] Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

7. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Visit Raleigh's CEO Steps Down, NC Cracks Top 10 for Innovation, How to Start a Podcast

   Visit Raleigh's longtime CEO announces retirement, RDU buys a new office building to keep up with its growing staff, and North Carolina cracks the top 10 in the nation for innovation. Plus, a few thoughts on starting a podcast, and the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief Visit Raleigh CEO Dennis Edwards to retire (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/visit-raleigh-ceo-edwards-announces-retirement-plans/ RDU buys new office building near the airport (The News & Observer) — https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article317183132.html#new_tab Downtown Raleigh Alliance's 2026 State of Downtown awards — https://downtownraleigh.org/post/imprint-awards-2026 Durham & Raleigh lead the nation in multifamily permitting (CRE Daily) — https://www.credaily.com/briefs/us-multifamily-permitting-shifts-toward-smaller-metros/ NC backs 46 small businesses with tech grants (North State Journal) — https://nsjonline.com/article/2026/09/nc-companies-receive-grants-totaling-2-4m/ Raleigh Chamber's Emerging Leaders fall cohort — https://www.raleighchamber.org/emerging-leaders.html NC ranks #9 in the nation for innovation (The Carolina Journal) — https://www.carolinajournal.com/nc-ranks-among-top-10-states-for-innovation/ Read Jason's full podcasting interview — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/business/how-to-start-a-podcast-with-jason-gillikin Triangle Content Creators Meetup — https://www.meetup.com/raleigh-podcasting-meetup-group/ Launchpad's fall incubator cohorts (Greenville, Columbia, virtual) — https://launchpadtv.com/locations/virtual-worldwide-cohort Podcast recommendation: How to Wake Up Your Business — https://open.spotify.com/show/7gb29vQ4hZbXrx2VquUtto Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief.

8. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Labcorp Acquisition, NC Job Growth Numbers, and Former Kane Exec Launches AI Firm

   Raleigh's startup support scene gets a spotlight with six local resources for founders, a former Kane Realty executive launches an AI consulting firm, and Corgan makes its first North Carolina acquisition. Plus, the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) 6 local resources for Triangle founders (ESOs) — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/business/6-triangle-organizations-helping-entrepreneurs-grow NC IDEA's Ecosysteming podcast, hosted by Thom Ruhe — https://www.youtube.com/@ncidea8471 Raleigh Founded's free coworking day, September 15 — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-community-coworking-day-tickets-1999101070115 Siemens Healthineers' $7.8M Morrisville land purchase (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/09/09/siemens-healthineers-buys-land-rdu-morrisville.html Bonner Gaylord launches Grounded Intelligence (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/09/08/bonner-gaylord-david-shaner-ai-cre-raleigh.html Labcorp acquires MLM Medical Labs — https://www.labcorp.com/education-events/press-releases/labcorp-acquires-mlm-medical-labs-expanding-global-central Corgan acquires Duda|Paine Architects (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/corgan-acquires-durham-based-dudapaine-architects/ SteelFab's $22M Fayetteville expansion (Greater Fayetteville Business Journal) — https://bizfayetteville.com/manufacturing/2026/9/9/existing-steel-fabrication-manufacturer-announces-expansion-in-fayetteville-and-cumberland-county/5857#new_tab Durham ranks in WalletHub's Hispanic entrepreneurship study — https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-hispanic-entrepreneurs/6491 NC State's $20M AI education grant (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/nc-state-gets-20-million-to-advance-ai-research-for-k-12-students/ NC's latest job growth numbers (The Carolina Journal) — https://www.carolinajournal.com/opinion/carolina-job-growth-beats-national-trend/ NCMA relaunches Corporate Membership + is hiring — https://ncartmuseum.org/corporate-support/ Walk West is hiring: Fractional Director, Paid Media — https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4465057738/ Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

9. 

   7 Sept 2026

   M&F Bank's Historic Merger, NC's Private 125 List, & Mike Tomlin Comes to Raleigh

   Durham's M&F Bancorp is merging to become the largest Black-owned bank in the country, two WakeMed executives are heading for the exits, and we'll tell you where Raleigh-area companies rank among North Carolina's largest private businesses. Plus, you can see Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Tomlin give a keynote later this month, and the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) M&F Bancorp merges with Optus Financial to become the largest Black-owned bank in the US (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/nc-trend-mf-bancorp-merges-with-bigger-s-c-bank/ Johnson Brothers Mutual Distributing buys its Garner headquarters (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/09/01/johnson-brothers-distributing-buys-new-garner-hq.html#new_tab Two executive departures at WakeMed (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/two-top-wakemed-leaders-leave-amid-merger-talks/ Take the BizBrief job search quiz — BizBriefRaleigh.com USPTO opens community engagement office at NC State (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/27/uspto-opens-community-engagement-offce-ncstate.html#new_tab Business North Carolina's 2026 Private 125 list — https://businessnc.com/bnc-125-top-private-companies-2026/ New office leases at The Exchange Raleigh (Dewitt Carolinas) — https://theexchangeraleigh.com/leasing/ Vote: Coolest Thing Made in NC — https://coolestthingmadeinnc.com/ Vote: The Borrow Bar's Startup Showdown pitch — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2oMZbTOw8Q Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com NC Central Men's Basketball Tip-Off with Mike Tomlin, September 30 — https://www.nccutipoff.com/ Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

10. 

    31 Aug 2026

    WakeMed's $919M Expansion, Raleigh's Convention Center's New Name, & NC's Top Bakery

    WakeMed unveils a $919 million hospital expansion plan, Raleigh's Convention Center gets a new name, and North Carolina's top bakery is right here in the city. Plus, who to follow on LinkedIn, and the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief WakeMed's $919M hospital expansion plan (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/24/wakemed-new-hospitals-wendell-rolesville-raleigh.html Merritt Properties breaks ground on RDU-area industrial park (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/25/rdu-industrial-park-merritt-properties-work-starts.html SECU's 54% profit increase (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/secu-says-profit-gained-54-to-437m-over-past-year/ Raleigh Convention Center renamed Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center (WRAL) — https://www.wral.com/news/local/raleigh-convention-center-renamed-atlantic-union-bank-august-2026/ Intown Golf Club opens at North Hills Innovation District (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/25/intown-golf-social-club-raleigh-north-hills-opens.html Rural Plumbing & Heating closes after 79 years (The News & Observer) — https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article316988113.html Boulted Bread named NC's top bakery (The News & Observer) — https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article316933637.html Constructing the Carolinas podcast, hosted by Jed Byrne, produced by Walk West — https://constructingthecarolinas.com/ Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief.

11. 

    24 Aug 2026

    VentureSouth Crosses $100M, NC State Lands $480M Defense Deal, & ConvergeSouth in Winston-Salem

    VentureSouth crosses $100 million invested, a Raleigh cocktail bar owner buys her own building, and NC State lands a $480 million defense manufacturing initiative. Plus, ConvergeSouth is finally here, and the events you need on your calendar this week. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) Full Q&A: VentureSouth's Matt Dunbar on fundraising, AI, and the long game — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/business/venturesouth-matt-dunbar-looks-for-in-successful-founders NC State's FutureTEX defense manufacturing initiative — https://news.ncsu.edu/2026/08/futuretex-defense-manufacturing-industry/ UNC Health Johnston & Duke Health secure PET scanner approvals (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/17/duke-unc-pet-scanner-approvals-cary-smithfield.html Ode is hiring in Raleigh (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/15/anthropic-claude-ode-venture-ai-adoption-raleigh.html Andrews Launch Accelerator 2026 Demo Day (GrepBeat) — https://grepbeat.com/2026/08/19/andrews-launch-accelerator-showcases-10-startups-at-2026-demo-day/ William & Company's Liliana Ballance buys her building (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/12/raleigh-bar-person-st-uilding-sold-real-estate.html Stephen Bentley's park leadership honor — https://raleighnc.gov/news/parks-director-be-inducted-american-academy-park-and-recreation-administration Durham Tech's enrollment surge (ABC11) — https://abc11.com/post/durham-technical-community-college-allowing-students-experience-hands-training-class/19679345/ Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com ConvergeSouth, August 27-28 in Winston-Salem: https://convergesouth.com/ (https://convergesouth.com/) Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

12. 

    17 Aug 2026

    UNC's $1B SpaceX Windfall, NCCU's First HBCU AI Center, & ConvergeSouth Ahead

    A UNC investment fund's windfall from an early SpaceX bet, North Carolina Central University opens the country's first AI research center at an HBCU, and a Durham developer scales back a major downtown tower. Plus, a look ahead at ConvergeSouth, and the events you need on your calendar this week. It's the very first episode of BizBrief — welcome. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6am.city/ralbizbrief (https://6am.city/ralbizbrief) UNC Management Company's SpaceX stake sale (Business NC) — https://businessnc.com/spacex-produces-1b-gain-for-unc-endowment-with-more-to-come/ NCCU opens first HBCU-based AI research center (ABC 11) — https://abc11.com/post/north-carolina-central-university-made-history-first-hbcu-nation-launch-dedicated-ai-research-center/19658721/ Four Points LLC scales back downtown Durham tower (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/10/four-points-downtown-durham-apartments-retail.html Battery Metals seeks $250M for out-of-state facility (Triangle Business Journal) — https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/08/10/battery-metals-recycling-facility-tungsten-waste.html Raleigh appeals nightlife permit ruling (The News & Observer) — https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article316790440.html Raleigh small businesses adapt to shifting economy (ABC 11) — https://abc11.com/post/raleigh-businesses-adjust-amid-economic-challenges/19642776/ NC State & U.S. Army strategic partnership — https://www.rtp.org/2026/08/nc-state-u-s-army-establish-new-strategic-partnership/ NC IDEA grant deadline - https://ncidea.org/fall-2026-grant-cycle/ (https://ncidea.org/fall-2026-grant-cycle/) Plus application advice — https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jaybigelow_fall-2026-grant-cycle-nc-idea-share-7493057047425470464-GIZr/ Founder Shares Podcast: Rob Cooley, Nuream — https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dbCg1RIcgXmeOUjGRNlWI Founder Shares Podcast: Mike Halpert, VER Coaching — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHbDBJRMVcs Full events calendar — https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/events#/ Office space listings (lease/sale) — BizBriefRaleigh.com ConvergeSouth, August 27-28 in Winston-Salem: https://convergesouth.com/ (https://convergesouth.com/) Connect with Jason Gillikin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

13. 

    4 Aug 2026

    Launching The BizBrief Podcast | RALtoday X Walk West

    BizBrief - the Triangle's go-to business newsletter - is becoming a podcast. Starting August 17th, host Jason Gillikin brings you the week's biggest business news, key hires, and can't-miss events in about 5 to 10 minutes. Subscribe now so episode one is waiting for you on launch day. Links & more Subscribe to BizBrief: https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/bizbrief (https://6amcity.com/nc/raleigh/bizbrief) Subscribe to the podcast - available wherever you listen, first full episode drops Monday, August 17 Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongillikin/) The BizBrief Podcast is produced by Walk West. To grow your brand through content creation and AI enablement, contact us at https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief (https://www.walkwest.com/bizbrief).

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.