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Welcome to the K-Commerce Chronicle! This newsletter will be your go-to source for the latest updates and events in the Knightdale business community. Stay informed about upcoming town events, collaborations with local community partners, and inspiring success stories from fellow businesses. We also celebrate grand openings and milestones, ensuring you never miss a moment of Knightdale’s vibrant business scene. Join us in fostering a thriving local economy and stay connected with your business neighbors!
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The Town of Knightdale extends its sincere appreciation to all who attended the Knightdale Commerce Alliance (KCA) kickoff event. The KCA was established as a dedicated branch of the Community Relations Department to serve as a resource hub for Knightdale businesses—providing support, fostering connections, and creating opportunities for growth. Your presence and participation underscore the strength and commitment of our local business community.
This kickoff marked the beginning of an ongoing effort to strengthen economic development and collaboration within our town. We encourage business owners and entrepreneurs to stay engaged and take advantage of the programs and initiatives we will be rolling out in the coming months. Please be on the lookout for upcoming events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to help your business thrive right here in Knightdale. If you missed it, check out the new Knightdale Commerce Alliance webpage linked below.
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The Town of Knightdale has recently kickstarted a new division of the Community Relations Department dedicated to supporting local businesses. This division has been named the Knightdale Commerce Alliance, or KCA, and it began with the hiring of a Business Support Specialist in May of 2025. This newsletter is one of many new initiatives created by KCA. It will be a key component in keeping the Knightdale business community informed about programs and initiatives the Town will roll out throughout the year.
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We would also like to take a moment to introduce our business support specialist, Joshua (Josh) Padgett. Josh recently joined the Town of Knightdale staff as a full-time employee after working as an intern for the Community Relations Department for a year and a half. He looks forward to serving the business community in Knightdale, ensuring that you all have the support necessary to thrive in this welcoming and diverse community. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out and introduce yourself to him as he continues to get to know all the amazing people here in town. |
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 Mark your calendars for October 30th! KCA is partnering with Unhinged Coffee to host a morning networking event. Come out, engage with other business owners, and check out this awesome new local business that recently opened up in Knightdale. We will also be providing a sign-up session to have your business added to our town's official business directory, so be sure to see a member of our staff to get plugged in.
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Are you having a ribbon cutting, groundbreaking ceremony, or milestone event for your business? The Town of Knightdale would be honored to celebrate with you! One service the Town of Knightdale offers the business community is an opportunity to have our mayor or designee attend your event at no cost to you. The Mayor's Appearance Request Form allows you to invite the mayor, members of the Town Council and Staff to your events.
If you are hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony, we will even provide the scissors and ribbon at no cost to the business. We are here to serve and help support your efforts!
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The Town of Knightdale is excited to announce a new opportunity for local professionals and entrepreneurs to engage, educate, and empower our growing business community. Through the Knightdale Commerce Alliance, we are launching a Business Workshop & Event Hosting Program — and we want you to be a part of it!
Whether you're a seasoned business owner, a subject matter expert, or a passionate entrepreneur, this is your chance to showcase your knowledge, build your brand, and support fellow businesses by hosting a workshop or event in partnership with the Town of Knightdale.
We’ve created a simple Workshop Interest Form where you can express your interest in leading a session. Topics can range from marketing and finance to leadership, customer service, technology, and more. If it helps businesses grow, we want to hear about it!
Why Host a Workshop?
- Share your expertise with a supportive local audience
- Build visibility for your business or brand
- Contribute to Knightdale’s thriving business ecosystem
- Network with other professionals and potential clients
This initiative is part of our broader mission to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth within Knightdale’s business landscape. We believe that when local businesses support one another, the entire community thrives.
Ready to get involved?
Fill out the Workshop Interest Form below and let us know how you’d like to contribute. We’ll be in touch to explore partnership opportunities and help bring your event to life.
Let’s build something great together!
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If you didn't know, LaunchKNIGHTDALE is another great initiative the Town of Knightdale offers its residents. The program supports and develops entrepreneurs and small businesses in Knightdale by providing business development services, operating principles, tools and techniques, networking opportunities, mentoring support, and assistance finding capital. We host one cohort each year that consists of 15-20 participants, and we partner with the Knightdale Rotary Club and Wake Tech Community College to ensure a meaningful and educational experience during the program.
If you recently started or are looking to start a business, this is a fantastic, FREE way to learn, connect, get guidance, and grow. Be on the lookout for information regarding applications for our next cohort.
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The Town of Knightdale is excited to recognize a new member of the Knightdale Business Community, Katie Smith! Katie oversees the Edward Jones financial services firm on Main Street, and she recently invited the Mayor and Town of Knightdale Staff to the ribbon cutting of their newly renovated office. It was a great opportunity to see the finished space, and it looks amazing. We want to give a very warm welcome to Katie and the Edward Jones Team. We are so thrilled to have you as part of our Knightdale community! |
Maplewood Family Dental
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The Town of Knightdale would also like to welcome Maplewood Family Dental on their ribbon cutting last month. Councilor Latatious Morris was invited to check out their newly refurbished space and give remarks. Maplewood Family Dental also welcomed the community with a bouncy house and snow cones courtesy of Pelicans. If you or someone you know is in the market for a new family dentist, check them out. They are accepting new patients now.
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Are you looking for funding opportunities? If so, check out the brand new Request for Proposal (RFP) for Duke Energy's Small Business Impact grant program. This is one of their most popular RFPs and has proven to be a major success across the state.
This $500,000 state-wide grant opportunity aims to help nonprofit organizations distribute impact awards to support economic development for small businesses in targeted communities across NC.
- The grant application is open through October 31. Decisions will be communicated by the end of November.
- Nonprofits are eligible for a grant of $25,000.
- Awards to individual small businesses, of up to $5,000, can be used for renovations, equipment, technology, inventory, etc.
To check out the requirements and apply for the grant, click the link below.
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Knightdale is proud to be represented at this year’s North Carolina State Fair by several amazing local businesses! These entrepreneurs are bringing their flavors, creativity, and hometown spirit to one of the state’s biggest events, and they need your support.
Whether you're heading to the fair for the rides, exhibits, or food, make sure to stop by and say hello to these Knightdale favorites:
- Americana Grill (Sunshine Seniors)
- Chick-N-Que LLC
- Just Popping Around
- N & T Concession
- OMC! Oh My Churro
These businesses are not just vendors, they’re part of our community. By visiting their booths, you’re supporting local families, dreams, and the spirit of Knightdale. Let’s show up and show out!
Use the NC State Fair Food & Ride Finder to locate their booths quickly and plan your visit!
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 Hey, Knightdale businesses: it's your time to shine... a light. We want to let our military veterans know that Knightdale honors all they've done to protect us and our country. Join us in shining a light on their service by participating in Operation Green Light next month, November 4-11. Simply change one light bulb in your business or house to a green bulb. It can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. Your participation will let our veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported. Get your green light online at Amazon or in person at most local hardware stores.
This season you have to opportunity to support the Knightdale High School Theater Program by sponsoring one of their three performances.
The first is “The Bugs,” by Don Zolidis on October 16-18, 2025. This a hilarious satire about ecological disaster and labor issues, with a smattering of Greek gods thrown in for fun.
The second is “Six: The Musical Teen Edition” on November 13-15, 2025. This is a vibrant, modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII, as they take the stage in a high-energy pop concert. Each queen shares her story, competing to determine who had it the hardest under the notorious king.
The third is “The Bodyguard Musical" on April 9-11, 2026. “The Bodyguard” is based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston, which follows former Secret Service agent-turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker.
Both of the musicals will be entered in the Triangle Rising Star Program/Competition. RecTime Productions (a professional acting company) will be helping to mentor the student casts for both musicals.
By becoming a sponsor, you can receive numerous benefits for your business or organization. For example, an ad placed in KHS's Musical/Drama Production programs will be viewed by approximately 1,000+ theatre patrons. There are a variety of partnership opportunities available for you to show your support. The students would greatly appreciate your support for theatre, and they look forward to building relationships with our local businesses as the Knight’s Theatre continues to grow.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss additional ways to lend support to the Knightdale High School Theatre Program, please contact Matthew Clay Raines at mraines@wcpss.net.
 Hole Sponsorship is available for the Live Like Ryan Golf Tournament. If you are interested in supporting the Live Like Ryan Foundation the sponsorship, click the link below.
Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Wake County Economic Development and the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Small Business Resource Guide
Wake Tech Small Business Tool Kit
10 Steps to start your Business
Business Structure Overview
Applying for EIN
Business Opportunities in North Carolina's Official online repository for state advertisements for competitive procurements
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