Get the most from your Chamber membership



Our members invest in other members. #thinkwfchamber

Your membership in the Wake Forest Area Chamber entitles you to exclusive opportunities.

Take advantage of our marketing and sponsorship opportunities to make the most out of your membership and increase your visibility in our great community.

Wake Forest Area Chamber Member Resources Icon 1
Chamber Perks

Download our Benefits & Services flier to get an overview of all that comes with your Chamber membership, and additional programs that you can opt into. Make sure you are taking full advantage of your member or investor benefits!

Get involved in your Chamber!

Volunteering is a great way to develop beneficial relationships with member businesses and become an even more visible and respected member of the greater Wake Forest community.

For more information about a committee or to join one, call (919) 556-1519.

Ambassador Program

Ambassadors are dedicated members who act as the goodwill arm of the Wake Forest Area Chamber. Each Ambassador is assigned a group of new Chamber members (“buddies”) to educate and assist throughout the year. Ambassadors also volunteer at Chamber events, attend ribbon cutting ceremonies, and seek feedback regarding ways to improve Chamber services and benefits. In return, Ambassadors benefit from networking and building new relationships with their buddies and with fellow Ambassadors. Ambassadors often go on to become leaders in the Chamber, as well as business and civic leaders. If you would like to become a Chamber Ambassador, contact Kristen Barrick at (919) 556-1519.

VISIT THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM PAGE
Meet in the Street Volunteers

Meet in the Street is the Chamber's largest community event. This arts and crafts festival is held every May and attracts 15,000-20,000 people to downtown Wake Forest. It takes more than 100 volunteers to run the festival. Volunteer for a few hours and then stay to have fun! If you'd like more information on Meet in the Street volunteering, email us.

Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs Committee helps guide the interaction of the business community with local government on issues of critical importance to you and your fellow Wake Forest area businesses. This committee is committed to reviewing, developing, and supporting issues that promote a positive, proactive economic environment with social progress and enhanced quality of life. Their purpose is to influence our elected officials to establish regulations and policies that will improve the ability of a business to compete in the worldwide economy and continue to generate income and jobs that will help to enhance the Wake Forest area. Any issues raised by the Chamber members are evaluated by the Government Affairs Committee with a recommendation to the Board of Directors.

VISIT THE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PAGE
Event Committees

The Wake Forest Area Chamber has opportunities to volunteer on certain Event Committees. These require a shorter time commitment and usually meet once a month leading up to the scheduled event. 

Building Wake Forest one business at a time.

Whether you’re starting a business from scratch, or looking for resources to grow your existing business, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of websites to help you out.

Note: some may charge fees for their services.

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Are you ready?

Use the Readiness Assessment Guide to better understand how prepared you are.

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General Resource Guide

Review the Resource Guide for Small Business by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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Checklist

Use this checklist to learn how to begin your new business in Wake County.

General Resources

Starting a Business in Wake Forest

WakeGOV Phone: (919) 856-6160

North Carolina World Trade Association

North Carolina World Trade Association connects local business with international trade.

Wake Tech/Wells Fargo Center for Entrepreneurship

Wake Tech partnered with Wells Fargo to create the Center for Entrepreneurship to help new and existing entrepreneurs get the training and support they need to make their ideas take shape, and to foster local enterprise and economic growth.

SCORE

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education through a one-on-one counseling service. There is no cost for this service. Phone: (919) 856-4739

TiE Carolinas

TiE Carolinas is a non-profit, global community welcoming entrepreneurs from all over the world. They believe in the power of ideas to change the face of entrepreneurship and growing business through five pillars; mentoring, networking, education, incubating and funding.

Town of Wake Forest

Town of Wake Forest (Planning & Zoning, Inspections, Business Licenses, Special Use Permits, Sign Permits) Phone: (919) 435-9410

Wake Tech’s Small Business Center

Wake Tech’s Small Business Center (SBC) is a state-funded organization which is part of the Small Business Center Network of North Carolina. The SBC provides small business owners with information they need for starting or expanding a small business through confidential, one-on-one counseling along with various seminars, workshops, classes, and access to a resource library at zero cost to the participant.

North Carolina Department of Commerce

North Carolina Department of Commerce is available to answer specific questions about your business license questions. Call (919) 715-2864.

Small Business Technology & Development Center

Small Business Technology & Development Center is committed to providing knowledge, education and other supportive resources that enable existing small and mid-sized businesses, emerging entrepreneurs and local/state leaders to innovate and succeed.

Business Link North Carolina

Business Link North Carolina, a service of the NC Department of Commerce, is your access to an extensive network of experts who can help you with everything you need to know—from licenses, government contracting, business plans, tax information to marketing and access to capital. BLNC business counselors are available to answer your questions during regular business hours by calling 1-800-228-8443.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration is a government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development

North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development helps companies and communities prosper through better business practices and by engaging a broader, more diverse network of vendors, suppliers and partners. They help small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and people with disabilties start and grow, and to diversify their supply chains.

Start-up America Partnership

Start-up America Partnership highlights the importance of startups as innovators and job creators, giving startups access to the relationships, opportunities, and knowledge they need to succeed.

Capital Resources

NC IDEA

NC IDEA fosters economic development in North Carolina by helping young startups commercialize their innovations.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Financing options with the U.S. Small Business Administration

Self Help Credit Union

Contact Self Help Credit Union to find out more about a small business loan.

Contribute to a greater future for the Wake Forest Area.

Support the Chamber Foundation today.

Foundation Partner

$4,000 annually

$1,000 supports Financial Literacy programming and $3,000 supports Chamber programs.

For business owners seeking to enhance visibility in the community while demonstrating support for middle school financial literacy programs.

Join Today

Foundation Leader

$6,000 annually

$2,000 supports Youth Leadership programming and $4,000 supports Chamber programs.

For established businesses seeking to increase awareness and community involvement, while supporting the development of future business leaders.

Join Today

Foundation Champion

$12,000 annually

$4,000 supports Workforce Development and $8,000 supports Chamber programs.

For prominent area businesses that choose to demonstrate good corporate citizenship while supporting workforce development programs dedicated to filling the local talent pipeline.

Join Today

You don’t have to face business challenges alone.

When one Chamber member wins, we all win. We exist to serve each other and help the Wake Forest community flourish.

Your Chamber
Your Chamber

We have a team focused on creating  opportunities for Wake Forest residents and Wake Forest businesses to win. Meet our Board of prominent business leaders from the Wake Forest area.

 

View our Volunteer opportunities.

Events
Events

Stay involved and increase your exposure in the Wake Forest area.

View our calendar of upcoming Chamber Events, Community Events, online registrations and sponsorship opportunities.

Chamber Business Directory
Chamber Business Directory

Need a subject matter expert? Want an ally in a particular industry? Here’s where to find them, and it’s where people find you!

Find a member business.

The Chamber Foundation
The Chamber Foundation

Help us grow the leaders of the future with our Leadership Development programs, Career Readiness, and Financial Literacy programs with the Wake Forest Chamber Foundation. Lend a hand and get involved.

Chamber Groups
Chamber Groups

Looking for a group of like-minded, high potential professionals? You can find your tribe here. Join one of our affiliate programs.

Women’s Business Alliance
Young Professionals
Ambassadors
Government Affairs

 

Government Affairs
Government Affairs

Our mission is to support business-centered platforms and legislation.

A July 2023 update from our board chair
View our Legislative Agenda

 

You can get a return on membership with little effort.

But we’re here to make your investments exponential. Let our experts help you grow.

Get a Customized Chamber Plan to Grow

Contact Us