SALISBURY - Small business owners, start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs will have a chance to connect with dozens of local and state business assistance providers at the Small Business Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 15 at the Cabarrus Government Center, 65 Church St. in downtown Concord. 

The free mid-day event, in celebration of Small Business Week, includes lunch, and brings to one location business assistance representatives and government agencies to answer questions and distribute information about what business owners and prospective owners need to start, grow and succeed.

“Since most small business owners and potential owners are unaware of all the free resources available to them, the fair will make it convenient to gather as much business information as possible in one day,” said Barbara Hall, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Small Business Center director, one of the organizers.

For select nonprofit charities, it will be like Christmas, whether it comes in May, August, or December.

KANNAPOLIS - Over 60 cook teams from across the country are coming to Kannapolis May 10-11 to compete in the inaugural Jiggy with the Piggy Barbecue Challenge.

“We are thrilled to have more than double the average number of competition teams for a first-time event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Teams consist of professional pitmasters and backyard grillers representing five states. Over 80 professional KCBS judges from eight states are coming to Kannapolis judge for us,” comments Deputy City Manager and event organizer Eddie Smith.

Teams check in all day Friday, firing up the grills for a People’s Choice Wing Tasting on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. and People’s Choice Pork Tasting on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.