Thomasville Opens the Door for Local Businesses at Inaugural Vendor Expo
The City of Thomasville is inviting local entrepreneurs, small business owners, contractors, and service providers to participate in the inaugural Doing Business with the City of Thomasville Vendor Expo on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ball Park Community Center, 7003 Ball Park Road in Thomasville. Vendor check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Hosted by the City of Thomasville Purchasing Department in partnership with the Economic Mobility Office, the free event is designed to help local businesses better understand how to work with the City while creating meaningful opportunities for networking, visibility, and future growth.
“This event is about making City purchasing opportunities more accessible while also creating a space where local businesses can connect, promote their services, and build relationships,” said Atalia Cardenas, Economic Mobility Program Manager for the City of Thomasville. “Even if a business is not yet ready to pursue a City contract, attending the Vendor Expo is still a valuable opportunity to meet other business owners, learn about available resources, and introduce their products and services to the community.”
The City of Thomasville Purchasing Department will facilitate a session that includes information on why and how to do business with the City of Thomasville.
According to Megan Widener, participants will learn more about the City’s purchasing process, vendor requirements, and the steps needed to become a registered City vendor.
“We hope this is only the beginning of what will become an annual event that helps local businesses connect with local government, better understand available opportunities, and build relationships that can support future growth,” Widener said.
From 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., businesses will have the opportunity to participate in the Vendor Expo, complete vendor registration, speak with City staff, showcase their products and services, and network with other local business owners.
A featured portion of the event, the Meet the Buyers Hour, will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Representatives from City departments have been invited to meet participating vendors, learn about the goods and services they provide, and discuss potential departmental purchasing needs. This portion of the event will give businesses a direct opportunity to introduce themselves, answer questions, build professional relationships, and explore future procurement opportunities.
Language access will be available for participants who need assistance, helping ensure that more members of the local business community can fully participate in the event, understand the information being shared, and connect with City representatives.
Business resources will also be available throughout the Expo, including information about City vendor registration, the purchasing process, the Economic Mobility Office, small business support, and local networking opportunities.
There are still spaces available, and businesses of all sizes and industries are encouraged to participate. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, brochures, product samples, and other promotional materials to help showcase their work.
The event reflects the City’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses, strengthening community partnerships, expanding access to economic opportunities, and making City resources more accessible to all.
Businesses may register at:
Event Details
Doing Business with the City of Thomasville Vendor Expo
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.)
Ball Park Community Center - 7003 Ball Park Road, Thomasville, NC
Your Business. Our Community. Shared Success.
