How did Raleigh Female Founders start?

It started with one post. I asked if anyone wanted to grab a drink with other women building businesses in Raleigh, and 100 people said yes. That first happy hour turned into a monthly tradition, and the community has grown past 1,000 members since.

I built it because running a business can be lonely, and starting one can be lonelier. I never wanted connection to be something women had to earn or pay for. That's still the whole point.

What events does Raleigh Female Founders host?

The monthly Raleigh Female Founder Happy Hour

Once a month, women entrepreneurs get together in Raleigh to swap stories, trade resources and meet the women building alongside them. It's free, and it always will be. An optional $10 ticket helps cover the night for anyone who wants to chip in.

Female founder dinners

Small, private tables of 8 to 10 women at a Raleigh restaurant, made for the deeper conversations that don't happen over a crowded bar.

Influencer and creator happy hours

A night that puts Raleigh business owners in the same room as the local creators and influencers who can help tell their story.

What's in the Raleigh Female Founder Happy Hour newsletter?

Every week, the newsletter rounds up grants, events and awards for women entrepreneurs in Raleigh and across the Triangle. Every listing gets verified before it goes out, so you never waste an afternoon on an expired grant or a dead link.

Upcoming Raleigh Female Founders events

• Wednesday, November 18, 2026: Raleigh Female Founder Happy Hour, 5:30 to 8 pm at The Commons, 150 Fayetteville St, Suite 300, Raleigh. RSVP on Eventbrite

• Wednesday, December 16, 2026: Raleigh Female Founder Happy Hour, 5:30 to 8 pm at The Commons, 150 Fayetteville St, Suite 300, Raleigh.

Sponsor Raleigh Female Founders

Our happy hours are funded out of pocket, which is exactly why sponsors matter. Sponsoring Raleigh Female Founders puts your brand in front of 1,000+ women business owners across the Triangle, in a room where people actually want to be.

Become a sponsor

Who founded Raleigh Female Founders?

Raleigh Female Founders was founded by Melinda Jackson, a Grammy- and Emmy-recognized publicist and the founder of Melinda Jackson Public Relations (MJPR), named 2026 Agency of the Year. Melinda has spent nearly 20 years in PR making founders famous. She also hosts the Unhinged Founder podcast.

Work with MJPR · Listen to Unhinged Founder

Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Female Founders

Is there a free networking group for women entrepreneurs in Raleigh?

Yes. Raleigh Female Founders is a free community for women entrepreneurs in Raleigh, NC, with more than 1,000 members. It hosts a free monthly happy hour and sends a weekly newsletter of grants, events and awards for women-owned businesses.

How much does Raleigh Female Founders cost?

Nothing. The monthly happy hour is always free. There's an optional $10 ticket for anyone who wants to help cover the cost of the night, but it's never required.

Do I need an established business to come?

No. Raleigh Female Founders is for any woman who owns a business, is building one, or is still thinking about starting one. Wherever you are, you belong here.

How do I join Raleigh Female Founders?

Sign up for the weekly newsletter and RSVP for the next happy hour. There's no application and no membership fee.

When and where are the happy hours?

Happy hours happen once a month in Raleigh, and every RSVP lists the date, time and venue. Fall 2026 happy hours are at The Commons, 150 Fayetteville St, Suite 300, from 5:30 to 8 pm.

Is Raleigh Female Founders only for women who live in Raleigh?

No. Events are held in Raleigh, and women entrepreneurs from across the Triangle are welcome, including Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill.

How can my business sponsor Raleigh Female Founders?

Fill out the sponsor form and Melinda will be in touch. Sponsors put their brand in front of 1,000+ women business owners in the Triangle.