About us
The Acceleration Forum is a networking opportunity and a place to share knowledge with experienced founders building companies and business consultants who work with established businesses and new business ventures. We would like to meet like-minded professionals including some of the best entrepreneurs, business owners, consultants and strategists in the DMV area. We are looking to share skills, strategies and tactics to improve marketing, sales, finance and production and to become more profitable through education and exchange.
Upcoming events
1
Catch Up on AI for Your Career and Business
·OnlineOnlineThe biggest risk with AI now isn’t that you’re behind – it may be that you’re “dabbling".
An Online Event for DC/Maryland/Virginia Entrepreneurs
AI is no longer just for large companies or tech startups. Today, small businesses across the D/M/V region are using practical, affordable AI tools to save time, improve customer experiences, and grow smarter. This online Meetup is designed to help you and us catch up and focus on profitable uses — without the hype or complexity.What You’ll Gain by Attending
Practical AI You Can Use Right Away
Learn how small businesses are applying AI in marketing, customer service, operations, and decision-making. We will focus on real-world use cases and best practices that can be adapted immediately — no technical background required.Stay Competitive in a Fast-Changing Market
AI adoption is accelerating, and customers increasingly expect smarter, faster service. This event helps you and us understand what “good” AI use looks like today so we can all stay competitive and relevant.DMV-Focused Insights
This event is built by and for DMV entrepreneurs. We’ll explore examples and considerations that reflect local markets and the realities of running a small business in our region. More importantly, we want to hear from you about what you need and want from AI in your endeavors.Learn How to Use AI Responsibly
Understand best practices around data privacy, ethics, and risk—so you can adopt AI confidently and avoid common mistakes that could hurt your business or customers. Bring your question(s) about your concerns in this area.Connect with Fellow Entrepreneurs
Meet and learn alongside other DMV small business owners who are navigating similar challenges. Share AI use ideas, hear success stories, and build meaningful local connections — online. At this meeting, a few surveys will be done to immediately share with the group, what, why, and how we can all improve AI use for 2026.Build Confidence for the Future
AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This event will help you develop a practical mindset for evaluating new tools and making smart technology decisions as your business grows. From this group focus, future AI in career and business events will be fashioned based on what we discuss.Who Should Attend
- Solo founders and consultants
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs
- Local service providers, retailers, and creatives
- Anyone curious about how AI can realistically support their business
Our speakers are Jason Michael Perry of PerryLabs, author of the book The AI Evolution: A Guide for Chief AI Officers and Business Leaders, and Rose Thun, founder of Design Rosetta (helping to launch products that matter and run operations that don't get in the way). Our moderator is Patrick Lee of The Chesapeake Think Tank, author of the book, The Great Small Business Plateau.
If you’re looking for a clear, approachable way to understand how AI fits into your small business today — and how to prepare for what’s next — this Meetup is for you.
Reserve your spot and join us online!
37 attendees
Past events
28
