National Small Business Association

**TechTalk - AI voor jouw KMO: van buzzword naar business case** → **Ferdinand Casier ([Agoria](https://www.agoria.be/nl))** licht het StartAI-traject toe: wat houdt het in, voor wie is het, en hoe schrijf je je in? → **Jonas Douwen van [Orakel Group](https://orakel.com/nl-be),** een toonaangevende internationale producent en leverancier van evenement materialen, deelt zijn ervaring met het StartAI-traject → **Ixor** toont aan de hand van een concrete use case welke vervolgstappen mogelijk zijn na het traject **Wat is Start AI?** [StartAI](https://www.ixor.be/start-ai) is een initiatief van het Vlaams Industriepartnerschap, gedragen door Agoria en VLAIO. Je krijgt als KMO een individueel begeleidingstraject van 3 dagen met een ervaren AI-expert. Samen identificeer je de meest haalbare AI- en data-opportuniteiten voor jouw bedrijf, en krijg je een concreet actieplan mee. Het traject wordt grotendeels gesubsidieerd door de Vlaamse overheid. ‍ **Wat neem je mee naar huis?** → Een helder beeld van wat AI concreet voor jouw KMO kan betekenen → Inzicht in het StartAI-traject en hoe je je kandidaat stelt → Een eerlijk verhaal van een KMO die het traject doorliep → Concrete handvaten om morgen mee aan de slag te gaan **Datum** Dinsdag 26/05/26 **Locatie** [Ixor, Schuttersvest 75, 2800 Mechelen](https://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=3d16839f334d68f5&rlz=1C5CHFA_enBE1133BE1133&sxsrf=ANbL-n41HRp_bji2meG1ikVLAPIz93Cunw:1769513461367&kgmid=/g/1pxwt4kls&shem=bdsle,ptotple,shrtsdl&shndl=30&kgs=61800e9c5aeb0c1b&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=be&sa=X&geocode=KcOEjoHS5cNHMa9y5riKRn8U&daddr=Schuttersvest+75,+2800+Mechelen) **Timing** *Welkom vanaf* \- 18:00 *TechTalk* van 18:30 tot 19:30 *Netwerken en vragen* tot 20u30

**Welcome to our May UX Beers in Mechelen!** This time, we will host our event on Tuesday the 26th of May at [Buffl](https://buffl.be) in Mechelen. [Ariad](https://www.ariadgroup.com/) and [Creative Skills](https://www.creativeskills.be/) sponsor our events. Follow the event online? We stream live via [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBqyTDAyQBw) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# UX TALKS **Talk 1: Research Reinvented** [Michiel Willekens](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michiel-willekens/), Productmanager @ BUFFL and [Seppe Stroo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/seppe-stroo-843b82128/), Founding partner @ BUFFL In this presentation, BUFFL will demonstrate how rethinking research can drive real business results through a pragmatic case study. You’ll discover how to translate business objectives into the right customer questions and how to act on those insights immediately to accelerate growth and sales. By bringing the live voice of thousands of (potential) customers into the decision-making process, organizations can ask the right questions at the right time and turn insights into measurable business impact: from increased sales and customer loyalty/experience to stronger brand awareness and more effective activation strategies. **Talk 2: Synthetic Personas – real insights or digital illusions?** [Kate Foszcz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarzyna-foszcz/?locale=en), AI Product designer @ Ebay Can synthetic personas help us make better business decisions, or are we just interviewing very convincing imaginary friends? In this talk, Kate will explore where synthetic personas can actually bring value, from testing assumptions to speeding up research, and where they can quietly mislead us with biased, overconfident, or poorly grounded answers. Expect a practical look at how to design these systems responsibly, when to trust them, and when to go back to real humans. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SCHEDULE 18:00 - Doors open. Drinks & snacks 19.00 - 19.15 - Introduction to UX Belgium Meetup, announcements 19.15 - 19:45 - Talk #1 19:45 -20:15 - BREAK 20:15 - 20:45 - Talk #2 20:45 - 21:30 - Socialize \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SLACK CHANNEL We have our own UX Belgium slack channel. [Come join us and say hi!](https://join.slack.com/t/ux-belgium/shared_invite/zt-1bjpnuiog-T4Di4flXYPWgbT9KrZ53CA) \*\*\* \#\#\# YOUTUBE CHANNEL All our livestreams and talks are recorded and available on our [UX Belgium youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno7V18T-EglYXprgrUZQ7A). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# ABOUT UX BELGIUM UX Belgium is a growing community of User Experience (UX) professionals in and around Belgium. Look for these types of events: UX Beers Periodically, we gather at a different agency or venue to drink beers, network and listen to speakers on various themes in the world of UX and digital design. UX Antwerp: Each last Tuesday of the month UX Brussels: Each second Tuesday of the month, 4x per year UX Workshops Now and then we organize events to dive deeper into specific skills and techniques in UX. These are smaller, hands-on workshops designed to boost your UX toolbox. \*\*\* The UX Belgium Meetup Team

Les **Odoo Academy** sont des séries de formations gratuites d'une journée où les participants peuvent apprendre directement de nos experts expérimentés. Si vous souhaitez utiliser Odoo en tant que WMS (Système de Gestion d'Entrepôt) pour votre entreprise, cette journée gratuite de formation est faite pour vous! Le temps d'une journée, **vous apprendrez à configurer vos flux d’inventaire dans Odoo**, une plateforme de gestion d'entreprise tout-en-un. Inscrivez vous gratuitement sur notre site: https://www.odoo.com/r/1Nv **—---------------------------------------------------------------------------** **Les informations pratiques :** **Où?** Odoo LLN - Rue du Laid Burniat, 5 à LLN **Quand ?** Le mardi 26 mai 2026 de 9h à 17h **Inscription?** https://www.odoo.com/r/OFd **Prix ?** Gratuit ! Au plaisir de vous y voir nombreux et de vous rencontrer !

Are you someone who is local (or a westerner who has lived in the city for a while, understand the local culture and speak the local language) and are confident when meeting new people of different backgrounds and cultures? We’re looking for a lively friendly host to manage some of our weekly Fastfriends meetups in your city. As a host, your role would be to: ✨ Welcome members and make them feel comfortable ✨ Encourage conversations and help people connect \- direct and manage our fastfriending socialising format ✨ Keep the energy positive and the fast friending event flowing smoothly \- manage the event relationship with the venue What is in it for you? \- this is a volunteer role but we give you an expense allowance to cover some of your expenses\. \- ⁠you get exposure to the local and international community and can make a positive contribution \- ⁠you get experience with meeting new people\,running social events and managing groups\. We would love to hear from you. Please write a quick message to Dan at ‪+44 7715705005‬ and let's chat.

Let's meet to write! Schedule : 18:30 - 18:45: Arrival & introduction tour. Share briefly with the group your project and the "goal of the day". 18:45 - 20:00 : Let's write! 20:00 : Closing tour. Did you achieve the "goal of the day" ? See you soon !

Step into deep release and gentle renewal with *Myo Yin Fusion*. This unique practice blends gentle flow with the restorative depth of myofascial release and the stillness of yin yoga. Moving, melting, releasing — each session offers a different experience reflecting the monthly theme and season, leaving you feeling open, fluid, relaxed, and deeply restored. **Myo Yin Fusion** combines three powerful elements: * **Gentle Flow** to warm up the body and encourage circulation. * **Myofascial Release** using balls and/or props to target areas of deep tension and improve mobility. * **Yin Yoga Poses** held for several minutes to nourish the joints, fascia, and meridians. It’s a class for slowing down, tuning in, and leaving with a lighter body and a calmer mind. Suitable for everyone and especially beneficial if you feel tightness, fatigue, or stress. Expect a soothing, deeply therapeutic experience that supports both physical and emotional well-being. Please carefully read the instructions before coming to the class: \- This is not a standard yoga studio\, but a private venue \- Changing corner is available \- Online Registration for each class is mandatory because of the limited participants per class \(max 15\) \- Prices: Trial = 10€\, Drop in = 18€\, 5 pass card = 70€\, 10\-pass card 130€\, all valid for 6 months \(I offer other classes too\) \- Cancellation of your reservation can be done up to 3h prior to the start of the class \- Yoga Mats\, bolsters\, blocks\, straps\, blankets\, eye pillows and myofascial balls are on the spot \- Herbal tea available in a welcoming environment I’m so excited to practice with you, X

Hey Everyone! 👋 **Location:** \- On\-site: INDUSTRIEMUSEUM Minnemeers 10 9000 Gent \- Online: TBA **Practicalities for the evening on Tuesday, May 26th:** \- 18:00: Doors Open\, snacks & drinks \- 19:00: Speaker Talks \- 20:30: Networking & Drinks **Transport:** * **Parking:** Paid parking at Dok Noord * **Arriving by Train:** Minnemeers 10 in Gent is an easy **10 minute walk** from Dampoort Gent Station. **Note:** As this is an invite‑only event, you may be asked to show your calendar invite upon arrival. **Welcome to edition 15 of the Generative AI Belgium Meetup! 🚀** This time, we look at how AI is changing the Way We Work. For a long time, work was built around a simple exchange: time for money. You showed up, spent hours on tasks, and value was measured by effort, output, and expertise. Generative AI is starting to question that model. AI agents are no longer just tools for writing better emails. They are entering workflows, taking over tasks, writing code, coordinating information, and becoming part of how teams operate. Tools like Claude Cowork & Microsoft Copilot are already omnipresent in our daily work and expectations to use them are rising quickly. At the same time, robotics is making the story physical again. Machines are not only thinking with us behind a screen. They are starting to move through factories, labs, hospitals, warehouses, and most importantly homes. This raises a new question: what happens when AI becomes both a colleague in your browser and a body in the room? In this edition, we are inviting: * Startups building the tools, agents, and workflows that make this future happen * Researchers exploring human-machine interfaces and robotics * A broader discussion on what a “union of the future” could look like when work is shared between people, software agents, and machines Let's see what meaningful work, when intelligence becomes abundant. Join us on May 26th! **Line-up:** 🤙 Tom Pluym (Wonderful) — on why cracking enterprise AI demands a new type of engineer 🤖 Ruben Janssens (Ghent University) — on socially interactive robots as the next frontier of human-machine collaboration 🛡️Jarno Goossens (Aikido Security) - on what happens when security becomes the default and software starts securing itself Big thanks to Stad Gent for hosting us and to our sponsors: In The Pocket, BruCON, Red Hat, Collibra, Plainsight & Volta Ventures for supporting the community.

Come grab a coffee and chat about startups, growth, and investing with fellow entrepreneurs, advisors and investors. This Startup/Investor Open Coffee, organized by SIA and Founder Institute, will be hosted by BeCentral. **Building a startup takes more than a good idea — it takes the right network, insights, and support. Our Open Coffee sessions bring together founders, investors, mentors, and startup enthusiasts for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and fresh perspectives.** Each session is informal and shaped by the needs of those attending. You'll introduce yourself, share current challenges, and get feedback, contacts, and advice from a supportive community. NO PITCHING—just sincere sharing of challenges and insights. **❯ Guest Speakers include Bob De Wilde (Founder, ADELANTUM Services).** **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/398245/meetup](https://fi.co/e/398245/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.** Building a startup takes more than a good idea—it takes the right network, insights, and support. Our Open Coffee sessions bring together founders, investors, mentors, and startup enthusiasts for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and fresh perspectives. Each session is informal and shaped by the needs of those attending. You’ll introduce yourself, share current challenges, and get feedback, contacts, and advice from a supportive community. **❯ Who joins:** * Startup founders, teams, investors, mentors, and career changers entering the startup world. **❯ How to prepare:** * Bring a notebook—plenty of wisdom is shared * Prepare a short intro: who you are and what brought you here * Think of 1–2 key challenges to discuss **❯❯ About the Organizers:** [SIA: Startup Investor Accelerator](https://taac.startupinvestoraccelerator.com/ "https://taac.startupinvestoraccelerator.com/") SIA is a dual-track program for startups and investors. Startups can receive €100–200K in funding through our investment rounds. Investors learn by doing, developing their angel investing skills in real deals. [Founder Institute](https://fi.co/ "https://fi.co") The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 9,000 entrepreneurs raise over $2BN in funding. [ADELANTUM Services](https://adelantum.eu/ "https://adelantum.eu/") Adelantum Services helps startups (re)align their product with the true needs of their customers, through workshops, trainings and mentoring sessions. **About the Host:** [BeCentral](https://www.becentral.org/ "https://www.becentral.org/") BeCentral is a digital campus located in Brussels Central Station, that hosts digital schools, startups and NGO's in an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Cofounded and backed by more than 60 entrepreneurs, they are a place to learn technologies, grow a startup and impact society. Their mission is to make everyone an actor of the digital revolution **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/398245/meetup](https://fi.co/e/398245/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.**

THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE: **[LINK](https://antwerpoutlanders.be/products/entrepreneurs-networking-28-may-at-7pm-fidele-upstairs)** ───────────────── # Make 3 Real Business Connections — Or Your Next Ticket Is Free. ## 🗓️ Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 19:00 ## 📍[Fidèle ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9p2dJFQ6NxaRhmqaA)*[upper floor](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9p2dJFQ6NxaRhmqaA)* ## The Vibe * Private Venue: We have Fidèle, upper floor, all to ourselves. * Zero Fluff: No speeches, no stages, just drinks and talks. * Show up, start talking: Arrive when you want, stay as long as you like. ## Who Should Attend: * 🚀 Entrepreneurs * 💡 Founders * 📈 Business-minded professionals -- ## ✨ Why Join? * 😒 Tired of overpriced tickets, exclusive memberships, and endless waiting lists? * 🌍 Whether you are new to Antwerp or scaling your business, plug into a ready-made network of multilingual entrepreneurs who get your journey. * 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Leave with 3–5 warm leads, potential collaborators or clients, not just business cards. Grow your network across founders & freelancers. \- \- ## ✨How The Night Works? * ① **Arrive & Settle In** Walk into the venue, grab a drink, and get your bearings. No registration desk stress, no lanyard faff. You will get a short welcome from the host and claim your ice breakers. ② **Open Networking - Move Freely** No fixed seats, no assigned tables. Roam the bar, join conversations, move on when it feels natural. Representatives from our partner companies will be doing exactly the same, mingling as fellow attendees, not standing behind a booth. ③ **Leave with Real Connections** Numbers exchanged. Follow-ups encouraged. 3–5 meaningful contacts, not a stack of forgotten business cards. -- ***"You're here because you believe in the same thing I do: that the right conversation, at the right time, with the right person, can change the trajectory of your work, and sometimes your life.*** ***We've kept the night simple on purpose. No agenda. No presentations. No forced interactions. Just a good room in a good city, and the belief that Antwerp's builders deserve a place to find each other."*** — Hady, The Antwerp Outlanders organizer -- By registering for a ticket or attending this event, you and your guests agree to our Terms of Service https://antwerpoutlanders.be/policies/terms-of-service This event is actively filmed for online recap videos.

Joint running event co-organised by Founders Running Club and Life in Codes. ​5 km easy run. Open to Work Evolution Summit 2026 participants and everybody interested in fitness and tech. ​================== **Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 55+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Global FRC**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/?utm_source=luma) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/?utm_source=luma) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC?utm_source=luma) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/?utm_source=luma) ================== Work Evolution Summit by Life in Codes: Event page: [https://lifeincodes.com/work-evolution-summit/](https://lifeincodes.com/work-evolution-summit/?utm_source=luma) Tickets: [https://luma.com/workevolutionsummit2026](https://luma.com/workevolutionsummit2026)

Les **Odoo Academy** sont des séries de formations gratuites d'une journée où les participants peuvent apprendre directement de nos experts expérimentés. Vous voulez apprendre à gérer les outils essentiels à la mise en oeuvre de processus **MRP automatisés**? Êtes-vous fatigués de passer d'un logiciel à un autre pour suivre les processus de fabrication, les stocks et tous les documents associés? Cet évènement est une excellente opportunité de découvrir comment **créer et gérer votre production avec Odoo**, une **plateforme de gestion d'entreprise tout-en-un**. —--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Les informations pratiques : Où? Odoo LLN - Rue du Laid Burniat, 5 à LLN Quand ? Le jeudi 28 mai 2026 de 9h à 17h Inscription? https://www.odoo.com/r/3FG Prix ? Gratuit ! Au plaisir de vous y voir nombreux et de vous rencontrer !

Navigating Loss and Transition: A Reflective Workshop By David Sunderland Brussels, 27 May 2026 Register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/navigating_loss_and_transition.php We all experience loss – of roles, relationships, identities, expectations, or direction – yet we rarely pause to reflect on it. This interactive workshop creates a calm, reflective space to explore how loss shapes our lives and decisions, both personally and professionally. Drawing on a simple but powerful format (including candles, silence, and guided questions), participants are invited to share, listen, and reflect at their own pace. The session blends elements of “death cafés” with a broader exploration of transition, helping participants better understand endings – and what they make possible. Participants will: \* Explore different types of loss (personal, professional, existential). \* Reflect on how transitions shape identity, decisions, and growth \* Practice listening and speaking in a structured, non-judgmental space \* Gain language and perspective for navigating change and uncertainty \* Identify insights they can carry into work and everyday life. Conclusion You will leave with a deeper understanding of loss as a source of clarity, connection, and possibility. About David Sunderland David is British and French since 2019. He also has strong Brazilian sympathies after being married to a Brazilian woman for nearly 20 years. A similar period of time working in the United Nations, along with various other voluntary and civil society work, has reinforced his idealism while granting him more pragmatic perspectives around planning, communication and human relations. He founded, and continues to be Chair of, www.plenna.org that encourages better preparation for death and dying, whatever one's age or situation. His personal website, including links to his writing (with details on his forthcoming book, ’The Punctuation of Loss’), is www.intermundia.org. **Practical Information** **When** Wednesday, 27 May 2026 from 18h45-21h00 **Where?** Timesmore Boulevard St Michel 47, 1040 Brussels **How much?** €15 to cover expenses including materials, drinks, snacks, etc. - payable at the door. **Event web page** https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/navigating_loss_and_transition.php **Please Share** If you feel your friends, family and/or colleagues may be interested in this workshop, please share it with them. The Imagination Club relies on new participants to cover our operational costs and maintain a diverse, perceptive and intelligent audience (in other words, people like you) for our events. **Might you be interested to give an experimental workshop at the Imagination Club?** Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, you are welcome to try out your workshop ideas at the club. We have dates available for this season.

The People's Republic of China has risen from one of the world's poorest countries to an economic powerhouse. While China is still not at the level of wealth that Western countries are, its power and global presence are greater than anytime in the last two centuries. In 2026, China controls most of the world's manufacturing, and is expanding its economic reach throughout the world. Long associated with simpler industry, these days, China is a force to be reckoned with in advanced manufacturing, competing with Western companies in sectors like cars, electronics, and information technology. With the Belt & Road Initiative, Confucius institutes, and intensifying global trade, China is seeking to spread its economic and cultural influence worldwide. Much discussion around the rise of China focuses on what the West should do in response. This time at Brussels Debaters, we're going to go in a different direction. After all, the world is a big place, and the West and China aren't the only important locations to keep in mind. Come join us for what should be an interesting debate about China: the world's second superpower, the historical hegemon of humanity, and the nation that wishes to reclaim the mantle it once wore. This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into four teams of two. Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. ⚠️ Disclaimer: We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming. • Respect ideas and people: Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. • Be concise and civil: Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. • Respect boundaries and time: No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. • Follow moderators: They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

**Vous souhaitez améliorer votre prise de parole en public et développer vos compétences en communication et en leadership ?** ✨ Le **Club des Orateurs**, club officiel de Toastmasters International à **Bruxelles**, vous invite à une soirée d’apprentissage dans une ambiance conviviale et bienveillante. **Prochaine réunion** : **4ème jeudi du mois** **19h15 – 21h30** **Villa François Gay (salle au 1er étage)** **326 Rue François Gay, 1150 Bruxelles** Le bâtiment est situé dans un petit parc. **Pourquoi participer ?** ✔️ **Améliorez votre aisance à l’oral** grâce à des discours préparés et des interventions improvisées. ✔️ **Développez votre leadership** en prenant des rôles lors des réunions. ✔️ **Rejoignez une communauté dynamique** qui vous aidera à progresser à votre rythme. ✔️ **Une expérience immersive** avec des retours bienveillants pour évoluer rapidement. **Déroulement d’une réunion Toastmasters** : Nos réunions incluent des discours préparés, des exercices d’improvisation et des évaluations constructives pour vous aider à progresser. **Qui peut participer ?** Tout le monde est bienvenu, que vous soyez débutant ou expérimenté ! **L’entrée est gratuite pour les invités.** **Intéressé•e ?** Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant sur Meetup et rejoignez-nous pour une soirée enrichissante !

Free monthly networking for Columbus business owners. Real conversations, real connections, no forced formats. Space is limited. RSVP now. Most owners leave networking events with a stack of business cards and no plan. The best leads quietly slip through the cracks. Networking Night is a monthly meetup for Columbus business owners who want to build real local relationships, not just trade contact info. Every kind of local business welcome. No pitch round, no pressure, no awkward speed-networking. **This month** We are focused on referral relationships. Walk in with a clear idea of who refers people like you. Walk out having met a few owners whose work fits next to yours. **What to expect** Doors open at 6 PM. You get real conversation with other local owners, time to actually connect, and a short marketing lesson woven in. The room is reserved through 7:30 PM. **Who this is for** Any local business owner who wants to grow through relationships, not just paid ads. Service businesses, retail, home services, professional services, online owners building local presence, anyone serious about being part of the Columbus business community. **Not the right fit if** You are here to pitch the room or recruit for an MLM. **Details** * Last Thursday of every month * 6:00 to 7:30 PM * COhatch Easton * Free to attend, RSVP required, space is limited **About the host** Rita Suzanne is a local marketing strategist and the founder of Local Marketing Method. She runs Visibility is Profitability, the membership where local owners build the system that keeps their phone ringing, including tracking the referral relationships built in rooms like this one. Learn more at learnlocalmarketing.com. Register here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-marketing-networking-night-tickets-1988510112275](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-marketing-networking-night-tickets-1988510112275)

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Get ready to connect, collaborate, and grow your community at the ***Smashing Your Sales Goals (SYSG) Spring Meet-N-Greet!*** *Smash Nation*— a vibrant and welcoming community for creative consultants, social innovators, professional service providers, entrepreneur support professionals, and the small business ecosystem builders —invites you to join in welcoming the Spring 2026 Cohort of dedicated business owners ready to take their venture to the next level. Join ***SYSG*** cohort members, trainers, sponsors, and partners for an engaging and interactive networking experience. This isn't just another meet-and-greet; it's a dynamic opportunity to gather, strengthen relationships, and actively brainstorm business development opportunities in a relaxed and supportive environment. Come ready to: * ***Connect*** with key players and potential collaborators in the small business community. * ***Share*** your successes, challenges, and insights with peers. * ***Brainstorm*** innovative strategies for sales and business growth. * ***Discover*** new partnerships and future partners. Let's amplify our collective impact and smash those sales goals together! **Who Should Attend:** Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 Cohort Members, Spring 2026 Cohort members, Trainers, Facilitators, Program Sponsors, Future Sponsors, Velocity Applicants, and Program Partners. **When**: Tuesday, May 26, 2926 **Where**: Warner Wood Park and Pavilion [4747 Central College Road, Columbus, OH 43081](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Warner+Woods+Park+%26+Pavilion/@40.0999435,-82.8601323,839m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x88385f0025d4381b:0xc15eb51285691f4f!8m2!3d40.1002108!4d-82.8612015!16s%2Fg%2F11wb2pg50g?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwNS4yIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) **Time**: 4pm-6pm [To Officially Register Go To --> https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/W0CGLL8jvz4EkLNK5jav?notrack=true](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/W0CGLL8jvz4EkLNK5jav?notrack=true) Meet ***Smashing Your Sales Goals*** expert trainers, sales coaches, community supporters and partners. Learn more about upcoming SYSG events, trainings coaching opportunities to help take your business from surviving to thriving today! This event is FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC!

Monthly working lunch for Columbus business owners. One specific topic, one to three actions you can run this week. You can be the best at what you do and still be invisible. If local buyers cannot find you, the phone does not ring. Marketing Monday Lunch + Learn is a monthly working lunch for Columbus business owners focused on building relationships, local networking, and local marketing. Every kind of local business welcome. No pitch round, no pressure, no upsell. **This month** Most local businesses pick one or two places to be visible and call it good. The result is inconsistent calls and a feeling that marketing is not working. We will walk through the three places every local business needs to show up, plus the fourth place most owners ignore that quietly produces the warmest leads. **What to expect** Doors open at noon. Order lunch and drinks at the cafe counter or bring your own. You get real conversation with other local owners and a focused marketing lesson. You leave knowing people and with one to three actions to run that week. The room is reserved through 1:30 PM. **Who this is for** Any local business owner who wants clearer marketing direction and real local relationships. Service businesses, retail, home services, professional services, online owners building local presence, anyone serious about being part of the Columbus business community. **Not the right fit if** You are here to pitch the room or recruit for an MLM. **Details** * Second Monday of every month * 12:00 to 1:30 PM * Good Cafe Easton, 4400 Easton Commons, Ste 150, Columbus, OH 43219 * Order lunch and drinks at the counter when you arrive * Free to attend, RSVP required, space is limited **About the host** Rita Suzanne is a local marketing strategist and the founder of Local Marketing Method. She runs Visibility is Profitability, the membership where local business owners build the system that keeps their phone ringing. Learn more at learnlocalmarketing.com. Register here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989964540509?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989964540509?aff=oddtdtcreator)

[ECDI Pop-Up Market Official Registration Site --> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecdi-pop-up-market-tickets-1986071755083](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecdi-pop-up-market-tickets-1986071755083) Celebrate Small Business Month by shopping local for food, drinks, and handcrafted gifts! Join us for the ECDI Pop‑Up Market, a celebration of local entrepreneurs during Small Business Month. Explore delicious food and drinks, discover handcrafted goods, and shop unique items from small businesses in your community. Whether you’re looking to support local makers, discover new favorites, or pick up a thoughtful gift, this market has something for everyone. **What you’ll find at the market:** * Local food and beverage vendors * Handcrafted goods and unique gifts * A chance to meet and support small business owners in your community * An easy, fun way to discover new local favorites [SCORE Central Ohio](https://www.score.org/ "https://www.score.org/") will also be on site to talk about their small business mentorship program. **Market Vendors:** Baked Goods * Shante Makes Body Care * [Bellas Natural Beauty Products](https://www.facebook.com/Bellasnaturalbeautyprod/ "https://www.facebook.com/Bellasnaturalbeautyprod/") Clothing & Accessories * [The Krafted Kollection](https://www.thekraftedkollection.com/ "https://www.thekraftedkollection.com") * [Loayza Elegant Jewelry](https://www.loayzaelegantjewelry.com/ "https://www.loayzaelegantjewelry.com/") * [Swahili House 254](https://www.swahilihouse254.com/ "https://www.swahilihouse254.com") Food/Beverage * [Aqua Pure Central Ohio](https://aquapurecentralohio.com/ "https://aquapurecentralohio.com") * [Better Beverage](https://betterbevshop.com/ "https://betterbevshop.com") * [Cherays Banana Pudding](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567527322952 "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567527322952") * [Dr. May's Thai Kitchen](https://www.drmaysthaikitchen.com/menu "https://www.drmaysthaikitchen.com/menu") * [Kronchy LLC](https://www.kronchys.com/ "https://www.kronchys.com") * [Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill](https://terra%20mezcal%20mexican%20grill/ "https://Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill") Packaged Food * [Grow to Eat, Eat to Live](https://growtoeattolive.com/ "https://growtoeattolive.com/") * [Underworld Feast](https://underworldfeast.com/ "https://underworldfeast.com/")  Since 2004, ECDI has assisted Ohio’s entrepreneurs through their one-stop-shop business services model, suited to meet the needs of all entrepreneurs, regardless of what business stage they’re in. From providing capital to entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses, to providing focused, business-specific educational opportunities to enhance entrepreneurial skill sets, ECDI works with their clients to meet their specific needs. Whether you merely have a business idea or are opening up your fifth location, we have helped more than 15,000 entrepreneurs to take advantage of the services we provide.