Business Skills for Artists & Creative Types

A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!

**Important! Please register on [Luma Page](https://luma.com/n7h7ynr4)** This event is organised by Projector Institute community and Ukrainian Tech Space DC MD VA Join us for an exclusive evening dedicated to exploring what it truly means to be a Product Designer — and how to manage this role more effectively in today’s fast-changing digital landscape. ​ During this session, we’ll dive into: • The pros and cons of working in product vs. non-product companies • Communication as one of the main design tools • Business-oriented approaches to product design • Practical insights for both junior and senior designers • The use of AI tools and workflows — backed by real-world examples ​ Speaker: [Misha Rybachuk](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rybachuk/) — Co-founder of [Projector Institute](https://prjctr.com/en/about), Art Director at [Lezo.io](https://lezo.io/en), and former designer at Accenture. With over 10 years of experience in interface design, Mike has helped build impactful digital products by merging creativity, strategy, and technology. ​ This event is your opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, gain hands-on insights, and see how design bridges creativity, communication, and business success.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

**We are the Crown Area Connectors Team Network and we are an exclusive category networking group.** We meet every **1st and 3rd Thursday** for breakfast, 8:00-9:30 am at First Watch on Muddy Branch Road in Gaithersburg, MD. Please Register Here: [https://www.teamnetworkcorporation.com/events](https://www.teamnetworkcorporation.com/events) We will share agendas designed to facilitate meaningful introductions, engaging conversations and referral partnerships. We encourage members to meet one-on-one outside the meetings to foster long-term business relationships that will help grow the team, and more importantly, our bottom lines. Guests are free to attend Two Meetings before deciding to join. Questions? Call Curt at 301-260-0060 Thank You!

Join Team Network’s Vienna Venture Network Captains Mark Sweeney, Laurel Corridon and John Partridge for online networking on Zoom. Meeting ID: 301-370-5351. Passcode: 010192

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

AI has changed the World fast. It has created opportunities for all. Let's meet with the tech ecosystem to learn from AI leaders and startup founders as we hear different use cases. At this event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet mentors, advisors and investors to ask them questions about their business strategy, key decisions, next steps, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how experienced entrepreneurs would tackle the problems you or others are facing and learn from various use cases. This event will be set as a panel discussing various AI use cases, solutions from all across industries. Guest Speakers include: * Guc Ozenci (Program Director, FI Washington DC) * Catherine Mc Millan (Founding Director, AI Collective) **❯** **Who should Attend?** * Anyone who wants to learn from AI leaders * Anyone curious about AI opportunities * Anyone who has a pre-seed company or a startup idea * Anyone who wants to learn about entrepreneurship **❯ What is the Agenda?** * Welcome and Socializing * Panel with Startup Founders and Local Ecosystem Leaders * Q&A Session * Conclusion and Networking **❯ Panel Speakers:** * Catherine McMillan, AI Collective * Andrew Tsintsiruk, Rohic.com * more to come... **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/384682/meetup to secure your spot and receive further details.**

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **OPEN AI CREATIVITY LAB - DROP-IN WORKING SESSION** This is an open, low-pressure creative lab for people curious about working with AI rather than using it as a tool. There's no presentation and no requirement to arrive on time or stay the whole session. Some people work quietly. Some observe. Some ask questions. I'll be working on my own creative projects using AI as a thinking partner—you're welcome to do the same, or simply watch how the process unfolds. **NOTE**: This is the first time I'm running this format. I've scheduled two hours for this inaugural session to give plenty of room for settling in, orienting newcomers, and genuine working time. I'll be here working on my own projects regardless of attendance. If you show up, great. If not, I'm still getting work done. **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

[Click Here To RSVP Now](https://AICourse2026.eventbrite.com/?aff=DCMU) Free Virtual Course AI is creating one of the biggest shifts in how we work, earn, compete, and build wealth — and this moment won’t last forever. Right now, AI is helping people generate new income streams, automate hours of work, cut business costs, streamline operations, 10x productivity, and operate at a level that once required entire teams. Yet most people are barely scratching the surface, using AI the same way they use Google — and missing out on life-changing opportunities. This intro webinar is your starting point. You’ll learn how to begin mastering AI to elevate your 9–5 career, optimize your business, and create new income opportunities. You’ll also understand why AI is far more powerful than the casual everyday use you see online. Afropolitan Cities is partnering with Dr. Iyanuoluwa Odebode, Ph.D, Founder & CEO of Wokkah, an expert in AI-powered decision-making and innovation. Iyanu teaches businesses and professionals how to use AI to save time, reduce costs, and unlock new revenue — and he will walk you through the exact foundations you need to start doing the same. What You’ll Learn (Clear, Practical, Immediately Useful) This webinar gives you a high-level roadmap to: • A strong foundational understanding of what AI really is — and what it is not • The secrets, techniques, and systems behind effective prompting (prompt engineering) • How everyday people are turning AI from “just prompts” into income, client systems, and scalable operations • How to leverage AI to 10x your productivity at work and in business • How to monetize AI and create multiple income opportunities • How simple AI systems can help you work better, smarter, and faster — while cutting significant operational costs • Real case studies showing how AI is used today in both professional and business contexts AI is now doing the work of assistants, analysts, editors, marketers, researchers, and strategists — all at once. When you learn how to “speak” to AI properly through effective prompts, your possibilities multiply. See less

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

Our next club meeting is on Sunday will start at 2:15, please join early. if you're coming in-person, parking is free and usually ample at the Community College on Sundays, and most of us park where the spaces are designated for staff and have never had a problem. 👉 Everyone is welcome to join our meeting, participate and practice. You'll get a chance to hear our club members speak and then have an opportunity to play the table topics game. **Agenda for the Meeting:** 1. Warm Up 2. Prepared Speeches (By club members) 3. Table Topics Game (Learn to think on your feet) 4. Feedback **Online - Join us via Zoom** https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86218205188 If you haven't used Zoom before, watch this short video on how to join our meeting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=45&v=vFhAEoCF7jg **In-Person** **\- Join us at Montgomery Community College** Meet us at Science Building, room SC 152. The room is located on the ground floor. The exact building address is https://goo.gl/maps/ZEgQH7bKLvzdqtSQ9 For help, please text or call, 301-917-4202.

**Saturday, January 24 is Local Quilt Shop Day — come** **[celebrate with Artistic Artifacts in-person](https://www.facebook.com/events/1051325833834406)[!](https://www.facebook.com/events/1051325833834406)** We will have quilting and product demonstrations throughout the day plus a 15% in-store discount. Stop in before the snow starts and get supplies for a new sewing or mixed media project! [Voting for the 2026 Local Quilt Shop contest](https://www.lqscontest.com/vote/) also **begins that day!** What a thrill to be recognized in 2025 with one of the inaugural Creative Hub Awards and to repeat as the Virginia Regional Winner for the second year in a row! **With your votes and kind comments, we can reach our goal of being the USA Grand Prize Winner in 2026!**

**$60/2\.5\-hour Class \| Class Limit: 5** Hamiltonian Artists Second Floor, Studio 2 [Registration Link ](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://trishaart.com/classes/p/drop-in-classes&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw07rgL9h-rFd3JRP7l9BSDN) In this introductory course, students will learn the history of Indian woodblock before using the technique for themselves to create a printed piece of fabric from start to finish. I will demonstrate the process before allowing students the opportunity to ask questions and practice. Various examples of patterns and motifs will be shared with the group that they can emulate for their own projects. We will provide a handkerchief for the final project, but students are encouraged to bring their own light-weight cotton objects to use instead.

Expect a fun afternoon of drawing and socializing with like-minded artists! Although each Session is 3 hours, feel free to drop in as your schedule permits. This is a casual gathering, and we know that people might only be able to stay a little while -- drop in, and stay, as long as you are having fun, and as your day allows. **Note: about RSVP's, please respect the RSVP process. If you RSVP YES, you are commited and we are all looking to seeing you. If your plans change however, that's OK, but please be courteous and change your RSVP to NO. We are reaching the headcount limit regularly now and it is rude to take a spot and not relinquish it if your plans change... Respect others; don't be rude. Thank you for your cooperation**. All skill levels are welcome -- this is not a competition. This Group and all its Events are intended to be in equal parts, Drawing/Art AND Socializing. As such, conversation is expected and encouraged. ***However, in all cases, please refrain from discussion of Political topics.*** Our goal is enjoyment, in the form of drawing together while socializing, and political conversation is too polarizing for that to happen. We are looking forward to seeing you there! **Note (in parting): Be aware, and keep in mind that our group, meeting as it does at Starbucks, depends on this business's generosity for the space it allows us. As such, please make a point of purchasing something from the business to express our appreciation as a group using their facility. If you are experiencing hardship and can't afford a modest purchase, get my attention discreetly, and arrangements will be made with no judgment whatsoever. Thank you for your understanding... Michael (your host)**

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. *The 5AM Club* by Robin Sharma explores how waking up early and following a structured morning routine can dramatically improve productivity, mindset, and overall life mastery. Through a blend of storytelling and practical frameworks, it teaches high performers how to build discipline, focus, and long-term success by owning the first hour of the day. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

Confidence can be cultivated in many ways—through reflection, conversation, creativity, and practice. In this Confidence Lab session, we’ll explore one powerful pathway: **building confidence from the inside out through physical expression and movement**. This experience is designed to help you reconnect with your body as a source of insight, self-trust, and presence. We’ll begin by grounding into what’s bringing you here, creating space to notice how your body is showing up and what it’s holding. From there, you’ll be guided through accessible movement exercises that invite awareness and choice—isolating different parts of the body, experimenting with movement, and practicing what it feels like to take up space intentionally. Next, you’ll participate in a small-group dance lesson led in a supportive, low-pressure environment. No dance experience is needed. The focus is not on performance or perfection, but on expression, curiosity, and allowing yourself to move with confidence as you are. We’ll close with a reflective group discussion, exploring what emerged during the experience and how these insights can be applied beyond the studio—how you inhabit your body, how you carry yourself, and how you show up in everyday life. **What to know:** * Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you feel good moving in * No dance experience required * Light snacks and beverages will be provided This session is for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with confidence by listening to their body, expanding their capacity for self-expression, and practicing self-love as an embodied experience. **Featured Speaker: Mary Grace** Mary Grace, the dynamic force behind MG Choreography & Boutique, has been transforming special occasions with her unique blend of artistry and passion for over seven years. As a proud Latina, with Venezuelan and Mexican heritage, Mary brings a rich cultural perspective to every choreography she creates. Her dedication to dance is matched only by her commitment to empowering others through the joy and elegance of movement. Mary’s journey began with a simple passion for dancing, which quickly grew into a thriving business. She specializes in crafting personalized choreography for weddings, quinceañeras, and sweet sixteens, ensuring each event is unforgettable. Determined to make a significant impact in Ohio, Mary established the first-of-its-kind brick-and-mortar location that not only offers a space to practice these beautiful dances but also provides a boutique experience for purchasing or renting exquisite dresses and tuxedos for these special moments. Mary Grace is more than just a business owner; she is a trailblazer for Latina women in the community, dedicated to bringing elegance, joy, and a touch of her vibrant heritage to every event she touches. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

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!

Have a small business? Ever wish you could just ask some questions around how to grow your business, get more customers or just know what the freak you are doing with sales? Now is your chance!! Every month we are hosting the "Ask an Expert" at the Columbus Metro Library, Main campus. I will be there to answer your Sales related questions. Drop-in for sales coaching designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals sharpen their sales approach. Whether you have questions on how to refine your pitch, are looking to close deals more quickly, or are working on building better client relationships, Smashing Your Sales Goals Coaches are here to help. Drop-in to get expert insights, actionable strategies and real-time solutions to grow your business and generate higher profits. Drop-In Sales Coaching is FREE + OPEN to the public. No appointment needed. First come, first served. EPIC Learning created. Accelerate Columbus supported.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia