Business Skills for Artists & Creative Types

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions on the first and third Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm — join us! This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all other class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

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

Join us for the Graduation of the latest Penn West Founder Institute Cohort, where you can see an inspiring talk by a Keynote Speaker and great pitches from the new Alumni. Learn about some of the companies that will go onto seed-accelerators, raise funding, and build the next great Penn West startups in DC. Hear brilliant founders in EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, PropTech, LegalTech, Blockchain, AI and more... There will also be an opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and celebrate the new Graduates. **❯ Featuring:** * Vikram Dhawan (Founder & CEO, KnoetiK Solutions Inc.) * Kuzeyhan Ozdemir (Lean Startup Mentor, Founder Institute) * Guc Ozenci (Program Director, FI Washington DC) * Andres Jordan (Founder, Factor6, LLC) * Elena Sterlin (Founder, Live Long Life) * Ufuk Demirci (Global Head, Venture Funds, IFC) **❯ Who Should Attend?** This is an essential event for investors, policy makers, economic development leaders, and anyone interested in the thriving startup ecosystem in Washington, D.C. Whether you are looking to discover new investment opportunities, engage with top entrepreneurs, or connect with industry leaders, the *Land & Launch* graduation is the perfect place to network and gain insights into the future of innovation and business in the region. **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup](https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **About Penn West and the Accelerator** The *Penn West Land & Launch Accelerator* was designed in partnership with Founder Institute to support high-potential companies from both tech and non-tech sectors. Over the course of the 14-week accelerator, these companies have received specialized support in venture-building, business development, legal and regulatory preparation, and market entry strategies. The accelerator culminates in a dynamic showcase of these startups ready to expand their operations and make their mark on the D.C. market. **About Founder Institute:** The [Founder Institute](https://fi.co/) 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 8,900 entrepreneurs raise over 2BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup](https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.**

We are the Federal Center Toastmasters Club. We meet the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursday of each month in Hyattsville, MD, from 12 noon to 1pm. Our meetings are held at the headquarters of the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics of the CDC. Our meetings are open to the public, though visitors must go through building security procedures. For visitors who are not U.S. citizens, we do need to pre-coordinate a first visit with our security team. Contact us at: 1260@toastmastersclubs.org. We have been a Toastmasters Club for 40 years and always welcome new members! Join us, and you will improve your public-speaking and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive atmosphere!

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

Come connect with founders across the DC startup community at our monthly Startup Grind DC Founders Dinner. This month, we’re spotlighting HealthTech & Wellness founders—but all founders are welcome to join us for complimentary appetizers and great conversation. Quick heads-up: Your ticket includes event access and appetizers. Entrées and drinks will be on individual tabs. We’re also looking for sponsors who want to support the DC founder community. Whether that’s hosting the event, covering food, or contributing financially, sponsors get the opportunity to connect directly with founders, receive shoutouts in our promotions, speak at events, and reach our 10,000+ pre-seed to Series A founders across the DMV. Agenda --- Hosted By Mia Orantes, Chapter Director I'm a dynamic speaker, angel investor, serial entrepreneur, the host of the celebrated Founders Only podcast, and the CEO & founder of the award-winning agency that automates online growth and profitability engines, Creative Analytics. As a lifelong entrepreneur, I am devoted to serving founders by showing them the road map for rapid online growth and helping them navigate that journey. A native Washingtonian, I hold several designations, including a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, an MBA & MS in Information Technology with a concentration in Project Management, and an in-progress certificate in Digital Transformation & AI from Cornell University. --- Global Partner Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind) Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com. Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-washington-dc-presents-february-2026-founders-dinner/.

Come by anytime for the work from home happy hour.

Join us for the inaugural gathering of the DC Creative Collective for Film, TV, and Theater — a welcoming space for filmmakers, writers, actors, and creative enthusiasts across the DMV to connect and create together. This first meetup will be an introduction to the collective’s vision, followed by networking, artist introductions, and an open discussion where members can share their creative interests, experience levels, and the kinds of projects they hope to collaborate on. We will also host a casual table read and idea exchange, giving participants a chance to hear scripts, workshop concepts, and meet potential collaborators for future productions. Whether you are experienced in the industry or just beginning your creative journey, come ready to build community, share stories, and help shape a collaborative artistic home where ideas move from imagination to stage and screen.

**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. **FROM FRAGMENT TO FORM - AN OPEN AI STUDIO** Many creative ideas don't arrive as "projects." They arrive as fragments, moods, or something that won't leave you alone. This open studio is a place to gently explore those fragments using AI as a thinking partner—without forcing clarity too soon. You're welcome to work, observe, arrive late, or leave early. This is a calm room for unfinished ideas. **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.*)**

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

Getting tired of the ordinary 9-5 grind? Want to experience having residual income as you go about life? Be a part of a team that will support you consistently? No ceiling to your earning potential ? Or even better…..Give a valuable and much needed asset to a your community and the nation as a whole? This is the place to be. Receive premium education and training to learn the principles of building generational wealth. Get a peak at your next best opportunity. We only have one life to live so let’s experience it all to the fullest! Please reach out to me if you’re planning to attend, it is by invitation only and I will need to secure your spot! Dress code: Business Casual

Are you struggling to book auditions? Learn from an award-winning casting director! The DC Stage Society presents a two-day TV/Film scene study and cold read workshop! Get 10% off of tickets ($251 instead of $279) with code DCFILM10. When: February 21, 2026 from 2pm-5pm February 22, 2026, from 10am-1pm Where: Studio Theater 1501 14th St NW Washington, DC, 20005 You can find more information at [https://dcstagesociety.com/](https://dcstagesociety.com/)

# **Unlocking Flow: Aligning with Your Natural Rhythm** ### **Step into ease, creativity, and conscious momentum.** Flow is the state where effort meets ease, and time seems to dissolve. This workshop explores how to access and sustain flow in your daily life by aligning with your natural rhythms, mentally, emotionally, and energetically. Through movement, breathwork, and mindful awareness, you'll learn how to cultivate flow states that support creativity, productivity, and spiritual alignment. **Key Takeaways:** * Understand the science and spirituality of flow states * Identify your personal rhythm and energy cycles * Learn practices to enter and sustain flow * Enhance creativity, focus, and inner harmony Saturday, Feb. 21st, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/6wKXS](https://shorturl.at/6wKXS)

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. 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!!*

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!

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

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