Startup Businesses

Please Note: This event is advertised on multiple platforms. Please RSVP and get a ticket on Mindstone (https://community.mindstone.com/events/mindstone-toronto-march-ai-meetup-2026) to view the agenda and guarantee a spot. Welcome to the most electrifying and ground-breaking AI Meetup in Toronto! Join us once a month as we delve into the world of artificial intelligence, explore its cutting-edge practical applications, and marvel at the astonishing projects that are shaping our future. Why should you attend? • Get up close and personal with the AI projects that are redefining the boundaries of technology and human potential. • Learn from the brightest minds in the field and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving AI landscape. • Unleash your curiosity, fuel your creativity, and expand your network as you connect with fellow AI aficionados and pioneers. What you can expect? Mindstone events consist of three talks covering different aspects: • What I Learned Building With LLMs: A technical demo breaking down the process for building a product using AI with real-life learnings and insights. • How To Be More Productive Using AI: A practical demo and step-by-step guide on how to use AI to speed up and improve tasks. • What Does The Future Look Like With AI?: A theoretical talk on the impact of AI on work, life and society. After the talks we'll have pizza, drinks, and networking. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness the AI revolution in action. It's time to embark on a thrilling journey into the future and discover the endless possibilities that lie within the realm of artificial intelligence. Reserve your spot today for the ultimate AI experience! 💡✨ (https://community.mindstone.com/events/mindstone-toronto-march-ai-meetup-2026) Please Note: This event is advertised on multiple platforms. Please RSVP and get a ticket on Mindstone (https://community.mindstone.com/events/mindstone-toronto-march-ai-meetup-2026) to view the agenda and guarantee a spot.

👉Join us here: **[https://jlyall.com/clearcalmfocused](https://jlyall.com/clearcalmfocused)** Many women entrepreneurs don’t struggle because they aren’t capable.They struggle because they’re carrying too many priorities, too many decisions, and too much pressure to do it all. If you feel like you're craving business growth that feels lighter. Where you have the capacity to handle… New ideas. New opportunities. And the responsibility that comes with it. But with less stress and more focus. Join me for my upcoming Masterclass - Calm Clear Focused Growth In this MasterClass, you’ll discover how to: ⭐️Break the overcommitment cycle that keeps piling more onto your plate ⭐️ Identify the unconscious habits quietly stalling your momentum ⭐️Stop the “spinning thoughts at night” that make you question your next move ⭐️Release the resistance and distractions draining your energy and focus So you can lead your business with clear, calm, confident growth again. If you’re a passionate entrepreneur who knows you’re capable of your next level, but things have started to feel scattered or overwhelming, this session will help you reset your focus and move forward with intention. ⭐️Clear, Calm, Focused Growth MasterClass March 12 1@pm-2:30 pm 👉Join us here: **[https://jlyall.com/clearcalmfocused](https://jlyall.com/clearcalmfocused)**

Join us for an evening of learning and networking at the Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast's Toronto Meetup, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. Whether you are new to real estate investing or looking to enhance your skills, this event is designed for all levels of experience. Our group of seasoned real estate agents, investors, and entrepreneurs will share their knowledge and insights on topics such as mortgages, property management, and investment strategies. Connect with like-minded individuals in the Toronto real estate community and gain valuable industry connections. Learn from successful investors, benefit from real estate networking opportunities, and discover the keys to successful entrepreneurship in the competitive market. Don't miss out on this event tailored to help you take your real estate investing game to the next level.

Join us for our first Toronto Fractional Executives Pub Night--a casual, in-person gathering for fractional CXOs and senior operators across the GTA. If you’re a Fractional COO, CFO, CTO, CMO, CHRO, etc., this night is about stepping away from our screens and into a pub for real conversations with peers who actually get the fractional life. What to expect: * Relaxed, pub-style networking (no presentations, no slide decks, no panels); * Thoughtful conversations with experienced operators; * Stories, insights, and lessons learned from fractional work; * Opportunities for referrals, collaborations, and partnerships; Come when you can, grab a drink, and mingle. Who should attend: * Practicing fractional executives (CXOs); * Independent consultants operating at the executive level; * Experienced operators transitioning into fractional roles; * Founders and senior executives with SMBs looking for fractional leadership; * Senior executives with VC/PE firms looking for fractional leadership for their portfolio firms. Logistics: * We're meeting at Pogue Mahone Pub & Kitchen (near Yonge & College); * It's a cash bar and food will also be available for purchase; * Space may be limited, so please RSVP if you plan to attend. Come out and swap stories, talk shop about clients and pricing, and meet great people over a drink.

A brand-new downtown Toronto spot in the Canary District on the east end, a short walk from the Distillery District. Large patio, chic decor, pool table, large screen TVs, tasty food and drinks. Perfect for a night out or any type of event

The Association for Science and Reason will be holding our regular in-person Skeptics in the Pub event. (Monthly Zoom meetings will continue as usual, but we will also be doing monthly in-person events on the second Tuesday of every month). Our previous venue, Prenup Pub, has closed, so we will meet this month at the Town Crier Pub, 115 John St, a 9 minute (600m) walk from St Andrew Station. It has very good food and a large seletion of beer, but was quite noisy last month. We'll give it another try to see what it is like this time. We will get together for a social event to say hello to people we may have only met on-line and to reconnect with some long-time acquaintances. We will not be having a presentation or a speaker, just a chance to sit down and have a meal and/or a beverage and a conversation with a pleasant group of fellow skeptics. Food and beverages are available from the menu. Foods include a full menu from soups and appetizers to entrées and dessert. The beverage menu includes over 50 different beers on tap, many bottled beers, a selection of wines, various cocktails, and as well as non-alcoholic drinks. When you arrive, just ask where the "Skeptics" are. If you plan on joining us, please register so we can estimate the number of attendees.

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/4cdilgnh) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/founders-investors-pitch-night-in-toronto-tickets-1982499848414?aff=oddtdtcreator)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Toronto** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **19:00 – 19:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **19:30 – 20:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **20:40 – 21:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **21:20 – 22:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/4cdilgnh) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-technology-pitch-night-toronto-tickets-1291770483289?aff=oddtdtcreator)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Toronto** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **19:00 – 19:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **19:30 – 20:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **20:40 – 21:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **21:20 – 22:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/4cdilgnh) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-business-networking-toronto-tickets-1291770433139?aff=oddtdtcreator)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Toronto** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **19:00 – 19:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **19:30 – 20:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **20:40 – 21:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **21:20 – 22:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

你一个人，但需要做 5 个人的事。 *You're one person. But you're doing the work of five.* 需求文档？你写。代码架构？你定。测试？你跑。部署？还是你。 *Product spec? You write it. System architecture? You design it. Testing? You run it. Deployment? Still you.* 这不是抱怨，这是 Solo Founder、独立工程师、技术 Lead 的日常现实。 *This isn't a complaint — it's the daily reality of solo founders, independent engineers, and technical leads.* *** 哈佛商学院今年刚发布了一项研究：他们跟踪了 200 名工程师长达 9 个月，结论出人意料—— *Harvard Business Review recently published a striking finding: they tracked 200 engineers over 9 months, and the conclusion was counterintuitive —* **用了 AI 的人，工作量反而增加了。** ***People who used AI ended up with more work, not less.*** 速度更快，被分配更多任务。工具更多，注意力更碎片化。AI 放大了原有的工作节奏，而不是改变它。 *Work faster, get assigned more. More tools, more context-switching. AI amplified the existing pace of work — it didn't change it.* 这项研究说中了很多人的感受：AI 没有给我们自由，它只是让我们更忙。但这也说明——问题不在 AI，在于我们怎么用它。 *This research captured what many of us already feel: AI hasn't freed us — it just made us busier. But that also means the problem isn't AI. It's how we use it.* *** 本次分享，讲者将从自己的真实项目经验出发，拆解他如何用 **Agentic Engineering** 方法论，真正实现了一个人跑出整个工程团队产能的工作方式。 *In this talk, the speaker will draw on his own real projects to break down how he uses the **Agentic Engineering** methodology to genuinely achieve the output of a full engineering team — as one person.* 不是让 AI 帮你聊天，而是让 AI 成为你的产品经理、工程团队、工程文化和 DevOps—— *Not using AI to chat — but making AI your product manager, your engineering team, your engineering culture, and your DevOps.* 分享将以 **10 DOs & Don'ts** 为主线，每一条都有对应的真实场景。10 个 DO/DON'T，是他从中整理出来的实战清单。 *He's been there. The 10 DOs & Don'ts are the practical checklist he built from those mistakes.* *** **你将带走什么 · What You'll Take Away** 不是理论框架，是一套当晚就能用的判断标准： *Not a theoretical framework — a set of judgment principles you can apply the same night:* * 什么时候用 Claude，什么时候切 Codex，什么时候用 Raycast *When to use Claude, when to switch to Codex, when to reach for Raycast* * 为什么"提问前先优化提示词"能把输出质量翻倍 *Why optimizing your prompt before asking can double output quality* * Plan Mode 和直接对话的区别，以及在什么情况下必须用 Plan Mode *The difference between Plan Mode and direct chat — and when you must use Plan Mode* * 如何把反复有效的提示词固化为跨项目的 Skill 资产 *How to crystallize effective prompts into reusable Skills that compound across projects* * 如何搭建一套多机可同步、一行命令恢复的 1 Man Company 工程环境 *How to build a 1 Man Company engineering environment: portable, multi-machine, one-command recovery* *** **适合谁来 · Who Should Attend** 正在用 AI 写代码、但感觉还没找到节奏的工程师。独立开发者或 Solo Founder，想把个人产能天花板再往上推一层。对 Agentic AI 感兴趣，但还没有实战经验可以参照的技术人。 *Engineers who are using AI to code but haven't found their rhythm yet. Independent developers or solo founders who want to push their personal productivity ceiling higher. Technical practitioners curious about Agentic AI but without real-world reference points yet.* 不需要提前了解 Claude 或 Codex，只需要有过"AI 没帮上忙"的困惑，就值得来听一听。 *No prior knowledge of Claude or Codex required. If you've ever felt that "AI just isn't helping me the way it should" — this talk is for you.* *** Speaker： Bryan Zheng， Founder of Startup4Chinese, developed several in-house products for a crypto data analysis firm. *** **Fee: $25 per person**, with fresh tea and exquisite snacks served. ***Special thanks to Jiamu Tea House.*** https://www.instagram.com/jiamuteahouse.ca/ Started in August 2017, our mission is to **inspire**, **empower**, and **connect** entrepreneurs not only among Chinese but beyond. We want to: • inspire your passionate entrepreneurship spirit • empower your brilliant startup idea, and • connect you with your future reliable partner We value *openness*. We provide *pragmatic* topics. We want to help you *succeed*! Startup4Chinese，成立于加拿大多伦多，致力于联结华人创业者与各个族群中的聪明才智，弘扬华人创业者的创业激情，赋予华人创业者更大力量。Startup4Chinese 主张开放心态，锐意开拓进取，注重脚踏实地，让我们一起享受创新、创业的过程。 Please check out our [website](http://startup4chinese.com/) for more info, and [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5anEPSp8wwEMJFZjwsThHA) for past meetups.

On March 11th, Startup Grind Toronto is bringing together a founder, a venture capitalist, and an angel investor to tackle the real challenges of building and fundraising in FemTech. Join us for an honest, tactical look at navigating the market, closing the funding gap, and scaling companies in FemTech today. Meet the Panel Parnian Majd (Founder and CEO, Fibra): A pioneer in the FemTech space, Parnian is navigating the front lines of health-tech innovation and breaking the taboos of women's health. Mellie Chow (Venture Partner, Archangel Axion & Techstars Toronto): An engineer-turned-venture capitalist, Mellie is deeply committed to closing the gender equity funding gap, with a portfolio featuring 27% women-led companies. Orchid Jahanshahi (Founder and Angel Investor, ThinkrBelle): A seasoned founder and angel investor, Orchid brings a unique perspective on scaling in overlooked sectors and navigating the challenges of early-stage growth. Meredith Bacal (Partner, Dentons): Our moderator, ensuring we bridge the gap between legal strategy and founder reality. AGENDA: 5:30 PM: Registration & Networking 6:15 PM: Panel & Audience Q&A 6:45 PM: The Mixer (Refreshments and curated networking) WHO SHOULD BE IN THE ROOM? Founders & Builders: If you are currently raising capital or growing a company—especially in complex sectors like HealthTech or FemTech—this is your peer group. Investors & Angels: VCs and private investors looking to connect with high-growth, female-led ventures and stay pulse-checked on 2026 trends. Ecosystem Leaders: Advisors and operators who want to engage in straightforward knowledge-sharing rather than just standard networking. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN The 2026 Fundraising Market: A transparent look from Mellie Chow (Venture Partner, Archangel Axion & Techstars Toronto) and Orchid Jahanshahi (Angel Investor and Founder, ThinkrBelle) on what investors are actually looking for in the current climate. Scaling in Overlooked Sectors: Parnian Majd (CEO of Fibra) shares the reality of building a company in a market that traditional investors often misunderstand. Effective Support Systems: How to move away from trying to solve every problem on your own. Our speakers will share the specific advice and introductions that actually moved the needle for them. Curated Networking: Following the panel, we’re hosting a mixer designed to help you meet the right investors, mentors, or future partners. Capacity at Dentons is limited to ensure everyone has a chance to make quality connections. Secure your spot today. About Our Venue Partner, Dentons Dentons is the world's largest law firm. Our legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including the Dentons Venture Hub, an innovative and informative online resource centre. Dentons’ polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and public interests in a rapidly changing world. Agenda --- Moderator Meredith Bacal - Dentons (Partner) Meredith Bacal is a partner in the Firm’s Intellectual Property, and Litigation and Dispute Resolution groups. Meredith has extensive experience litigating media, entertainment, defamation, and technology disputes. She has acted on several leading cases on Canadian copyright and personality rights in the course of her career. In addition, she has appeared before many levels of court, including… Hosts Lydia Emanuel - Startup Grind Toronto (Events Lead) Daria Tilikanova - Winner Capital (Startup Coach and Mentor) Daria Tilikanova is a business and startup coach who helps founders and service-based entrepreneurs build scalable businesses with clear strategy, strong positioning, and predictable revenue systems. Originally from Russia, she founded and sold two education companies before moving to Canada, where she shifted into full-time mentoring for early-stage and growing foun… --- 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. Partners Winner Capital (https://winner.capital) Winner Capital is an early stage to growth stage syndicate fund investing across North America Dentons (https://www.dentons.com/en/) Dentons Venture Tech Group --- 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-toronto-presents-international-womens-day-2026-founder-investor-panel-and-mixer-givetogain/.

## **Import & Export — Learn the Model, Remove the Risk, Build the Business** **Casual Learning & Support Session \| LeaderSHIFT Community** There is growing interest in import/export as a business — but most people get stuck on the same questions: * Where do I start? * How do I avoid getting burned? * How do I finance deals safely? * How do I find real clients (not tire-kickers)? This session is designed to answer those questions clearly and practically. ### **📌 Format (Two-Part Session)** **First Hour – Foundations (Beginner Friendly)** This is a structured walkthrough for anyone who wants to understand the business from the ground up. We will cover: * How the import/export business actually works * How to structure deals using government programs and banks to reduce or eliminate risk * How financing can be used properly (without putting yourself in danger) * How to find clients and generate deal flow * Common mistakes and traps to avoid All attendees will receive a **free booklet and resource package** with the information needed to begin setting up their own import/export business. **Second Hour – Open Support & Deal Discussion (Optional)** This portion is for: * People already working on deals * Those who understand the model and want deeper discussion * Anyone seeking feedback on a specific roadblock * Individuals who want to offer insight, support, or collaboration It becomes a collaborative, peer-supported environment rather than a formal presentation. ### **☕ Setting** This is a **casual, low-pressure meetup** held at Second Cup (Sheppard Centre, Yonge & Sheppard). Grab a coffee, bring your questions, and engage at your own pace. No pitches. No hype. Just real knowledge, real structure, and real conversation.

To register, please visit https://www.bnibusinessconnectionsone.com/ • What we'll do Doors open: 6:45 am Structured meeting: 7:00 am - 8:30 am (We start and stop on time.) - Informal Networking - President’s Welcome - Leadership Team Introductions - Education Moment: 2-minute talk on a networking topic - Weekly Presentations (45-seconds per member and guest- pitching your own services) - VP’s Report: Chapter Performance Update - Reports: Treasurer and Membership Committee - 5-Minute Break - 10-Minute Feature Presentation by a Member - Passing of referrals, testimonials, thank yous to guests - Presenter’s Gift Draw - Close OUR GUARANTEE: Business Connections One are full of life, laughter and learning! • What to bring What you’ll need to do as a visitor: - Plan a 45 second (100 words) infomercial on your business and what makes a good referral. - Bring about 40 business cards for circulation to the group. - Pay $30 in cash or cheque at the door (or via Paypal on this site) • Important to know

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

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!

**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence** What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice? In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst. Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process. This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices. **Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti** Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design. Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast. After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills. In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development. Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community. **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.*

Is your business taking more of your time than you would like? [Rob Young](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinci-robyoung/) principal at [Stage 3 Group](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stage-3-group/), hosts this workshop series and is the author of Stage 3 Success. * Provides a framework and a playbook for leaders of emerging businesses * Reviews business management tools and techniques for scaling and maturing a business * How to recognize and leverage stories hidden in financial statements * How to implement financial and operational controls and use leading indicators to spot trouble before it occurs * How to manage your time for maximum effect * How to deal with nonperforming employees * How to create standard operating procedures throughout your organization Four sessions will include two hours of content and an optional 90-minute hands-on lab. Reserve your spot via this link: https://clintonvilleba.com/calendar/#!event/2026/3/20/chaos-to-clarity-to-control ($200 for non-CABA members.)

One of the most valuable parts of this community is the opportunity to think out loud with other product professionals. This session is built for exactly that. As we wrap up the quarter, it’s a great time to pause and reflect. What’s on track? What needs adjustment? Where could a small shift create bigger impact? Join fellow product professionals for a focused, interactive conversation designed to help you recalibrate for the next quarter. You’ll have the opportunity to share where you are, hear how others are thinking through similar challenges, and gain fresh perspective you can bring back to your team and organization. We’ll gather at 8:00AM, with discussion starting promptly at 8:15AM. 📍 First Watch - 7227 N High St Located in: The Shops at Worthington Ample parking is available. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Start your morning with clarity and connection — we hope to see you there! ☀️