How to Start Your Own Business
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Import & Export : Learn the Model, Remove the Risk, Build the Business
## **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.
International Women's Day 2026: Founder-Investor Panel and Mixer #GiveToGain 💜
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/.
Network and Build your Business
**This is an in person meeting every Wednesday.**
**IMPORTANT: You must register to attend the meeting. Additional meeting details will be sent once you have registered for the meeting:**
To Pre-register please send an email to **themarketeers@live.com** with your **Full Name, Phone Number and Business Name , Business Category and Email Address.**
BNI Marketeers - We always have at least 20-25 members at our weekly meetings even if meetup doesn't show that many attending. We are looking to add 20 new members to our chapter. Come out as a visitor and see what it is all about.
You get to network with 20-40 business owners and have a fabulous lunch. There is a cost of $45/person (paid at the venue) for the meeting which includes the cost of lunch.
We meet in the Highway 7 and Leslie St area in Richmond Hill. Meetings start promptly at 11:45 and run until 1:30.
Practical Philosophy Meetup - Toronto 🇨🇦
**NO PHILOSOPHY EXPERTISE REQUIRED!**
**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?**
Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎
Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic.
The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌
**📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?**
Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KRy6VgwgGRm3hSGeYlAzDE), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going.
When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture.
**General Meeting Agenda**
Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline:
* 19:30-19:45 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start.
* 19:45-19:55 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines.
* 19:55-21:15 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them.
* 21:15-21:30 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo.
* 21:30 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other.
**🧧PRICING?**
Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though!
**💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY**
**🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam
🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel
**🤓 FAQ**
* **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?**
No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it.
* **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?**
The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school.
* **Is it mostly men that attend?**
Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms.
* **Can I come alone?**
Of course you can, we encourage it :)
* **Can I be late?**
Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation.
* **Where do you meet?**
The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KRy6VgwgGRm3hSGeYlAzDE) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/).
🤝**POLICY**
To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
**PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨**
We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️
**\*\*\***
**Join our [Toronto Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KRy6VgwgGRm3hSGeYlAzDE) 👈**
**Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈**
**Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**
Deer Park Toastmasters IN-PERSON Meeting (Guests welcome)
## Details
*We are a welcoming place and space to develop your public & virtual speaking, presentation and leadership skills*.
**Meeting Agendas** *include*:
• Reading of Our Mission statement
• Guest Introductions
• Introduce a Word Of The Day
• Table Topics impromptu speaking opportunities (if you're comfortable!)
• Toastmaster Toast on a chosen Theme for the meeting
• Speakers
• Speech Evaluations and more... We look forward to meeting you soon!
**This event is not hosted by or sponsored by the Toronto Public Library**
How to Start Your Own Business Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Toronto's Best Thursday Night Comedy Show : Live Open Mic
**🎭 YOUR THURSDAY NIGHT OUT** Looking for a fun night out? A date night? Perfect post-work escape with friends?
Join us for live comedy every Thursday at Desi Hakka Affairs. Enjoy fresh, emerging talent in an intimate setting with great food, drinks, and specials. No cover charge—just laughs and good vibes.
**📍 LOCATION & SPECIALS** Desi Hakka Affairs, 3415 Dixie Rd Unit 4A, Mississauga, ON L4Y 2B1.
Free parking. Enjoy drink and appetizer specials all night long while you laugh.
**🎤 COMEDY & POETRY SHOWCASE** Love comedy? Love poetry? We feature local comedians AND poets.
Want to perform? Spots are limited—sign up online at: [https://forms.gle/pgmJXhNom3XRESce6](https://forms.gle/pgmJXhNom3XRESce6 "https://forms.gle/pgmJXhNom3XRESce6") (required for performers—no walk-up additions).
Spectators just need a ticket!
Tech & Startup Networking: Toronto
**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.
Generating more business before 9am than most people see all week
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
Clear, Calm, Focused Growth MasterClass
👉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 @1pm-2:30 pm
👉Join us here: **[https://jlyall.com/clearcalmfocused](https://jlyall.com/clearcalmfocused)**
#92: 1 Man Company Agentic Engineering:10 DOs & Don'ts
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.
Investors & Founders Pitch Night Toronto
**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.
Clear, Calm Focused Growth Masterclass
👉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 Session
March 12 @1pm-2:30 pm
👉Join us here: **[https://jlyall.com/clearcalmfocused](https://jlyall.com/clearcalmfocused)**
How to Start Your Own Business Events Near You
Connect with your local How to Start Your Own Business community
Building a Voice Over Business
Join Voice Over Pros Of Ohio for an exciting morning of networking, and exploring opportunities in the world of voice acting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for expanding your network, learning how to start a VO business, and for honing your skills. Connect with fellow voice actors and VO experts, that will help you succeed in your voice over business.
This event will feature discussions on professional development, entrepreneurship in the voice over industry, with tips for navigating the world of voice acting. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from others, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take your voice over career to the next level. Join us Saturday, March 28, from 10am - 12pm and learn how to start or grow your voice over business. Let your voice be heard! The $10 fee covers refreshments and door prizes.
Gold Star Business Networking
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!
Evolve Synergy: Westerville Chapter
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.
How to Be a Better Communicator - Free Seminar
Communication is everything in life
You are only as successful as your ability to communicate.
\- What if you could confidently talk to anyone?
\- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation?
\- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence?
You can!
The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate.
Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio
1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024
From Chaos to Clarity to Control - A Workshop For Business Leaders
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.)
Anger and Resentment, How to Handle their Source and Live a Better Life
Wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to overcome your feelings of anger so that you not only control them, but you no longer have the urge to lose your temper in the first place?
And how about being able to shake off resentments, persistent annoyance, or even feelings of vengeance?
We’d like to invite you to an event on how to overcome anger and resentment. We will show you why people have trouble controlling their temper and where resentment comes from.
Flaring anger can ruin a meeting, a relationship, an opportunity, or just about any aspect of life. Worst of all, outbursts towards our family can create hurt that lingers throughout a lifetime.
You want to have a civil conversation, and you’ve vowed that you wouldn’t lose your temper, but a few minutes later, the anger flares up. Maybe you’ve realized that being angry doesn’t get you what you want so you internalize it. Or maybe you avoid the knockdown, drag-out fights, but stewing in resentment is exhausting and takes an emotional toll.
In this event we show you how to get to the root of your anger so that it stops being an issue to you. You’ll also learn why people harbor resentments and how to move on.
Don't continue to struggle, make a difference in your life, and join us for this local event.
Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there.
This Meetup is sponsored by your local Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.
Evolve Elite: Worthington Chapter
Evolve exists to connect women entrepreneurs connect with one another, serve one another, and help one another overcome challenges in marketing, sales, networking, and professional development.
[Add to Calendar](evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com)
What to Expect:
\~ Welcome team to greet you, introduce you to others, and make sure you feel a part of the group from your very first meeting
\~ Welcome & Introductions: 15 second introductions
\~ 15 Minute Speaker Spotlight: Member speaker who shares a bit of her story, how she got to doing what she does, and a tangible tip she uses to gain success in her business. No hard selling...no expectations. Simply giving the group an opportunity to get to know her and her journey.
\~ 20 Minute Break Out Sessions: Small groups is where we connect best. Extroverted and Introverted alike get the opportunity to share on a deeper level and learn from one another.
\~ Take Aways: Hear what the other groups talked about and share resources to grow yourself and your business
\~ Grow Time!: Do you need a specific connection to a person, company, or industry? Share it with us! We love to open our networks to one another and grow together!
Guests are always welcome. Please contact Mentor Director Donna Schomer at Donna@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. We'd love to meet you!

























