Startup Businesses

[Click To Learn More About & Get Your Tickets](https://aagc.africa/?mc_cid=294c8e0d0d&mc_eid=UNIQID) This May in Accra, as part of Africa Day celebrations, the Timeless Women of Wonder Foundation (TWOWF) is convening leaders, investors, policymakers, and operators from across sectors in Africa through the Accelerate Africa’s Growth Connect (AAGC)—a platform designed not just for dialogue, but for partnerships and tangible outcomes. If you’re looking to explore investment and trade opportunities, build meaningful relationships on the continent, or deepen your engagement with Africa’s growth story, this is your invitation into the room where that becomes possible. AAGC sits at the intersection of influence, access, and execution—bringing together those actively shaping Africa’s economic transformation and global competitiveness. What makes it stand out isn’t just who is in the room— it’s what the room is built to enable. Across two powerful days, you’ll gain direct proximity to: -Policymakers and government leaders shaping national agendas -Investors and business leaders unlocking capital and opportunity -Innovators and entrepreneurs building across key sectors -A global network aligned around growth, collaboration, and impact -Curated deal rooms connecting capital with real opportunities From high-level dialogue to investor forums, curated networking, and deal rooms — this is where ideas evolve into partnerships, and partnerships translate into impact. [Click To Learn More About & Get Your Tickets](https://aagc.africa/?mc_cid=294c8e0d0d&mc_eid=UNIQID)

**NEW EVENT!!!** Please be sure to RSVP on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988718806485?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest list. Pink Poodle Club is Spark's weekly Yappy Hour — every Monday on the back patio from 5–7pm. $1 Scooby Snacks for hoomans and $1 pup cups for the doggos. Come join us for a fun and **dog-friendly** gathering! It’s the perfect chance to meet new people, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with the **LGBTQ+ community**. Whether you're looking to make friends or just hang out, everyone’s welcome. Grab your favorite drink and let’s make some great memories together! This event is free to attend. We hope to see you there. In addition to coffee selections, the venue offers a good food and drinks [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2). We encourage you to register your attendance in advance. We hope to see you there. When you arrive with your dog, order on your own from the [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2). Then meet and mingle with LGBTQ+ folk and their dogs on the back patio. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. U Street Metro (Yellow/Green line) is only a few blocks away. Take the 13th Street Exit. The venue is adjacent to Crush Bar. This event is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow. Please feel free to invite all your friends to join you there! This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**, Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) . Go Gay DC's founder is **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)**. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies Two-Spirit

**West Coast Swing with Lara Deni** **Where:** Deni Danzco Studio - 3408 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA ​ \*Max 16 people per class **Monday** 7:00pm - Level 2 (Novice) 7:45pm- Drills/Musicality/Technique - Levels 2-4 8:30pm - Level 3 /4 (Intermediate/Advanced) ​ **Thursday** 7:00pm - Level 1 (no experience/beginner) **Cost: *$74/month*** \- Three classes per month in any one level ***$199/monthly subscription*** \- Unlimited Class Monthly Membership of any level \- cancel anytime **Explanation of Levels** * Level 1 (No Experience/Beginner) - 6 count Rhythm, Left and Right Side passes ), Starter Step, Connection, and a few other basics * Level 2 (Novice -Beyond Basics) - See 6 month Syllabus on the website * Level 3 /4 (Intermediate/Advanced) - Turn techniques, Leaders Turns, Hammerlocks, Re-directs, Sling Shots, Whip Variations, and so much more. The moves and information learned in this class is endless. You will not be bored! :o) * Drills/Technique/ Musicality (Levels 2-4) ​- Each month will be concentrating on one of the three mentioned. We will dive deep into that area of dance, so you walk away with a better understanding, more knowledge, and musicality to enhance and make your dance more fun! Definitely a class not to miss! ###### Q&A * Classes are 45min * Refunds offered only 48 hours before class/class series starts * You can make-up a class with a class that is of a lower level and running during your current series class time period ​

Are you looking for yoga to jump start your day? Please join us on Monday and Wednesday mornings to kickoff your day of events. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36, 37, 38, 39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

Memorial Day History Tour of the National Mall & White House Neighborhood! Examine 250 years of U.S. history in this unique walking tour, on Memorial Day, around the National Mall & White House. Changing the venue to check out the 12 new statues of the American Revolution at Freedom Plaza....MEET outside the National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 Our packed itinerary will draw from: o The locale where the most famous military anthem was written o The World War One memorial park o How the White House was secretly designed o The Kennedy Center star who was a war hero at Yorktown o The humble woman who faced down an enemy general o The official who brokered America's first Civil War--of 1794 o Civil War spies o Presidential humor o Where Frederick Douglass worked after recruiting troops for the Union Army o Sites of presidential assassination attempts o How Lafayette was saved by an American President o The Union sea captain who nearly lost the Civil War o Where Dolley Madison saved the National Archives o General Jackson's battles and duels o The greatest of the early U.S. Navy heroes o The secret of George Washington's martinet o How the "Paul Revere of the South" saved the American Revolution o The scoundrel who saved the Battle of Gettysburg o The battle of Army generals vs. Army veterans o The house of astronauts and scientists o The greatest caregiver to America's soldiers. o The White House racetrack o Thrilling monuments to the military's most valiant units. And more! Preregister and Prepay via: Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/memorial-day-tour-of-the-national-mall-white-house-neighborhood-dc-tickets-1989339939310?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/memorial-day-tour-of-the-national-mall-white-house-neighborhood-dc-tickets-1989339939310?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or send $23 via PayPal to: [paypal.me/EMoser460](http://paypal.me/EMoser460) Or, pay in cash at the tour's start: $23. Your guide is a former Presidential speechwriter, former Tonight Show writer, and author of a Second World War spy novel: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit)é-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5NPSKDS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 And of The White House's Unruly Neighborhood: [https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7](https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7) And a forthcoming book on Georgetown's history: [https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/georgetown-on-the-potomac/](https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/georgetown-on-the-potomac/) MEET outside the National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 Celebrate U.S. history, and more, on Memorial Day, at some of America's most memorable locales.

Welcome to our new home at the historic Tivoli Theater! Please check our details for access to the space on [our website](https://www.hacdc.org/visit/). Join the discord for questions / help getting in (use channel #let-me-in) [https://discord.gg/dNjuNhNmeT](https://discord.gg/dNjuNhNmeT)

If you're ready to grow your business through meaningful relationships and high-quality referrals, this event series is for you! We're a community of local small business professionals committed to building prosperity through authentic connection and collaboration. Join us for **genuine, no-pressure networking**—no fees, no pitches, no nonsense. Just good people, good conversations, and a few refreshments to keep things relaxed. Stay for a few minutes or the whole time—whatever works for you. **This event is completely free to attend**, but we kindly ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly. We can’t wait to connect with you!

Reboot Hour is a feel-good, drop-in happy hour for meeting great people, playing a few games, and resetting your week. **Come stressed, leave refreshed. Donate old tech too!** This is the **anti-event**: no agenda, no speakers, no pressure. Just good people + games + conversation. Quick community note: eWaste Warriors has been getting noticed — **Rob Link was named a RealLIST Connectors DC 2026 Top 20 Connector**. You’ll feel that energy in the room: a lot of those “connector” folks show up here to meet people and pull others in. **Optional bonus (1 minute): bring 1 working device** (phone/tablet/laptop/etc.). Donating feels good because it helps real people and keeps good tech in circulation. Accepted: phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, AR/VR headsets, game consoles, headphones. Not accepted: screens, CRTs, appliances, loose batteries. **When/Where:** Tue, May 26 • **5:00–7:30 PM** (drop in anytime) Carpool Ballston — 900 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA (Ballston Metro)

Whether you're looking to expand your network, create valuable partnerships, or connect with motivated local professionals, this is the place to be. Prepare a short presentation to showcase your business and a lot of business cards! **📍 Every Wednesday at 7:15 AM** **1604 Spring Hill Road, 2nd Floor, Vienna, VA** Visitors and professionals are always welcome. Come join us and experience the power of referral networking.

JOIN US FOR THE BEST NETWORKING EVENT IN DC! As seen in Entrepreneur Magazine THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= weconnect® is the fastest growing startup, digital & tech networking organization in the country. Our events are comprised of the most influential professionals in the area. THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= Our purpose is to help our members forge strong, lasting relationships within the community – combining Fortune 500/1000s with Entrepreneurs and Startups. We’re creating unique opportunities & connections to help you grow your business and network both offline and online through our proprietary platform (coming soon). Enjoy The Most Successful Startup & Tech Mixer In A Fun, Relaxed Atmosphere Mingle With Highly Successful Men & Women In The Entrepreneur, Startup, TECH Space Find Your Next Client, Employee, Business Partner or Co-founder “Your Network Is Your Net Worth.” Come Build Your Network With Us! THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= COMPANIES OFTEN IN ATTENDANCE\* (... just to name a few) Google • Sony • Electronic Arts • Hulu • Hautelook • The Honest Company • Disney • Apple • Activision • Live Nation • Dollar Shave Club • Facebook • Snapchat • Trunk Club • ZipRecruiter • Experian • DreamWorks Amplify • HBO • Edmonds.com • DogVacay • NBC Universal • YouTube • BeachBody • Playstation • Amazon...and so many more. \*This does not Guarantee that these companies will be in attendance at this event. JOIN US FROM 6:00 - 9:00PM • DRINKS\* • AMAZING COMPANY • NETWORKING \*Cash Bar PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: Connect in Tech We're Hiring THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= ***Event Date & location subject to change as per the organizers discretion.If event changes date your ticket will still be valid for the rescheduled event date.No Refunds, Exchanges or Substitutions***

We have gone back to **In Person** **only** meetings in **Bowie**. Please come out and Network with other Small Business Owners! Be ready to Pitch your Business and great ideas. See you there! Helen Ogbu, CPA

We have gone back to **In Person** **only** meetings in **Bowie**. Please come out and Network with other Small Business Owners! Be ready to Pitch your Business and great ideas. See you there! Helen Ogbu, CPA

The BNI Capital Business Alliance is a business and professional networking organization for all industry leaders. We are one of the top BNI groups in the region, focused on building business relationships and friendships that lead to growing each others business. We meet every Wednesday morning to build relationships, showcase our services, and meet new people! We welcome all visitors who are looking to expand their referral networks and grow their business. There is no fee for visiting our lite fare breakfast meeting and if your business category is open in our chapter you can learn more about how to become a member and join us every week! We are very active outside of our Wednesday morning meetings as well! We host member-only events regularly and are always out and about networking at other events. Due to COVID-19 circumstances our meetings are currently being held virtually through a Virtual Zoom Meeting from 7:30 - 9:00 am. A link to the meeting will be sent to you once you register as Attending on Meetup. We can't wait to meet you! Be prepared to tell us all about your business!

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

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

**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.*

**[Official registration site --> https://luma.com/du41v0tg](https://luma.com/du41v0tg)** **[You must register and will receive an approval/confirmation](https://luma.com/du41v0tg).** We’re taking HustleBus from Columbus to **Black Tech Week in Cincinnati** for a high-signal, founder-only experience focused on community, collaboration, and momentum. ​ **Why Black Tech Week?** ​Black Tech Week is one of the best rooms in Ohio to meet builders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders. Expect meaningful connections, great energy, and programming that spotlights founders and what’s being built. ​ What’s included (thank you to our sponsors Huntington Bank, Burton D Morgan Foundation, and Lightship Foundation) * ​Founder-only HustleBus transportation (free) * ​**Black Tech Week ticket comped** for HustleBus participants (must register with code) * And much more! There are limited seats on the Hustle Bus, so if this sounds like something you want to get in on, register today * Learn more and Register here --> [https://luma.com/du41v0tg](https://luma.com/du41v0tg)

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

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