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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out lean startup events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the lean startup events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find lean startup events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Lean Startup Events Today
Join in-person Lean Startup events happening right now
Overcoming Average - NoVa Chapter
This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything.
I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!
The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club - REI Education & Networking event - Arlington VA
**Details**
Calling all Arlington VA Real Estate Investors, Agents and Professionals! Join the most unique real estate investor club, education, networking and mastermind event in the US! The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club is nationwide but was founded right here in your back yard!
**This is a 12 part education series with new topics every month. This event is session 11 of 12!**
**This event is free but has very limited seating and we are limited to the first 100 to RSVP! Join us and become a founding member of this amazing community!**
*(it is ok to attend even if you missed previous sessions. Each session has stand alone topics. You can also attend other near by locations to get caught up on sessions that you have missed.)*
Very limited seating. In-person only.
Make sure to RSVP today to reserve your spot.
When: **February 18, 2026 @ 5:45pm-8:30pm EST**
Where: **4720A Langston Blvd. Arlington, VA 22207 (Samson Properties)**
**Important Note:**
* Street parking is available.
* Doors lock at 6:00 PM.
* If you arrive late and find the doors locked, please call:
* Shawn Barsness: 828-506-0487
* Ana Bialek: 703-499-0535
* We will also place signs outside to guide you if the doors are locked.
The Cash-Flow Breakfast Club is NOT just a meet up. It’s the most unique Real Estate Investor Community of Mentors, Coaches & Masterminds. A community of growth oriented, abundance mindset, go-giver individuals with a BARE MINIMUM commitment to become financially free through real estate investing.
We focus on providing education and building networks to help every member solve their cash-flow freedom equation, so they can have the time-freedom needed to follow their passions, make a lasting impact and even change the world! The unique format of this event, which consists of high-level education, gamified networking, mastermind breakout sessions, case studies, group deal analysis, market deep dives, and peer-to-peer coaching facilitation makes this the most impactful local real estate investor group a real estate investor can be a part of.
The foundation of the group is built around the belief that everyone in the room has the potential to change the world… however most of us never have the time, energy or financial situation to even dare to dream big enough. Most of us have passions that will never be followed, amazing businesses or ideas that will never be pursued… unless we can solve the Cash-Flow Freedom Equation, which ultimately leads to Time-Freedom. Once that happens it is usually much easier for us to think bigger, dream bigger, be bigger.
· 🤯 Learn more about the Cash-Flow Breakfast Club [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/)
· 🥇 Get in the VIP List to be notified about the next event in your area [HERE](https://the.cashflowbreakfastclub.com/VIP)
· 🤙🏼 Learn more about Launching your own Cash-Flow Breakfast Club Location [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/launch-your-own-club/)
· 🤝🏼 Learn more about becoming an Affiliate-Sponsor at one of our club locations [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/affiliate-sponsors/)
· 📷 View photos and videos of some of our recent events [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/about-the-cash-flow-breakfast-club/)
· 😎 Looking to represent? Browse Cash-Flow Breakfast Club apparel and fly swag [HERE](https://cashflowbreakfastclub.com/shop/)
Real Talk
**Tired of surface-level conversations?**
Join us for *Real Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there.
We’ll meet at the church (we are a secular group), break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations.
***Rules:***
1. Don't debate politics.
2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group.
3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first.
\*\*If you show up late, please hop into a group and don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice, and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes.
Community of Christ church: 3526 Massachusetts Ave.
PS—If you want to support the group (Meetup organizer fees, new card games, misc. materials) then you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/dillantaylor
^^This is 100% optional, and can be done on a one-time or monthly basis. But the meetup will always be free. Thanks! 🙏
Fairfax Business Meetup - Middle of the Month, Week, Day
# Fairfax Business Meetup - Middle of the Month, Week, Day
**Presents - Business, Community, & Education // with The Arc of Northern Virginia December 17th at Noon**
Come attend our Monthly Meetup at Patriots Pub & Grill. Get to know business professionals in the area, and help others pursue their goals. This is a relaxed business networking luncheon, that will showcase a local business in the area with a Q & A afterwards, hosted by Vision Idea Design.
***RSVP at*** *bit.ly/FairfaxMeetup (link below map)*
**Attendance is FREE, but...** A specialty catered menu has been crafted for this event by Patriots Pub & Grill. $5 - Beverages with refills. $25 RSVP (Includes food, space rental, etc.)
Each event will have a brief open networking, followed by introductions allowing each professional a few minutes to discuss their business. A local business will be spotlighted and will share a brief presentation about the organization, followed by questions and answers.
We aim to help each other grow our businesses and support our community by getting to know each other a little bit more.
**This month we are showcasing *The Arc of Northern Virginia.* The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.**
Patriots Pub & Grill has been a Fairfax City staple neighborhood restaurant initially welcoming regulars as Patriots Café. Newly relocated to 10560 Main Street at the Mosby Building, Patriots Pub & Grill specializes in American cuisine for the whole family in an easy-going casual setting.
Vision Idea Design is an all inclusive Graphic Design Firm located in Fairfax City. From logo concept to product packaging and books, and from trade show banners to signage and marketing materials. We enjoy helping others achieve their goals and pursuing their vision to success.
**Please bring a positive attitude, business cards, a networking partner, and your best elevator pitch.**
We look forward to seeing you there!
***RSVP at***
| [https://bit.ly/FairfaxMeetup](https://bit.ly/FairfaxMeetup) |
| ---------------------------- |
|
***Agenda***
*12:00 Open Networking - 10 Mins*
*12:10 Welcome Everyone*
*12:13 Place Food Orders*
*12:15 Introduce Yourself!*
*12:20 Featured Presenter*
*12:45 Q & A’s*
*12:50 Next Month*
*12:51 CFCC*
*12:55 Other Events*
*12:59 Make Connections*
*1:00 Thank You!*
***February - 18 - Yvonne Herbst - Google Business***
***March - 11 - Volunteer Fairfax***
***April - 15 - HomeStretch***
***May - 13 - Minetta Minor***
***http://bit.ly/FairfaxMeetup*** *(link below map)*
| Link | [https://bit.ly/FairfaxMeetup](https://bit.ly/FairfaxMeetup) |
| ---- | ---------------------------- |
| Venue | Patriots Pub & Grill |
| Address | 10560 Main StreetFairfaxVA22030,US |
| Starts | Wed FEB 18th 2025, 12:00pm EST |
| Ends | Wed FEB 18th 2025, 1:00pm EST |
Lean Startup Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Penn West Graduation: Meet DC Ecosystem Leaders & Founders (In-Person)
Join us for the Graduation of the latest Penn West Founder Institute Cohort, where you can see an inspiring talk by a Keynote Speaker and great pitches from the new Alumni. Learn about some of the companies that will go onto seed-accelerators, raise funding, and build the next great Penn West startups in DC. Hear brilliant founders in EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, PropTech, LegalTech, Blockchain, AI and more... There will also be an opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and celebrate the new Graduates.
**❯ Featuring:**
* Vikram Dhawan (Founder & CEO, KnoetiK Solutions Inc.)
* Kuzeyhan Ozdemir (Lean Startup Mentor, Founder Institute)
* Guc Ozenci (Program Director, FI Washington DC)
* Andres Jordan (Founder, Factor6, LLC)
* Elena Sterlin (Founder, Live Long Life)
* Ufuk Demirci (Global Head, Venture Funds, IFC)
**❯ Who Should Attend?**
This is an essential event for investors, policy makers, economic development leaders, and anyone interested in the thriving startup ecosystem in Washington, D.C. Whether you are looking to discover new investment opportunities, engage with top entrepreneurs, or connect with industry leaders, the *Land & Launch* graduation is the perfect place to network and gain insights into the future of innovation and business in the region.
**❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup](https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.**
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**About Penn West and the Accelerator**
The *Penn West Land & Launch Accelerator* was designed in partnership with Founder Institute to support high-potential companies from both tech and non-tech sectors. Over the course of the 14-week accelerator, these companies have received specialized support in venture-building, business development, legal and regulatory preparation, and market entry strategies. The accelerator culminates in a dynamic showcase of these startups ready to expand their operations and make their mark on the D.C. market.
**About Founder Institute:**
The [Founder Institute](https://fi.co/) is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 8,900 entrepreneurs raise over 2BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup](https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.**
February 2026 Founders Dinner
Come connect with founders across the DC startup community at our monthly Startup Grind DC Founders Dinner. This month, we’re spotlighting HealthTech & Wellness founders—but all founders are welcome to join us for complimentary appetizers and great conversation.
Quick heads-up: Your ticket includes event access and appetizers. Entrées and drinks will be on individual tabs.
We’re also looking for sponsors who want to support the DC founder community. Whether that’s hosting the event, covering food, or contributing financially, sponsors get the opportunity to connect directly with founders, receive shoutouts in our promotions, speak at events, and reach our 10,000+ pre-seed to Series A founders across the DMV.
Agenda
---
Hosted By
Mia Orantes, Chapter Director
I'm a dynamic speaker, angel investor, serial entrepreneur, the host of the celebrated Founders Only podcast, and the CEO & founder of the award-winning agency that automates online growth and profitability engines, Creative Analytics.
As a lifelong entrepreneur, I am devoted to serving founders by showing them the road map for rapid online growth and helping them navigate that journey.
A native Washingtonian, I hold several designations, including a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, an MBA & MS in Information Technology with a concentration in Project Management, and an in-progress certificate in Digital Transformation & AI from Cornell University.
---
Global Partner
Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind)
Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com.
Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind.
---
Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-washington-dc-presents-february-2026-founders-dinner/.
Young Entrepreneurs Hangout — Lincoln Memorial Walk & Coffee
This is a **Saturday hangout for young entrepreneurs and builders** who want to meet like-minded people and actually make friends.
We’ll meet at the **Lincoln Memorial**, on the **west side near the Reflecting Pool**, and take a walk around the area till the sun sets. Afterward, anyone who wants to keep hanging out can grab **coffee/tea or a small bite nearby (Maman)**.
This isn’t a networking event or a pitch session. It’s for people who are interested in building things (or thinking about it) and want a solid group of people around them outside of work.
You don’t need a startup, a title, or a plan - just be open to meeting people you’d actually want to hang out with again.
Most people will be coming solo so don't be shy :)
From Fragment to Form - An Open AI Studio
**AI-Supported Creative Exploration**
*For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives*
(Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.)
This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point.
We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure.
You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to.
No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here.
This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible:
* Arrive late or leave early
* Work quietly or observe
* Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold
There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough.
**FROM FRAGMENT TO FORM - AN OPEN AI STUDIO**
Many creative ideas don't arrive as "projects." They arrive as fragments, moods, or something that won't leave you alone.
This open studio is a place to gently explore those fragments using AI as a thinking partner—without forcing clarity too soon.
You're welcome to work, observe, arrive late, or leave early. This is a calm room for unfinished ideas.
**HOW TO FIND US**
Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle.
**(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**
McLean Business Forum
A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!
Primewise Founders Club VC Connect and Networking Event- Washington DC
**Pitch your startup directly to leading venture capital investors and** **Join Primewise Founders Club's exclusive networking session where visionary entrepreneurs connect, collaborate and create magic together.**
**Primewise Founders Club**, in collaboration with **a leading Venture Capital Firm**, presents an exclusive VC Connect Session – a high-impact opportunity for early-stage founders to pitch directly to active venture capital investors.
This closed-door virtual event brings together selected founders and investors in a focused setting designed to foster meaningful connections, investor feedback, and potential funding opportunities across USA.
If you’re building a scalable technology venture or an innovative business model, this is your chance to showcase your vision to leading investors and industry experts.
Register Now: [https://thepfclub.com/neusa/]
[Filling the form is a must. If you are looking to apply for investor connect, click "Raise Investment" on the "what are you hoping to gain from the event" and our team will reach out to you.]
**What Makes This Special:**
* Pitch directly to VC: Pitch your startup directly to VC and investors
* Strategic partnerships: Collaborate with fellow founders on new ventures.
* Scaling discussions: Exchange ideas on growth and market expansion.
* Investment opportunities: Be the first to discover promising startups.
* Expand your influence while contributing to the startup ecosystem.
* A supportive community: Celebrate wins and overcome challenges together.
**Networking event:**
**Date**: 21st February, 2026
**Time**: 12:00 PM (EDT)
**Format**: Online
**VC event:** Invite-only access - details will be shared for shortlisted founders
**Join Our Ecosystem:**
1\. Register for the event
2\. Join our LinkedIn community
3\. Get access to our exclusive WhatsApp group
4\. Connect with fellow members
5\. Start growing together\!
Contact Us:
Website: [[https://thepfclub.com/](https://thepfclub.com/)]
Email: [[event@thepfclub.com](http://event@thepfclub.com/)]
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/primewise-founders-club/]
To your entrepreneurial success,
Primewise Founders Club Team
Vibe Creating with Charles Ajemian & DJ Little
**Get a Head Start - AI Vibe Creating**
This workshop will focus on using Gemini-based AI tools to help teams develop a one-page lean canvas, a research report, a visual prototype [via Google Stitch](https://stitch.withgoogle.com/), and a pitch deck.
This hands-on workshop teaches participants how to use AI tools at every key stage of building a project: planning, researching, visual prototyping, and pitching.
Inspired by the structure of the [Ideas of Impact Challenge](https://ideasofimpact.com), this session shows how AI can be more than a shortcut; it can be a strategic thinking partner. Participants will learn how to:
* Clarify their problem and define a strong value proposition using AI-supported planning tools
* Speed up research and customer discovery with focused AI prompts
* Build a visual prototype or demo using accessible AI platforms
* Craft a clear, confident pitch that tells a compelling story
Instead of using AI just to generate content, this workshop focuses on using AI to sharpen ideas, reduce confusion, and move from concept to action quickly.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with:
* A clearer project direction
* A basic prototype or demo concept
* A stronger and more structured pitch
This workshop is ideal for first-time founders, student innovators, and social impact teams who want to move fast while building something meaningful.
Workshop participants will need a laptop, a Gmail account, and their phone to participate in this session.
**Join DJ Little - Changemaker**. He is an Economic Futurist, Technologist, and Worldbuilder co-creating an evolutionary economic model and community to prepare impact-driven creators for the future of work and entrepreneurship. As a serial entrepreneur, he has received the following recogintion: Halcyon Fellow, 2023; 21st Century Grant Collaboration, 2023-2024; 4.0 Schools Angel Syndicate Grant Recipient, 2024; Arch Grants Finalist, 2024; and 4.0 Schools Tiny Fellowship, 2025.
**Charles Ajemian - Impact Founder.** With over 24 years of experience in leading innovative, human-centered design projects and online strategy consulting, Charles Ajemian is the Founder and Director of Mediaflux Benefit Corporation, a digital innovations company that specializes in social enterprise and impact consulting, online business strategy, and enterprise technology strategy, design, and development. Charles is a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and a UX Design professional who manages development projects across national and international accounts, integrating custom codebase that operationalizes continuous optimization.
Charles is also a passionate advocate and a former national director of Social Enterprise Alliance, a platform that supports and advances the movement of organizations and individuals who dedicate themselves to social progress through social enterprise. He is inspired by the promise of web3 and the block arts, and strives to enable mission-driven individuals and organizations to succeed through adaptive leadership and responsible technology stewardship. He is committed to the principles of purpose-driven economies and equanimity-centered marketplaces, and facilitates the curation and utilization of shared resource collaborations for a more common wealth.
**Please note this is a Pre-Launch discussion, a part of Startup Weekend - Richmond Changemakers, Feb. 20 - 22.**
**The Experience.** This series will be held in hybrid format for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design.
**Hybrid Logistics.**
* Friday, February 20, 2026
* 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST
No pre-registration is required.
Join us:
Robins School of Business
102 UR Drive, EY iLab Room 123
University of Richmond, VA 23173
Parking. Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor.
Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window.
Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number.
On Zoom Webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILY
Lean Startup Events Near You
Connect with your local Lean Startup community
Sip & Read: *Founder Edition* Meetup: Book/Venue TBD
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!!*
Agile Coaching Circle -- IN-PERSON
Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to:
* develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment
* share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other
* learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas
Recruiting Virtual Mental Health Group Leaders!
We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country.
Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply.
### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?**
Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment.
## **Why Join?**
* **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance.
* **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space.
* **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection.
## **The Ideal Group Leader**
The ideal group leader
* Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community.
* Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us.
* Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind.
* An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection.
* An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms.
* Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus.
## **Our Impact**

Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported:
* A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being.
* An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging.
* Said they would return again.
We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself.
### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based**
Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission!
Every contribution helps us:
* **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization.
* **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year.
By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic.
## **Come Join Us!**
We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection.
🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside
🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application
🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind
Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831
Spec-Driven Development with GitHub Spec-Kit - Barret Blake
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge.
**Abstract**
*Spec-Driven Development with GitHub Spec-Kit: From Intent to Implementation*
Spec-driven development flips the traditional workflow on its head: instead of code being the source of truth, the specification becomes the backbone of design, collaboration, and delivery. In this session, we’ll explore how GitHub Spec-Kit enables teams to treat specifications as first-class artifacts—living documents that drive architecture, implementation, and verification.
You’ll learn how Spec-Kit helps teams clearly express intent using structured, version-controlled specs that live alongside code. We’ll walk through a practical workflow that starts with defining system behavior and constraints, then progressively refines those specs into testable, automatable outcomes. Along the way, we’ll show how specs can reduce ambiguity, improve cross-functional collaboration, and make design decisions explicit before a single line of production code is written.
This talk will cover:
--What spec-driven development is (and what it isn’t)
--How GitHub Spec-Kit fits into modern developer workflows
--Using specs to align product, engineering, and AI-assisted development
--Real-world examples of turning specs into implementations with confidence
Whether you’re building greenfield systems, integrating AI into your stack, or trying to reduce costly rework, spec-driven development offers a scalable way to move faster without sacrificing clarity. Attendees will leave with concrete patterns and a clear mental model for adopting GitHub Spec-Kit in their own projects.
**YouTube Link**
TBA
Columbus Medical Marijuana Meetup 2/24/26 - Network/Learn/Celebrate/Mix/Chill
Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday February 24 from 7-10 pm at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new friends!
WE HOPE TO BE COLLECTING SIGNATURES TO OVERTURN SB56. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO JOIN US AND SIGN!
Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect.
Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!
Go Build & Learn
Meeting @ Improving's office in Downtown Columbus, near Cosi. Parking is paid, food & drink are free!
This time we're hanging out after the long winter break. We are going to look at a group-member's project used to help learn the fundamentals of Go, and if time allows, we can take a look at how we like to build Go projects using AI.
Quarterly Community Gathering
Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space.
No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving.
If you’d like to take the stage, message **Chris (the organizer)** with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share.
Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus.
Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)






























