Seed Funding

Join us for a fun night of virtual speed dating where couples can connect and bond with other like-minded couples in Toronto. Whether you're looking to make new friends or spark some romance, this event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a date night from the comfort of your own home. Our interactive platform will provide a series of short, one-on-one conversations allowing you to meet multiple couples throughout the evening. Don't miss out on this exciting chance to socialize and potentially find your next double-date adventure partner. Grab your favorite drink, dress to impress, and get ready to mingle with other couples in the Toronto area.

## Join Our Online Event: **How To Fund Real Estate Investing** Thinking about diving into real estate but not sure how to finance your dreams? This online session breaks down all the cool ways to **get funding** for your projects. Whether you're a newbie or just looking to boost your funding game, we've got tips and tricks to get you started. Grab your laptop, settle in, and let's talk cash flow and creative financing! * **Understand the real funding options** — conventional loans, private money, hard money, and joint ventures, and when each actually makes sense. * **Learn how money flows through a deal** — capital stacks, risk positions, and why deals die when funding isn’t planned first. * **Avoid the most common funding mistakes** — overleveraging, bad assumptions, and chasing deals you can’t realistically finance. * **Get financially positioned before you make offers** — so you’re credible, confident, and ready when the right deal shows up. Register Here: [SIGN UP HERE](https://links.eliteeventbuilder.com/widget/form/bu1G1KgNvYWHQqAhCtbg?am_id=debbie335)

\*\*This is a paid event, please register via our Luma Page. You need to have a ticket in order to attend this event: https://luma.com/together-toronto-jan-12-2026 **​Together Toronto brings the city’s tech community together for an evening of connection, inspiration, and learning** ​Together Toronto is where the city’s most passionate tech builders, thinkers, and doers come together to learn from the journeys that rarely get shared. At this signature event, we spotlight real stories from founders who’ve navigated the ups, downs, and in-betweens of building in Toronto’s fast-moving tech scene. These aren’t polished pitches or surface-level panels, they’re honest, behind-the-scenes conversations that reveal what it actually takes to launch, scale, and grow a company. ​You’ll hear from entrepreneurs who’ve taken bold bets, faced unexpected challenges, and found creative ways to move forward. Their stories offer more than inspiration - they deliver lessons, frameworks, and insights that can change how you approach your own work. Whether you're starting your first venture, scaling a team, or simply curious about how Canadian leading companies are built, this event is for you. This event is about more than just listening, it’s about connecting. You’ll be in a room full of founders, investors, operators, and future collaborators who believe in the power of community. It’s a chance to meet the people building what's next, share ideas, and be part of something bigger than yourself. **Featured Speakers** [Benjamin Alarie](https://www.linkedin.com/in/balarie/), Founder and CEO of [Blue J](https://www.bluej.com/) [Shirley Zhong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-zhong-yueming), Co-Founder & COO of [Xatoms](https://www.xatoms.com/) [Kristine Beese](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinebeese/), Founder and CEO of [Untangle Money](http://www.untangle.money/) ​[Jason Ramsay](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-b-ramsay-538910197/), Founder of [Nodalli](https://nodalli.com/)

(Inside Captains Snooker Club) Forget stiff business cards and elevator pitches. This is a social mixer designed for genuine conversation and building authentic relationships—with the relaxing backdrop of games to keep things flowing. Come for the connection, stay for the fun. The venue is the perfect blend of a lively games hall and a cozy lounge, providing multiple ways to interact. ### How It Works: 🛋️ **Start in the Lounge:** Grab a drink and settle into our comfortable lounge area for easy, open conversation. Light prompts will be available to help break the ice. 🎱 **Let the Games Guide You:** Feeling playful? Pool, snooker, and ping pong tables are available as shared activities. Challenge someone to a game or join one already in progress. It’s not about winning—it’s about creating a fun, shared experience that naturally sparks connection. ↔️ **Flow Freely:** Move seamlessly between meaningful chats in the lounge and friendly games at the tables throughout the night. 🎟 **$10 Admission — includes shared pool table access and casual networking** Whether you're looking to expand your network, make new friends, or simply practice connecting in person, this is a welcoming space to be yourself and meet like-minded people. **This is for you if:** you value real conversation, believe the best connections happen over shared experiences, and maybe want to sink the 8-ball while you’re at it. Come build relationships, not just contacts.

Ticket Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1974279855193](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1974279855193)** Welcome to **Feedback \| An Open Mic Comedy Show** at the **Backroom Comedy Club**! Get ready for a night filled with laughter, jokes, and good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned comedian or just looking for a fun night out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some live comedy. Come join us on **Sundays** at **10:00 PM** for a hilarious evening that you won't forget. Talented and non-talented lineups of comedians will be taking the stage to entertain you and keep you laughing all night long, and if they fail, owners Ariel Kagan & Brandon Sobel will offer feedback on sets at the request So grab your friends, grab a drink, and get ready to have a great time at the **Backroom Comedy Club**. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the best or worst comedy in town!

(Please reserve your own FREE entry ticket--at the link I've included below) ### Event Synopsis: Why care matters more than ever. ### **Agenda:** 4:30 pm - Doors Open 5:00 pm - Panel discussion begins 6:15 pm - Event ends *Join the School of Cities and the Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE) for **Feminist City 6.0: What Makes a Caring City?** Together, we’ll explore how cities can be redesigned to foster caring, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.* We've attended previous editions of this ongoing conversation: 2.0 & 4.0. **Care is the foundation of our societies**. From childcare to health care to elder care, everyone depends on care for themselves and their loved ones. The need for equitable access to care services continues to grow as populations age, women’s participation in the labour market increases, and challenges like the climate crisis threaten health and safety. At the same time, shifting work patterns and back-to-office mandates are changing how people navigate care responsibilities, commutes, and community life. High-quality care services not only support the well-being of care recipients but also open economic and social opportunities for caregivers. Caring communities are essential for building just, resilient, and flourishing cities—now and in the future. ***How can cities meet the demand for equitable, accessible care? How can we prepare urban systems to support care in a rapidly changing global economy?*** Answering these questions is critical for businesses, policymakers, civic organizations, developers, planners, and engaged citizens—because we all benefit from cities that are vibrant, inclusive, and built to care. **Ticket link** and more info on panelists HERE: https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/news-events-and-ideas/public-events/events-listings/2026/january-2026/jan-12-feminist-city-60/ See you there/inside!

**Please RSVP Waitlist if Interested in playing in any posted event. You will be contacted by the organizer.** **Groups will be based on playing level.** **Minimum level to RSVP is 3.0+ you must have experience playing.** **Group levels from 3.0/Intermediate to NTRP 4.5 advanced (Doubles) Men's/Mixed.** **Showers/changing rooms/lockers/towel service is included in the $30 cost for 2 hours of tennis doubles. (You do NOT need to be a member of Mayfair to play with this group.** **Cancellation 30 hours prior and you will be required to pay for the spot.** **IMPORTANT: Please log into meetup to send a message to the organizer or it will not be received due to a glitch on meetup. Do not reply to a message as we will not receive your reply...** **Hope to see you soon.**

We are so excited to be heading to Toronto! Join us on blue Jay way for an afternoon of fresh faces, delicious beverages and pizza! Happy Hour is heading to Blue Jay Way for our first ever Toronto speed dating round @Rustica Pizza [Click here to purchase ticket (REQUIRED)](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thats-amore-speed-dating-ages-28-40-rustica-pizza-bar-toronto-tickets-1976997812677?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile) Ages 28-40 Let us guide you through a casual afternoon of fresh faces & delicious beverages! Meet People in a safe space that overcomes the awkwardness of working up the courage to speak to new people! ✨ All participants come to our events ready to get out of their comfort zone and are ready to chat! \*Each ticket includes one complimentary drink\* Non-alcohalic beverages available\* DM @happyhourzhamont IG to bypass Eventbrite fees & etransfer Event length is 60-90 minutes. You meet several participants at each station in 5 minute intervals. After the event is completed you will fill out a form indicating if you would like to contact an individual after the event. If it’s a match, we will send you your results within 24 hours! \*A match is when you and another person both pick each other and want to connect after the event!\* End the Swiping, meet new people old school style, we look forward to seeing you! F or more events you can follow our Instagram @happyhourshamont \*A twenty(20) participant minimum is required due to the nature of each event. If minimum ticket requirement is not met, you will be notified 48-72 hours prior and will be fully refunded. Tickets are non-refundable, unless event is cancelled due to attendance

**Start your 2026 with Bang!** You got an idea or MVP and want to scale or just looking to partner with like minded Hungry entrepreneurs to build something. Join our Founder Match maker Dinner/Drink. An invite-only, small-group networking evening for early-stage founders and operators looking to build together. This is **not a typical mixer**. **The Ticket fee will cover** * Drink * Sharable **Who should attend** The goal is to create **real connections** between like-minded entrepreneurs who are: * Building or validating a startup * Looking for a **CTO, CMO, or CRO** * Open to co-founder or early leadership conversations We’ll keep the group intentionally small (max 10 people) and use light structure to help meaningful 1:1 conversations. Luma RSVP Link - https://luma.com/ngmkpzax * Startup founders (idea → early revenue) * Technical or business leaders exploring co-founder roles * Builders serious about long-term collaboration If you have any questions please reach out to me - [C K | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kchandank/) **Questions** **What best describes you?** * Founder * Operator (CTO / CMO / CRO) * Exploring both **What are you currently working on? (1–2 lines)** **What role are you looking for right now?** * CTO * CMO * CRO * Co-founder (open) **Startup stage:** * Idea * MVP * Early users * Revenue **Industry or domain (optional)** **What are you hoping to get out of this evening? (1 line)** Learn More about TorontoAI - https://www.torontoai.io/

Turn your idea (or messy business) into a clear, simple model you can actually grow. You’ve got an idea… or even a business… but when someone asks, *“So what do you do?”* you still hesitate. This session is for founders who are tired of guessing and want real **business clarity**; what you sell, to whom, how it makes money, and why it’s worth betting on. We’ll walk through a practical, no-jargon way to move from *“I have an idea”* to *“Here’s my business model — and here’s how it works.”* **This is for you if:** * You’re sitting on a business idea and don’t know how to structure it * You’ve started, but your offers, pricing, or target market feel fuzzy * You’re pivoting and want to sanity-check the new direction * You want language that feels clear, confident, and not salesy **We’ll cover:** * The 5 building blocks of a simple, strong business model * How to define your “right-fit” customer (without a 20-page avatar worksheet) * How your offer, pricing, and delivery fit together (and where the leaks are) * Common clarity traps that keep founders stuck in “almost ready” mode **Format:** This is a **working, interactive session** — not a lecture. Expect: * Short teaching segments * Guided prompts * Small-group or roundtable discussions * Space to share your model and get feedback (optional) **You’ll walk away with:** * A one-page snapshot of your business model * Clearer language to describe what you do * A realistic next step to test or refine your model 🗓 Meeting Schedule * **7:00 PM** — Mingle & meet fellow entrepreneurs * **7:30 PM** — Focused discussion on this week’s topic: *Scaling Without Burning Out* * **8:30 PM** — Elevator pitch practice — get feedback, refine your message, and shine * **9:00 PM** — Wrap-up networking — connect, collaborate, and share insights ⚡ *Please arrive by 7:30 PM to join the main discussion — but you’re welcome to jump in whenever you arrive.*

## **🔥 LeaderSHIFT: New Year, New Opportunities** ### **Private Group Visit to The National Franchise Show (FREE Admission)** The new year is the perfect time to **reset, explore options, and think bigger** — without pressure, sales pitches, or noise. LeaderSHIFT is organizing a **group visit** to **The National Franchise Show in Toronto**, where attendees can explore **business ownership, franchising, and alternative paths to entrepreneurship** — all under one roof. This is **not** about selling franchises. It’s about **exposure, learning, and better questions**. *** ### **📍 Event Details** **Event:** The National Franchise Show – Toronto **Dates:** January 17 & 18 **Time:** • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Location:** Metro Toronto Convention Centre 🎟 **FREE Admission** (regularly $15) Promo Code: **OWNABIZ26** *** ### **💡 Why Attend with LeaderSHIFT?** * Explore **dozens of business and franchise opportunities** * Learn about **ownership, systems, and scalability** * Attend **free educational seminars** * Ask real questions — no pressure * Connect with others who are **thinking seriously about their next chapter** This is ideal if you are: * Considering entrepreneurship but unsure where to start * Exploring alternatives to traditional employment * Curious about franchises, systems, or structured businesses * Looking to make **smarter decisions in 2026** *** ### **👥 How This Works** This is a **self-guided visit** with optional group coordination: * Come for as little or as long as you like * Explore at your own pace * Optional meet-up time for LeaderSHIFT members on-site No obligation. No expectations. *** ### **⚠️ Important Notes** * This event is **informational**, not a sales event * LeaderSHIFT is not affiliated with any specific franchise * Come curious, not committed *** ### **✅ RSVP to Save Your Spot** RSVP here so we know who’s attending and can coordinate group timing. Let’s start the year with **clarity, options, and better conversations**.

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** https://bit.ly/frc-toronto-chat **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

***Tickets must be purchased in advance:*** https://luma.com/ecomTO2601?utm_source=meetup ***(limited early bird & discounted tickets available)*** \-\-\- Kick off 2026 with an amazing evening of connection, conversation, and great vibes at Bar Maaya - one of Toronto’s most stylish, modern cocktail bars setting the tone for this amazing year ahead. 🍸✨ 📸 [Follow us on Instagram @Ecomnetworking](https://instagram.com/ecomnetworking) 📸 Hosted by the **Ecom Network**, this first event of the year brings together **ecommerce and DTC founders, online sellers, and digital entrepreneurs** for a relaxed yet high-energy networking night. Expect great drinks, curated music, and meaningful conversations with people building and scaling real businesses. 💬🎶 **​​Who is this event for?** This event is suitable for all online sellers - whether you run a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brand on Shopify, sell on Amazon (FBA), Etsy, eBay, Walmart, or manage a store on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.​ — **Event Highlights** **✨ Network in a Vibrant Setting** We’ve secured a dedicated section at Bar Maaya just for our group. Enjoy meaningful conversations and great vibes while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs. We kindly ask that you support the venue by purchasing at least one drink or food item. 📣 **Share Your Story** Building a brand, product, or project? Looking for partners, feedback, or fresh ideas? This is your chance to introduce yourself and spark valuable connections in the ecommerce community. 💡 **Learn and Grow** Exchange insights on scaling, marketing, operations, and sales with fellow ecommerce founders. Many past attendees have walked away with partnerships, new clients, and fresh ideas - one conversation could be the start of something big. — **Dress code: Smart casual** — Have questions or suggestions? ​Feel free to reach out to the organizers! ​We can’t wait to see you (again)! — *Notice of Photography* *​During the event, photos and videos may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you prefer not to appear in any media, please let one of the event organizers know.*

## Join Our Online Event: **How To Fund Real Estate Investing** Thinking about diving into real estate but not sure how to finance your dreams? This online session breaks down all the cool ways to **get funding** for your projects. Whether you're a newbie or just looking to boost your funding game, we've got tips and tricks to get you started. Grab your laptop, settle in, and let's talk cash flow and creative financing! * **Understand the real funding options** — conventional loans, private money, hard money, and joint ventures, and when each actually makes sense. * **Learn how money flows through a deal** — capital stacks, risk positions, and why deals die when funding isn’t planned first. * **Avoid the most common funding mistakes** — overleveraging, bad assumptions, and chasing deals you can’t realistically finance. * **Get financially positioned before you make offers** — so you’re credible, confident, and ready when the right deal shows up. Register Here: [SIGN UP HERE](https://links.eliteeventbuilder.com/widget/form/bu1G1KgNvYWHQqAhCtbg?am_id=debbie335)

LICKING COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER FOR 60+ ADULTS Winter Seed Sowing Workshop Wednesday, January 14, 2026 1:15 - 3 p.m. Bryn Du | 537 Jones Road | Granville Growing native plants from seed is relatively straightforward, but the timing and techniques are different than those used for tender annuals and vegetable garden plants like cucumbers or tomatoes. Learn a simple method to germinate and grow native Ohio plants from seed–no greenhouse, grow lights or other fancy equipment required! $10/person | [Registration managed by LCCC](https://www.lickingcountycc.org/)

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter. Please bring something comfortable to lay on like a yoga mat. Being a pillow for your head or for under your knees and a blanket to cover over yourou. The library can get cold. Bring some water to help flush your body for after the session.

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!

**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.*