Small Business Online Marketing

**What You'll Build** A fully working Employee Management REST API with: * **CRUD endpoints** (POST, GET, PATCH, DELETE /employees) * **Pagination**, sorting, and filtering on the list endpoint * **Strong runtime validation** via *zod* * A typed, schema-first database layer via *Drizzle ORM* * **Environment-aware configuration** (development / production) * A multi-database PostgreSQL setup orchestrated via *Docker Compose* * A seed script to populate sample data * A **REST Client** app.http file to exercise every endpoint **What You'll Learn** By the end of this workshop you'll be able to: * Scaffold a NestJS application from scratch with `@nestjs/cli`. * Containerize a Node.js API using a multi-stage Dockerfile and *Docker Compose*. * Run PostgreSQL in Docker with auto-created databases via init scripts. * Load environment variables dynamically from `.env.${NODE_ENV}` files. * Wire up *Drizzle ORM* as a global NestJS module with proper lifecycle hooks. * Define a database schema in TypeScript and generate SQL migrations. * Validate request bodies and query params with *zod* using custom decorators (no class-validator). * Implement pagination, sorting, and filtering the right way. * Translate database errors (e.g. unique_violation) into proper HTTP responses (**409 Conflict**). * Write a seed script that works across environments. * Test the API end-to-end using the **VS Code REST Client**. **Prerequisites** Please install before the event: * Node.js : ≥ 22 [Download here](https://nodejs.org) * pnpm: ≥ 9 * `corepack enable && corepack prepare pnpm@latest --activate` * Docker Engine: ≥ 20.10 (With the Compose v2 plugin, `docker compose`, not `docker-compose`) * Git: latest [Download here](https://git-scm.com) * VS Code: latest [Download here](https://code.visualstudio.com) * VS Code extensions: * REST Client, ESLint, Prettier A working internet connection is required to download Docker images and npm packages.

**What You'll Build** A fully working Employee Management REST API with: * **CRUD endpoints** (POST, GET, PATCH, DELETE /employees) * **Pagination**, sorting, and filtering on the list endpoint * **Strong runtime validation** via *zod* * A typed, schema-first database layer via *Drizzle ORM* * **Environment-aware configuration** (development / production) * A multi-database PostgreSQL setup orchestrated via *Docker Compose* * A seed script to populate sample data * A **REST Client** app.http file to exercise every endpoint **What You'll Learn** By the end of this workshop you'll be able to: * Scaffold a NestJS application from scratch with `@nestjs/cli`. * Containerize a Node.js API using a multi-stage Dockerfile and *Docker Compose*. * Run PostgreSQL in Docker with auto-created databases via init scripts. * Load environment variables dynamically from `.env.${NODE_ENV}` files. * Wire up *Drizzle ORM* as a global NestJS module with proper lifecycle hooks. * Define a database schema in TypeScript and generate SQL migrations. * Validate request bodies and query params with *zod* using custom decorators (no class-validator). * Implement pagination, sorting, and filtering the right way. * Translate database errors (e.g. unique_violation) into proper HTTP responses (**409 Conflict**). * Write a seed script that works across environments. * Test the API end-to-end using the **VS Code REST Client**. **Prerequisites** Please install before the event: * Node.js : ≥ 22 [Download here](https://nodejs.org) * pnpm: ≥ 9 * `corepack enable && corepack prepare pnpm@latest --activate` * Docker Engine: ≥ 20.10 (With the Compose v2 plugin, `docker compose`, not `docker-compose`) * Git: latest [Download here](https://git-scm.com) * VS Code: latest [Download here](https://code.visualstudio.com) * VS Code extensions: * REST Client, ESLint, Prettier A working internet connection is required to download Docker images and npm packages.

Join Nova Subto Meetup Up for an exclusive Business Strategy Roundtable where entrepreneurs and business professionals can network and discuss strategies for mastering entrepreneurship. This event will provide a platform for small business owners to connect, share insights, and learn from each other's experiences. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this meetup is designed to foster growth and development in the business community. Don't miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. ***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING YOUR DEAL PLEASE FILL OUT THIS*** [https://surl.li/vtgoma](https://surl.li/vtgoma)

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

If you’re trying to grow in marketing right now, guessing isn’t a great strategy. This event gives you direct access to how marketing leaders actually think. Join DC Marketing Tech Talks on May 19th in Tysons for a live **CMO Ask Me Anything** — a candid, open conversation with experienced marketing leaders who have built teams, driven revenue, and led at the highest levels. This is your chance to ask: * What skills actually matter right now? * What gets someone promoted vs. passed over? * What does it take to become a CMO today? * How are marketing teams and roles changing? * How do you connect brand to real business growth? Just real answers from people who have done the work. Whether you’re looking to move up, switch roles, or sharpen your edge, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of what to focus on next. As always, this event is free and open to the public thanks to our sponsors, SalesIntel. Food, drinks, networking, and a room full of marketers who care about getting better at what they do. Come with questions. Leave with direction.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **What You Really Need to Know from an HR Professional** **Presented by Donna Giarratana** **Wednesday\, May 27 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a practical and insightful resource presentation designed to help small business owners navigate one of the most critical — and often overlooked — areas of growth: **Human Resources**. *** ## **About the Session** As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing people, processes, and compliance. Many entrepreneurs wait too long to think about HR — and by the time they do, they’re already reacting instead of planning. In this session, **Donna Giarratana** will break down what small business owners *really* need to know about HR — in a way that is clear, actionable, and relevant to your stage of growth. This conversation is designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence when it comes to building and managing your team. *** ## **What You’ll Learn** * When it’s the right time to hire * How to set your business up for success before bringing on employees * Why HR matters — even for small businesses * Common pitfalls and how to avoid them * The foundational HR knowledge every business owner should have *** ## **Who Should Attend** * Entrepreneurs preparing to hire their first employee * Small business owners currently managing a team * Founders looking to strengthen operations and compliance * Anyone who wants to build a business with a strong, scalable foundation *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain clarity on one of the most important aspects of business growth * Learn how to avoid costly mistakes before they happen * Ask questions and get real-world insight from an HR professional * Walk away with practical knowledge you can apply immediately *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 27** for coffee, connection, and a conversation that will help you build your business the right way from the inside out. We look forward to seeing you there.

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

Please join us every week for power networking! Our Chapter Passed $1,666,736 USD in the past 12 months! BNI members, on average, increase their business 20% the first year. Our chapter is a dynamic, committed group of business people who know how to refer business to each other. Come for our meeting -- stay for the referrals!!! We have open categories for individuals who will bring enthusiasm and integrity to our meeting. Just one person per professional specialty is allowed in each chapter. Visit a meeting to find out more and lock out your competition! Register Here: https://bninovanorth.com/va-nova-north-bni-mclean-business-connection--n136/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=16988

**Studio 151 Learning Lab: Photography Foundations Series — Lighting Basics** Photography starts with light—but understanding how to actually *use* it is where most people get stuck. This session is designed to simplify lighting in a way that makes sense for real-world shooting. Instead of a traditional lecture, we’ll learn through curated video content, pausing to break things down, ask questions, and connect it to real studio work. You’ll see how lighting works, talk through it as a group, and then have the chance to explore it hands-on. *** **What We’ll Cover** * Natural light vs. studio light (and when to use each) * Simple one-light setups that work * How light direction shapes your image * Creating clean, consistent results *** **What to Expect** * Guided video learning (watch + pause + discuss) * Real-time breakdown of concepts in plain language * Hands-on opportunities to experiment * Open networking with other photographers * Snacks will be available, bring a bagged lunch if you like! *** **You’ll Leave With** * A clearer understanding of how light works * Simple setups you can try immediately * More confidence in any shooting environment *** Free to attend (limited spots)