Small Business

**On Friday Feb. 27th Meet the overall winners of Techstars Startup Weekend – Richmond Changemakers.** The Campus Closet and Drip Share team developed from the merging of a community member, a student group from Hampden-Sydney College, and a group of University of Richmond students. Learn about their approach to: * Tackling Sustainability * Customer Validation * Prototyping Design * Business Model Several of the team members will join us, and in their own words: **Emma Cooke**. “I am a sophomore from Columbus, Ohio, majoring in Business Administration with a double concentration in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and a minor in American Studies. This upcoming summer, I will be interning with IGS Energy, a company in my hometown, as their Campus Talent Engagement Intern. My interest in entrepreneurship started at a young age, but it wasn't until I came to Richmond that I became more serious about all of the possibilities in this field. The program here at U of R has taught me about the importance of building human connection, pushing yourself to think outside of the box, and treating failures as a new opportunity. Entrepreneurship means so much to me because it allows me to embrace the creative, analytical, and professional sides of myself.” **Anna Gregory.** “I’m a sophomore from Concord, Massachusetts, majoring in Leadership Studies and double minoring in Entrepreneurship and Rhetoric & Communication. Richmond’s entrepreneurship program has given me an incredible professional and creative outlet in a supportive, encouraging environment. Entrepreneurship has become really important to me because it challenges me to think bigger, take initiative, and actually bring ideas to life.” **Emma Herrington.** "I grew up in up-state New York. My major is Business Administration with a concentration in Management / Entrepreneurship. Last summer I held an internship with a frim in the fashion industry, headquartered in New York City. Entrepreneurship is important to me because both sides of my family have been entrepreneurs. My Dad was passed down a 4th-generation family business, and my mom has had her own interior design company for almost a decade. **Caroline Kelly.** "I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. I am a senior majoring in Business Administration, with concentrations in Management Consulting & Entrepreneurship, and a double major in Leadership Studies. Two summers ago, I was a Public Relations Intern at Nicole Russo Communications Inc. in Boston's North End. This past summer, I was a Summer Associate Intern at Guidepoint where I worked on the Institutional Client Service Consulting team. Upon graduation in May, I will be returning to Guidepoint as a full time Associate on the team. I currently work part-time at the Law School Career Development Center, and at EVR Research, a small investment management firm. Entrepreneurship is important to me because I enjoy identifying everyday pain points and figuring out how to turn ideas into real, practical solutions. It also gives me the opportunity to apply concepts I’ve learned in accounting, finance, and management in a more hands-on, collaborative, and real-world setting." **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, February 27, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, 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=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1

Come chat about Atlassian tools and best practices at the Reynoldsburg Sunny Street Cafe and Breakfast is on Atlassian! Let's get the day started off with breakfast with your ACE Leaders! We're always excited to talk about Atlassian Products, share our knowledge and hand out swag! Come chat with us about new product news and anything you are working on within the Atlassian product stack. This is a great opportunity to come see what we are all about, hear new business news and share with other Atlassian users your questions and experiences. We'd love to see new and old friends come out to chat and learn about Atlassian! Agenda --- Moderators Kimberly Deal - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Greg Sprowls - Columbus Atlassian Community Leader Hosted By Kimberly Deal, Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley, Chief Everything Greg Sprowls, Agility Lead --- Global Partner Atlassian (http://atlassian.com) Millions of users globally rely on Atlassian products every day for improving software development, project management, collaboration, and code quality. Partner Atlassian --- For over a decade, Atlassian customers have come together to network, share ideas, solve problems, and find new ways to use Atlassian products. Today, more than 15,000 people take part in Atlassian community events in more than 30 countries. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://ace.atlassian.com/events/details/atlassian-columbus-presents-rise-and-shine-with-atlassian-reynoldsburg-4/.

*Happy Hour fans?* Each month, our group is going to try to meet at some of the best happy hours around town! This month, let's meet for drinks and small bites at **[Rail Craft Kitchen](https://www.railcraftkitchen.com/menu?menu=happy-hour#1)** in Dublin on Frantz Road. *Happy Hour is 3-6pm weekdays*. Every drink or shareable is only $6.00! **Happy Hour** is inherently social. It’s a time when people come together to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. For many, it’s a way to catch up with friends, network with colleagues, or simply meet new people in a relaxed setting. The casual atmosphere of happy hour encourages conversation, making it easier to bond over shared interests and experiences.

Our Fun Friday event just got better! Our event has been expanded to include your choice of TWO great films: EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT or SCREAM 7! EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT is directed by Baz Luhrmann and uses rare and previously unseen interviews and videos of Elvis in concert to create “one of the most exciting concert films you’ve ever seen!” SCREAM 7 assembles previous cast members and great newcomers for the next chapter of one of the most reliable horror franchises! In this film, a new Ghostface killer emerges with the daughter of Sidney Prescott becomes the next target. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT uses rare and previously unseen interviews and concert footage to create “one of the most exciting concert films you’ve ever seen!” In addition to the stellar reviews, the film was runner up for the People’s Choice Award for Documentaries at the Toronto Film Festival. The film is earning a Certified Fresh 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes (and a 99% positive rating audiences)! The RT site declares, “Resurrecting Elvis Presley at the peak of his showmanship, Baz Luhrmann's truly epic concert documentary restores some joy into The King's legacy.” Film Threat adds, “The most beautiful thing about EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is that in connecting us so intimately to the man and showing him in all his complexity, Luhrmann cuts through the baggage we bring and gives us a fresh look at one of the most fascinating and accomplished musicians who has ever lived.” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmqWusmzp0k SCREAM 7: This is an opening night showing of next chapter in one of the best and most reliable horror franchises! In this film, Sidney Prescott has built a new life in the quiet town of Pine Grove, Indiana, until a new Ghostface killer begins to target her daughter, forcing her to face her past to end the killings once and for all. The stellar ensemble case includes Neve Campbell, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard and Courteney Cox all reprising their roles from the previous films, along with Isabel May, Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O'Connor and Joel McHale! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsHBPYVFd3Y PLAN: For the bite before the show, BOTH GROUPS meet in the Bar Area at BRAVO at 5:00pm. Should be pretty open, but keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! For EITHER MOVIE, please purchase your ticket for the 6:30pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 6:10 and 6:20pm. Advance ticket purchase advised. Once you have yours please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. Should be a fun one! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us for our [February Business Book Club](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-business-book-club-meeting-sat-228-tickets-1981657092709?aff=oddtdtcreator) as we dive into “**$100M Offers” by Alex Hormozi** — a powerful guide on creating irresistible offers that drive growth and revenue. This virtual discussion is open to members and guests and is perfect for: ✔️ Entrepreneurs and small business owners ✔️ Professionals looking to strengthen their value propositions ✔️ Anyone interested in practical, revenue-focused business insights Expect engaging conversation, real-world takeaways, and the chance to connect with like-minded professionals. *\*\*\* This event is sponsored by the Network Over 30 Community! \*\*\**

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

Coffee and conversation at [Stauf's Coffee Roasters](https://www.staufs.com/) in German Village. Street parking is free on Sundays.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

*****Short Notice***** This Saturday the weather is predicted to be nicer! Let’s take at walk Saturday morning 2/28/2026 ( last day of the month) at 10:00a. Meet at Taylor Farms Park ( all paved) 5526 E Dublin Granville Rd in the parking lot

**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence** What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice? In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst. Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process. This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices. **Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti** Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design. Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast. After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills. In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development. Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

**Confidence & Connection: Using Your Authentic Truth to Find Your People** Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s about knowing where you belong and who you can grow alongside. In this April Confidence Lab Happy Hour, we’ll explore how living in your authentic truth helps you find your people, build meaningful collaborations, and create spaces where vulnerability is met with respect rather than risk. Together, we’ll reflect on what it looks like to advocate for yourself with clarity and care, and how confidence deepens when it’s rooted in connection rather than comparison. Featured speaker **Lachandra Baker**, founder of **[LBB Edutainment](https://www.lbbedutainment.com/)** and author of *Your Own Biggest Cheerleader*, will share reflections on authenticity, psychological safety, and the power of community over individual achievement. Drawing from personal stories—including the significance of turning 53—Lachandra will invite us into a conversation about showing up fully, being seen, and choosing relationships that support who you truly are. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with space for reflection, shared insight, and intentional connection—plus drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not meant to do this alone. Come as you are. Leave feeling clearer about your voice, your people, and the confidence that grows when both are aligned. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

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!

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Come and grow your business by meeting these other business professionals. We can help you expand your customers.

One of the most valuable parts of this community is the opportunity to think out loud with other product professionals. This session is built for exactly that. As we wrap up the quarter, it’s a great time to pause and reflect. What’s on track? What needs adjustment? Where could a small shift create bigger impact? Join fellow product professionals for a focused, interactive conversation designed to help you recalibrate for the next quarter. You’ll have the opportunity to share where you are, hear how others are thinking through similar challenges, and gain fresh perspective you can bring back to your team and organization. We’ll gather at 8:00AM, with discussion starting promptly at 8:15AM. 📍 First Watch - 7227 N High St Located in: The Shops at Worthington Ample parking is available. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Start your morning with clarity and connection — we hope to see you there! ☀️

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)