Startup Accelerators

✨❣️🎆🎇🧡🌟Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)❣️🌟🎇🎆🧡 Time: 11:00AM-13:00PM // 18:00PM - 20:00PM every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:00AM-13:00PM every weekend on Saturday, Sunday 👉 We are the awesome language exchange cafe with warm and great mood, you can learn language, and culture, meet new people, and make friends a lot( Foreigners & Korean) 🎷Free drinks, snacks and parties // Learning Korean for language exchange are available. 🌆🌌❣️ ❣️Please do not judge availability by current RSVPs through Meetup cause we’re much more active on other platforms as like Instagram and generally only receive a few RSVPs via Meetup. You can make many wonderful friends here!! Let’s make great moment altogether!!🎷🍻 Place: 1066 3rd floor, Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon our map [https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1](https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1)

Korean Class at CulcomDaejeon! Want to learn Korean for free? Join our Korean Class for Foreigners at Culcom Daejeon! Schedule: Every Monday & Tuesday, 7-8 PM Fee: FREE! Location: Culcom Daejeon • Why join? Improve your Korean conversation skills in a friendly environment Meet amazing people & make new friends Enjoy monthly parties, cultural events, and one-day classes as a Culcom member! How to Join? Text 010-3310-1638 to book a consultation and get started!

안녕하세요! 대전 토스트마스터즈 이중언어 모임입니다. ✅️대중연설을 통해 학업과 커리어 발전이 필요하다. ✅️영어가 어느 정도 되는데 그 다음 정체되어 있다. ✅️성장 마인드의 사람들을 만나 함께 성장하고 싶다. ✅️전국을 넘어 전세계의 토스트마스터즈를 만나 커뮤니티를 형성하고 싶다. ✅️나는 성장이 목마르다! 이런 모든 분들께 저희 클럽을 강력히 추천합니다. 저희는 100년 전통의 국제적인 리더십 개발 및 대중연설을 연마하는 토스트마스터즈입니다. 미국에서 시작한 비영리 교육 단체이기에 영어 소통이 기본이지만, 대전 토스트마스터즈는 영어와 한국어를 모두 사용하는 이중언어모임으로 영어를 잘하셔도 못하셔도 모두 환영합니다. 성장 마인드셋을 가진 사람들과 끊임없이 소통하며 동반 성장하고 싶은 마음만 가지고 오세요. 저를 포함 정말 많은 분들이 토스트마스터즈에서 쌓은 대중연설 기술과 리더십 기술을 통해, 대학/대학원에서 장학금을 취득, 이직, 승진, 새로운 사업 시작 등 엄청난 삶의 변화를 경험하고 있습니다. 대전 토스트마스터즈는 대전 분만 아니라 서울, 대구, 세종 등에서 다양한 연령대의 멤버분들이 꾸준히 참여해주시고, 2025년부터 월 1회에서 월 2회로 모임을 확장했습니다! 가벼운 영어 회화가 아니라, 준비를 하고 대중연설을 하고, 듣고, 서로 건설적이고 지지적인 평가를 주고 받는 곳이라 성장이 간절한 분들께 적극 추천드려요. 물론 대중연설, 리더십 등의 기술을 떠나 저희는 매 모임 이후 함께 식사하고, 이벤트도 진행하고, 다른 지역 클럽과 조인트 미팅도 가지면서 정말 친하게 지내고 있어요 :) 놀러 오세요! 특히, 건강한 리더십이 필요하신 분들 여기 오셔서 함께 고민 나눕시다. 😄 *** 💬Contact Number (연락처) 010 7522 0017 (Hazel Lee) 🟡Open Kakao Chat Room (오픈채팅) https://open.kakao.com/o/g6Jram4f 참여코드: newdt 📩Email (이메일) hazel0711@ewha.ac.kr 위에 첨부한 연락처로 연락주세요. 전화번호가 가장 빠릅니다. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ✅️ Do you want to improve your English and Korean language skills? ✅️ Are you looking for safe and engaging social gatherings in Daejeon? ✅️ Are you too shy to speak in front of people, but understand the value of public speaking and leadership skills? 🌏Come join us at Daejeon Toastmasters Club. *** ✳️What Do We Do? Daejeon Toastmasters Club hosts bilingual meetings (Korean & English), offering the perfect opportunity to hone your speaking skills in both languages. Toastmasters is a proven educational non-profit organization with over 100 years of history. Our meetings are well-structured, with members delivering speeches in English or Korean and receiving highly constructive and supportive feedback. If you feel stuck in your language journey and need a breakthrough, Toastmasters is the best place to start. ✳️Our Value We are committed to self-improvement by supporting and encouraging one another. We grow TOGETHER, not alone. You'll be surprised how supportive we are to each other. In addition to skill development, we provide fun social gatherings and mentoring opportunities!! ✳️I'm Not Good at Public Speaking... No matter your speaking skills or confidence level, it's perfectly okay—everyone starts somewhere. Our club includes a national speech contest finalist and speech contest organizers from Daejeon and across South Korea! We've all experienced moments of nervousness on stage as we worked to reach this level. In fact, we still have many members who are just beginning their journey in public speaking and eager to improve themselves! ✳️Who Can Join? Gender, age, nationality—none of it matters as long as you bring a growth mindset and respect for other members. Guests are always welcome!!! Feel free to make mistakes here and get ready to meet lifelong learner friends.🥰 ✳️Membership Fee? Visit our meeting for free! Even after becoming a member, the membership fee is only $10 per month. *** 🕙 When 시간 Every 1st and 3rd Saturday, 10:50 AM - 1:00 PM 시간: 매월 첫째, 셋째 토요일 오전 10:50 - 1시 Optional lunch together afterward. 이후 시간 되시면 함께 식사도 함께. *** 🏫 Where 장소 Commoz Field (near Jung-gu Office Station) 커먼즈 필드 (중구청역 바로 옆) The location may change, so please contact us in advance. 장소는 변경될 수 있으니 사전에 연락 부탁드립니다. *** 💬Contact Number (연락처) 010 7522 0017 (Hazel Lee) 🟡Open Kakao Chat Room (오픈채팅) https://open.kakao.com/o/g6Jram4f 📩Email (이메일) hazel0711@ewha.ac.kr ***

✨❣️🎆🎇🧡🌟Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)❣️🌟🎇🎆🧡 Time: 11:00AM-13:00PM // 18:00PM - 20:00PM every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:00AM-13:00PM every weekend on Saturday, Sunday 👉 We are the awesome language exchange cafe with warm and great mood, you can learn language, and culture, meet new people, and make friends a lot( Foreigners & Korean) 🎷Free drinks, snacks and parties // Learning Korean for language exchange are available. 🌆🌌❣️ ❣️Please do not judge availability by current RSVPs through Meetup cause we’re much more active on other platforms as like Instagram and generally only receive a few RSVPs via Meetup. You can make many wonderful friends here!! Let’s make great moment altogether!!🎷🍻 Place: 1066 3rd floor, Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon our map [https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1](https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1)

Korean Class at CulcomDaejeon! Want to learn Korean for free? Join our Korean Class for Foreigners at Culcom Daejeon! Schedule: Every Monday & Tuesday, 7-8 PM Fee: FREE! Location: Culcom Daejeon • Why join? Improve your Korean conversation skills in a friendly environment Meet amazing people & make new friends Enjoy monthly parties, cultural events, and one-day classes as a Culcom member! How to Join? Text 010-3310-1638 to book a consultation and get started!

Sunday Tea Club was founded in Daejeon in 2023. Created as a quiet alternative to Korea’s typical drinking and nightlife culture, the club offers a calm, meaningful way to spend your Sunday afternoons. If you’ve ever wished for a slower, more mindful space to enjoy afternoon tea and gentle conversation — you’re more than welcome to join us! Participant fee 15,000won+order 1drink(The participation fee is only paid once — at your first visit. All fees are collected and reinvested into the club to purchase new teaware, high-quality teas, or ingredients for future gatherings.)

**What is a langauge exchange?** A language exchange is a relaxed social meetup where you practice languages through **real conversations with real people**. No textbooks. No grammar drills. Just talking, listening, laughing, and occasionally stumbling through sentences together. **What to Expect at Our Events** * Weekly in-person language exchange meetups * Casual, café-style atmosphere * There’s always someone new to meet and talk to. * Optional AI-assisted feedback after the meetup **Who Comes to These Meetups?** * Both locals and internationals **How It Works** * Choose an event time * Book a spot * Show up and join the conversation That’s it. You can come alone or with friends. Running late? No problem. Join when you can, leave when you want. **Why People Like This Group** **1\. Smart Group Matching** Participants are grouped to create balanced conversations based on language level and background with optimised algorithm. **2\. Meet New People Each Round** Groups rotate every session, so you don’t get stuck talking to the same people all night. **3\. Beginner\-Friendly** Beginners are always welcome. You’ll never be forced into conversations beyond your comfort level. **4\. Optional AI\-assisted Feedback** After the meetup, you can quickly jot down what you learned, phrases you tried, or sentences you struggled with. We’ll generate a simple personalised recap with: * natural corrections and better-sounding alternatives * example sentences you can reuse * quick practice prompts to help you remember it ### **FAQs** **1\. My target language isn’t very good\. Can I still join?** Yes. Beginners are welcome and grouped with others at a similar level. **2\. Can I arrive late or leave early?** Yes. The meetup is casual and flexible. **3\. Do I need to come every week?** No. Join whenever it fits your schedule. **How to Join** * Book your spot: [https://nurio.kr/](https://nurio.kr/) * Questions or help: [http://pf.kakao.com/_xmzbQn/chat](http://pf.kakao.com/_xmzbQn/chat) \-\-\- **언어 교환이란 무엇인가요?** 언어 교환은 교재나 수업 없이 실제 사람들과의 자연스러운 대화를 통해 언어를 연습하는 편안한 소셜 모임입니다. 교과서는 없고 문법 문제도 없습니다. 그저 말하고 듣고 웃고, 가끔은 문장을 더듬으며 함께 대화합니다. **모임에서는 무엇을 하나요** 주 1회 오프라인 언어 교환 모임을 진행하며 카페처럼 편안한 분위기에서 만납니다. 항상 새로운 사람들을 만나고 대화할 수 있습니다. **누가 참여하나요?** 한국인과 외국인이 함께 참여합니다. **참여 방법** 원하는 일정을 선택하고 참가 신청 후 오셔서 대화에 참여하면 끝입니다. 혼자 와도 괜찮고 친구와 함께 와도 됩니다. 늦게 와도 문제없고 원할 때 자유롭게 나가셔도 됩니다. **이 모임의 특징** **1\. 스마트 그룹 매칭** 언어 수준과 배경을 기준으로 최적화된 알고리즘을 통해 대화가 잘 되는 그룹으로 구성합니다. **2\. 매 라운드마다 새로운 사람** 세션마다 그룹이 바뀌기 때문에 같은 사람과만 계속 이야기하지 않아도 됩니다. **3\. 초보자 환영** 초보자도 언제나 환영하며 부담되는 대화에 억지로 참여할 일은 없습니다. 4. **선택형 AI 피드백** 모임 후에 오늘 배운 표현이나 헷갈렸던 문장, 새로 말해본 문장을 짧게 메모하면 AI가 간단한 개인 맞춤 복습을 만들어드립니다: **자주 묻는 질문** **1\. 목표 언어를 잘 못하는데 괜찮을까요?** 물론입니다. 초보자도 수준에 맞는 그룹으로 배정됩니다. **2\. 늦게 가거나 일찍 나가도 되나요?** 네. 모임은 캐주얼하고 유연하게 운영됩니다. **3\. 매주 꼭 참여해야 하나요?** 아니요. 일정에 맞을 때 자유롭게 참여하시면 됩니다. **참여 방법** 예약하기: [https://nurio.kr/](https://nurio.kr/) 문의하기: [http://pf.kakao.com/_xmzbQn/chat](http://pf.kakao.com/_xmzbQn/chat)

FIRST STEP: Complete this Application Link: [https://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/form.php?orgcode=CVAC&fid=4888901](https://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/form.php?orgcode=CVAC&fid=4888901) Who Is The Program Designed For? Businesses that: -Hold a business license from a city or county located in the Richmond Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) -Been in business at least 2 years -Desire to increase the number of employees -Has a vision to grow the business The Black Business Accelerator Program’s goal is to help propel African American businesses to a level in which they can compete and perform equally with majority businesses that have stronger roots and relationships. We support this goal with a 3 month course that covers 6 sessions with industry leaders in the areas of accessing capital, organizational development, human resources, branding, and growing digitally. The Black Business Accelerator Program receives sponsorship from Henrico Economic Development, Chesterfield Economic Development, and the Virginia State University Center for Entrepreneurship, enabling us to offer a low tuition fee of $300 for the full course. Participants in the program have the choice to pay the tuition in full or opt for a two-payment plan, with the full payment due before the course's first day. The program offers both virtual and in-person options. In-person classes are conducted at 6802 Paragon Place, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Richmond, VA. Virtual students will receive information during the course to join. The course consists of six sessions held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on the following dates. Applicants should ensure their availability for these dates before applying: **WINTER 2026 DATES** * January 14 * January 28 * February 11 * February 28 * March 11 * March 25

After a short break, Pitch Labs is back with the first event of the 2026 season. Styled after a 'pitch competition', this event is for entrepreneurs, and the entrepreneurial-curious. Learn about on-going initiatives from local area founders, and there will be ample time for networking. This event will bring together start-up founders and enthusiasts in the DMV area for an exciting opportunity to hear about a fellow founder, and give feedback on their pitch and product, and get to network around founders from the area. Location: 10300 Eaton Place, Fairfax VA - many thanks to our venue sponsor Fairfax Country Economic Development **Our Agenda:** 1\. Basic group introductions 2\. First "Pitch" Presentation \(\~15 minutes\) 3\. Community Q&A 4\. Second "Pitch" Presentation \(\~15 minutes\) 5\. Community Q&A 6\. Break out sessions & general networking More information will be provided as we get closer to the meetup. **Speakers** TBD Parking will be shared before the event. Pitch Labs is a member of the [DMV Petri Dish Network](https://www.dmvpetridish.com/ "https://www.dmvpetridish.com/")

## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 ### Business Presentation Featuring Yomna Sarhan of L-Lab **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our January 14th **1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Yomna Sarhan**, founder of **L-Lab**, an innovative after-school enrichment program designed to transform how children learn and grow beyond the classroom. ### About the Presenter Yomna Sarhan brings a diverse and impressive background to her entrepreneurial journey. She is a former **project manager overseeing $8M+ in government contracts**, has led **multidisciplinary teams of more than 20 employees**, and is a **multilingual consultant** who has worked in over **10 countries**. Yomna also founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the **Society of Egyptian American Professionals**, reflecting her long-standing commitment to education and community development. ### About the Business L-Lab was born out of a personal experience. When Yomna’s daughter was entering kindergarten, she discovered a lack of high-quality, enriching after-school programs in Loudoun County. Many existing programs focused solely on supervision rather than meaningful learning—despite children spending 10–15 hours per week and families investing significant resources in aftercare. L-Lab is changing that narrative. L-Lab is an **after-school language immersion enrichment program** for elementary-aged children, blending: * STEAM-based learning * Social-emotional development * Montessori-inspired approaches In addition to after-school programming, L-Lab offers **full-day camps** during school breaks, including winter, spring, and teacher workdays. ### Where Yomna Is Now L-Lab is currently in the **launch/startup phase**, with the full after-school program beginning in early January and a winter break program running at the end of December. Yomna is focused on enrollment, program validation, and building a strong foundation for growth. ### Feedback Yomna Is Seeking from the Community Yomna is coming to the 1 Million Cups stage looking for thoughtful feedback and insight on key challenges, including: * How to **shift the mindset around after-school programs** from “time-filling childcare” to meaningful enrichment * The most strategic way to **scale after a successful pilot** (January–June): * Expanding curriculum into schools * Focusing on one location first * How to **find and retain high-quality part-time staff** aligned with L-Lab’s mission and values ### Who Should Attend Yomna would especially love to have: * Entrepreneurs with experience **scaling service-based businesses** * Founders who have **modified or diversified offerings as they grew** * Parents and guardians interested in education, enrichment, and after-school programming ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Join us for an evening of networking and insightful discussions at our Cigars & Startups Networking Night, hosted by Cigars and Startups DC. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or a tech aficionado, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. We'll have premium cigars, drinks and talk about the exciting topics of entrepreneurship, securing venture capital funding, and the intersection of technology startups and the cigar industry. Sip on fine drinks, enjoy premium cigars, and engage in lively conversations with fellow guests who share your passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, seek investment opportunities, or simply unwind after a long day, this event promises to offer a unique blend of business insights and leisure. Don't miss out on this exclusive chance to mingle with the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem while enjoying the finer things in life. Thanks to our sponsors @Hunter from Next.Law, @Richard from Ashira Finanical and @Andrew from Zccounting.com Note: Because my company (Zccounting) is a bookkeeping and accounting firm, not a licensed tobacco dealer I will not be selling cigars and your ticket only includes "entry" to the VIP lounge and event, however, I'm super generous and will share as many cigars as you can smoke at the event from my personal collection for no fee whatsoever!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

AI has changed the World fast. It has created opportunities for all. Let's meet with the tech ecosystem to learn from AI leaders and startup founders as we hear different use cases. At this event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet mentors, advisors and investors to ask them questions about their business strategy, key decisions, next steps, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how experienced entrepreneurs would tackle the problems you or others are facing and learn from various use cases. This event will be set as a panel discussing various AI use cases, solutions from all across industries. Guest Speakers include: * Guc Ozenci (Program Director, FI Washington DC) * Catherine Mc Millan (Founding Director, AI Collective) **❯** **Who should Attend?** * Anyone who wants to learn from AI leaders * Anyone curious about AI opportunities * Anyone who has a pre-seed company or a startup idea * Anyone who wants to learn about entrepreneurship **❯ What is the Agenda?** * Welcome and Socializing * Panel with Startup Founders and Local Ecosystem Leaders * Q&A Session * Conclusion and Networking **❯ Panel Speakers:** * Catherine McMillan, AI Collective * Andrew Tsintsiruk, Rohic.com * more to come... **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at https://fi.co/e/384682/meetup to secure your spot and receive further details.**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**