This 5-part workshop is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential foundations for launching and growing a successful business. It’s perfect for new and first-time business owners, startup founders, career changers/side hustlers ready to leave their 9-to-5 and build something meaningful.
Spark to Start Workshops
Join our Open-House Mixer
Join us for this complimentary open-house mixer to learn more about the workshops, meet aspiring entrepreneurs, the facilitators, and explore how to launch and grow a successful business.
January 17, 2026
10am - 12pm
TD Bank
2857 Alabama Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC 20020
We’re offering 5 classes that will guide you from concept to execution.
No matter where you are in your journey, these classes will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to move forward with confidence.
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Clarify Your Idea & Your Why
Goal: Turn your idea into something clear, viable, and meaningful.
Understand the problem you solve
Identifying your “Why” (purpose, mission, values)
Who will you serve + what do they truly need
We’ll help you answer the question:
“What exactly am I building, and why should it exist?”Lead Facilitator: Loocie
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Business Formation & Foundation
Goal: Set up the business correctly from day one.
Choosing a business structure (LLC, sole prop, nonprofit, etc.)
Registering your business
Business accounts + bookkeeping basics
We’ll help you answer the question:“How do I structure and protect my business?”
Lead Facilitator: Sharon Taylor
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The Blueprint of a Business Plan
Goal: Create a simple, funder-friendly business plan.
Do you need a business plan?
Review the main components of a business plan
We’ll help you answer the question:
”How do I build a roadmap and show funders I’m ready?”Lead Facilitator: Sharon Taylor
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Build Your Brand Identity
Goal: Create a brand that people trust, feel, and remember.
What branding really is vs. isn’t
Crafting your voice, look, and feel
Do’s and don’t of building your first visual identity
We’ll help you answer the question:
“How do I show up professionally and stand out?”Lead Facilitator: Christin “Loocie” Glover
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Startup Funding, Grants & Loans
Goal: Learn how to secure the money to get started.
Types of startup funding (grants, loans, microfunding, pitch prizes)
What funders look for
Where beginners should start
We’ll help you answer the question:
“How do I get funding to launch my business?”Lead Facilitator: Sharon Taylor
Facilitators:
Sharon and Loocie bring complementary skills and a shared commitment to helping our community succeed. We're here to guide you through every step of the entrepreneurial journey.
Meet Sharon Taylor
Founder & CEO, The Business Vision and Development Center
The Business Vision and Development Center (BVDC) empowers youth and underserved communities to achieve economic independence through comprehensive business education, personalized coaching, and technical support. Under Sharon's leadership, we are committed to breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship by providing accessible resources, expert guidance, and hands-on business development services.
Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of successful business owners while fostering sustainable economic growth in communities that have historically lacked access to essential business resources.
Meet Christin "Loocie" Glover
Strategist, Identity Designer & Co-Founder of Talooka Studio
My work in branding is deeply rooted in community. Representing the DMV, raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, educated in Virginia, and having built my business, Talooka Studio in Washington, D.C., we specialize in creating brand identities, logos, brand guidelines, websites, presentation decks, and much more.
Over the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of working with small businesses, inspiring founders, and local organizations, including ACLU, The DC Center, Hedon State, Don’t Must DC, and more. My journey has shaped my focus on aligning strategy, visual identity, and real-world impact, designing brands that don't just look good but are built to scale, reach the right audiences, and strengthen credibility.
Workshop Series Structure
Duration and Workshop Length
5 weeks, one workshop per week. 2 hours per workshop including Q&A
Format & Collaborate Openly
Interactive presentations, activities, and group discussions
Location
In-person at TDBank in Washington DC for every workshop
Materials
Hands-on activities and worksheets with templates and tools you can use immediately
Registration for Spark to Start Workshops
We're excited to launch our first cohort of the Spark to Start workshop series! Space is intentionally limited to ensure personalized attention and meaningful connections within the group.
Registration Details:
Cohort 1 Start Date: [Date to be announced]
Class Size: Limited to 15 participants
Investment: This cohort is free the only investment is your time
Reach out if you have any questions
Sign up for
the 5-Part Workshop
If you’re interested in investing in your future, this series provides exceptional value and sets you up for long-term success.
