Join us for our FREE Open-House Mixer where you can learn more about the workshops, ask questions you may have and sign-up for this series in-person.

Saturday, October 17, 2026
10am - 12pm
TD Bank
2857 Alabama Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC 20020

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Open-House Mixer

RSVP for the Open House

Spark to Start Workshop Series

This 5-part workshop series 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.

We’re offering 5 workshops 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.

Clarify Your Idea & Your Why
October 24, 2026

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
Business Formation & Foundation
October 31, 2026
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
Build Your Brand Identity
November 7, 2026
Goal: Create a brand that people trust and remember.
- What branding really is vs. isn’t
- Crafting your voice, look, and feel
- How to build a strong visual identity
We’ll help you answer the question:
“How do I show up professionally and stand out?”
Lead Facilitator: Loocie
The Blueprint of a Business Plan
November 14, 2026
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
Startup Funding, Grants & Loans
November 21, 2026
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

Reserve Your Spot

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 Loocie

Brand Identity Designer & Co-Founder of Talooka Studio

I was raised in Prince George's County, went to school in Virginia, and built my business in Washington, D.C. My work has always been rooted in the DMV and the people who live here.

For the past 12 years, I've helped small businesses, first-time founders, and mission-driven organizations build brands that match the quality of their work. That includes brand identities, logos, brand guidelines, websites, and presentation decks for clients like the ACLU, The DC Center, Hedon State, and Don't Mute DC.

I got into design because I kept seeing good ideas held back by how they looked. Through Spark to Start, I help new entrepreneurs get clear on who they are and who they serve, so people can see the value in what they've built from day one.

Workshop Series Structure

Duration and Workshop Length

5 weeks, one workshop per week. 2 hours per workshop. We meet 10am- 12pm

Location

In-person workshops.
TD Bank
2857 Alabama Ave SE Washington, District of Columbia 20020

Format & Collaborate Openly

Interactive presentations, activities, and group discussions

Materials

Hands-on activities and worksheets with templates and tools you can use immediately

Details about the Spark to Start Workshops

We successfully launched our first cohort Feb-March 2026. And we’re excited to launch our 2nd Spark to Start workshop series! Space is intentionally limited to ensure personalized attention and meaningful connections within the group.

Workshop Details:

Cost: Workshops are free.
Class Size: Limited to 12 participants
Classes Dates: Saturday Mornings from 10:00am -12:00pm
- October 17, 2026 – Open House Mixer
- October 24, 2026 – Workshop 1
- October 31, 2026 – Workshop 2
- November 7, 2026 – Workshop 3
- November 14, 2026 – Workshop 4
- November 21, 2026 – Workshop 5
Location: TD BANK
2857 Alabama Ave SE
Washington, District of Columbia 20020