Feeling inspired? Tackle your passion project with this Dayton workshop

Credit: Olivia Barrow

Credit: Olivia Barrow

Next week kicks off the Gignite incubator series in Dayton. Gignite is an 8-week incubator for side gigs, passion projects and hobbies. It was created and organized by former Dayton resident Olivia Barrow, a content marketer, entrepreneur and former journalist who worked at the Dayton Business Journal.

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"We provide the time, space, accountability, and inspiration for you to turn those 'one day I want to' ideas into real projects," Barrow said in an interview with Mad Works Co-Working.

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INSPIRED BY CO-WORKING

A few years ago, Barrow watched her friends launch The Nucleus, Dayton's first co-working space. At that time, Barrow knew she wanted to incorporate something like this into her work-life routine.

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“Coworking really appealed to me. I craved collaboration and creative energy from a room full of entrepreneurs,” she said.

But that opportunity didn’t arise for her until after she left the Gem City.

Soon after quitting her 9-to-5 job, Barrow joined co-working space 100state in Madison.

“It has done wonders for my productivity and mental health -- I’m someone who can’t handle staying at home by myself all day,” she said.

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ENTER GIGNITE

Gignite was then born out of the need for further collaboration among peers.

“I wished that I could get a group of about 10 people to join me in making an 8-week commitment to spend three hours a week tackling our neglected side-gigs, hobbies and passion projects,” she said.

Her wish was also her command. In fall of 2017, Gignite launched in Madison, Wisconsin with a pilot session of 11 members.

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GIGNITE IN DAYTON

The first session comes to Dayton next Monday, and will be hosted at The Nucleus with A.J. Ferguson, Director of UpDayton, facilitating the session. The session runs for three hours every Monday night, from Feb. 26 to April 16.

For the first hour, A.J. will lead the group in activities designed to break the ice and build relationships -- as well as give everyone a little break to mentally prepare for the adjustment from work day to Gignite.

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Credit: Olivia Barrow

Credit: Olivia Barrow

After discussion and activities, each participant will have up to two hours of “focus time.” Each week, A.J. will counsel each member about their project(s) — what did you accomplish this week, and what are your goals for the next week?

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Group discussions and creative activities to build relationships and help move your project forward, light refreshments, paper and pens, potential future referrals, electrical outlets, wifi and uninterrupted focus time. On the eighth week, the group throws a party to celebrate their accomplishments. The cost is $150 up front, with a $50 refund if you meet the attendance requirements.

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Want to go?

WHAT: Gignite Incubator

WHERE: The Nucleus, 411 E 5th St., Dayton

HOURS: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays from Feb. 26-April 16

COST: $150 (you'll receive a $50 refund if you meet attendance requirements)

INFO: Olivia Barrow's website

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