Join us for Food Drinks and an evening of nurturing ideas and civic innovation 

Sometimes the first step towards turning an idea into reality is saying it out loud. Giving voice to an idea can help it grow into something fully formed and ready to bear fruit. The Idea Jam is a place for civic entrepreneurs to share ideas about how to help their communities thrive. The event will provide a forum to workshop those ideas among a welcoming and supportive peer group. No idea is too small or too big to bring to the table. It could be something brand new or the next step in an existing project ready to evolve. The important thing is that the idea would in some way make your community more vibrant, prosperous, strong, sustainable…or simply better.

Not sure whether you’re a civic entrepreneur with an idea to share? Here are a few examples (but don’t let them limit your imagination!)

• A new festival in your community’s downtown.
• A grassroots initiative that facilitates neighbors helping neighbors.
• Local efforts to make a community more welcoming and supportive of small businesses.
• A business or an organizational start-up with a community-conscious mission.

Any project or program with a connection to an important community issue, e.g., transportation, housing, energy, workforce development. You won’t need to bring anything to the Jam other than yourself and your idea! We’ll provide the rest.

What to expect: Networking, small group discussion, open mic pitching of ideas, resources for how to cultivate your idea further 

What is CEDS? The CEDS is the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Southwest NH (or “CEDS” for short). The CEDS lays out a roadmap for regional economic development.

We invite you to be part of this process and get excited for the future of our region!

Do you have an idea for a business or service in our community?

Do you see a need or gap in what is currently offered?

What would make the Monadnock Region an even better place to live and work?

Come join us for an open-mic style fast-paced evening of pitching.

How to Attend:

1. Come with your idea
2. Bring your co-creator, friend, or a whole support group
3. Sign up for a 2-minute time slot at the whiteboard in the room
4. Workshop your idea in a small group
5. Get up on the stage to give your best pitch to an audience of community members, friends, and other folks that can help turn this idea into a reality!
6. Learn about next steps for your Idea and the CEDS!