Community events inspire big ideas and new connections
Local husband and wife founders look on as they are asked questions about their upcoming crowdfunding campaign.
A 14-year-old, a private equity investor, a robotics engineer, a retired teacher, a grandmother, a computer coder in her 20s and a man recovering from a stroke all walk into a room ...
While it may sound like the setup for a joke, this gathering actually reflects some of the locals seen at community events hosted in partnership with Build Cities, a community and economic growth platform. These gatherings bring together people from all walks of life, connected by a shared desire to pursue creative dreams and innovative ideas.
Throughout the region, a range of these high-energy sessions are taking place to foster entrepreneurship and creativity. These events, many of which are free and open to the public, offer a space for individuals to explore unique interests, collaborate and transform ideas into actionable plans.
“In 2024, it seems like everyone works from home. But like everything in life, there are pros and cons; and to me, the biggest downside of being a remote worker is the loneliness that inevitably comes with the territory,” said Mark Cuda, a local host of one of the idea accelerator sessions. “For years, I struggled to find a real-world community of like-minded creators and entrepreneurs to innovate with, until build_cda came into my life. Instead of sitting at home daydreaming about what life could be like, now, I have a real community by my side to not just ideate, but get in the trenches and build the community, together.”
This month’s lineup has included a variety of activities: a gathering for game creators hosted by a former LCHS teacher, workshops on building products with artificial intelligence hosted by AI experts, and discussions on balancing entrepreneurship with mental health. Participants have also enjoyed storytelling nights with notable speakers, including a CEO who sold his company for $160 million and a special effects expert from "Jurassic Park" and "Star Wars." The week will wrap up with a 12-hour hackathon featuring students from North Idaho College, the University of Idaho and local AI experts as they create and ship new AI products in 12 hours or less. If you’d like to see the demos, they will present at 8 p.m. at the Innovation Den, 418 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The wide range of gatherings aims to support both personal and professional growth, allowing community members to find events and new connections that match their interests and ambitions. With activities hosted across Spokane, Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, the challenge isn’t finding something to attend, but choosing which event to prioritize.
Upcoming highlights include a live Q&A with the founder and longtime CEO of The North Face, followed by a book club discussing his book, "Conquering the North Face: An Adventure in Leadership."
These community-driven events showcase a collaborative spirit, proving that even in a time of digital connectivity, face-to-face interactions remain invaluable for growth, learning, and building meaningful connections.
For a full list of upcoming events and to get more involved, visit Build Coeur d’Alene. (https://www.buildcities.com/cities/build-coeur-dalene)