A 14-year-old, a private equity investor, a robotics engineer, a retired teacher, a grandmother, a computer coder in his 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 mirrors some of the locals seen at community events organized in partnership with Build Cities, a platform for community and economic growth. These gatherings bring together people from all walks of life, united by a common desire to pursue creative dreams and innovative ideas.
Across the region, a number of these high-energy sessions are taking place to promote 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 turn ideas into action plans.
“In 2024, it seems like everyone is working from home. But like everything else in life, there are pros and cons; and for me, the biggest downside to 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 community of like-minded creators and entrepreneurs to innovate with until build_cda came into my life. Instead of sitting at home and daydreaming about how life could be, I now have a real community by my side to not just think, but go into the trenches and build the community together.”
This month’s lineup has included a variety of activities: a gathering for game makers 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. Attendees 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 concludes 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 would like to see the demos, they will present at 8:00 PM at Innovation Den, 418 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The wide range of gatherings aims to support both personal and professional growth, so community members can find events and new connections that match their interests and ambitions. With activities arranged across Spokane, Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, the challenge is not 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 demonstrate a collaborative spirit that proves that even in an age 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)