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Event Series: Small Business Development

Free Professional Headshot Day

Event Description

A Community Employment & Career Development Event

Sunday, February 22 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Idea Forge Studios at Project Imo

54 North Street, Willimantic, CT

 

Project Imo’s Idea Forge Studios is partnering with Studio Yaz Photography to host a Free Professional Headshot Day designed to support local professionals, entrepreneurs, job seekers, creatives, and students who may not otherwise have access to high-quality photography services.

This is a community employment development initiative built to help you put your best face forward — at no cost.

Why Professional Headshots Matter

  • Improve LinkedIn and online profile credibility
  • Strengthen resumes and digital portfolios
  • Elevate small business branding
  • Support grant applications and speaking engagements
  • Help creatives build stronger online visibility
  • Increase confidence during job searches

What to Expect

  • 15–20 minute professional photo session
  • Studio lighting and professional backdrop
  • Hosted in Studio 1A – our photo, cinema & recording studio
  • Multiple poses and expression options
  • A curated selection of high-resolution digital images
  • Secure digital delivery shortly after the event

Photography will be provided by Studio Yaz Photography and Jim Stahr, Imo volunteer, musician, and photographer.

Participants should be prepared to provide contact information for digital photo delivery.

Who Should Attend?

  • Job seekers and career changers
  • College students and graduating seniors
  • Small business owners
  • Nonprofit leaders
  • Artists, musicians, and creatives
  • Justice-impacted individuals rebuilding career pathways
  • Anyone needing updated professional photos

A Workforce Development Initiative by Project Imo

Idea Forge Studios is a Willimantic-based creative workforce hub providing hands-on career development programming, media and maker studios, small business incubation support, and community workshops.

This event reflects our mission: removing barriers to opportunity through access to creative tools and professional resources.

Special Membership Opportunity

All attendees will receive exclusive access to a 6-month Idea Forge Studios membership opportunity, providing studio access, creative workspace, networking opportunities, professional development workshops, and entrepreneurial support.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, February 22
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Idea Forge Studios, Willimantic, CT
  • Cost: FREE
  • Session Length: 15–20 minutes
  • Spots are limited. Registration is encouraged.

Perfect move. This strengthens SEO while positioning Idea Forge as an economic engine — not just a studio.

Here’s a ~300-word section you can insert into the event page:

Idea Forge Studios: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Growth

Idea Forge Studios is more than a creative space — it is a launchpad for entrepreneurs, freelancers, artists, and emerging small businesses across Eastern Connecticut.

For many new ventures, access to professional tools, workspace, and technical support can be cost-prohibitive. Idea Forge removes those barriers. Members gain access to professional photo and video studios, recording equipment, maker tools, digital design resources, and collaborative workspace — all designed to help turn ideas into viable enterprises.

Entrepreneurs use Idea Forge Studios to:

  • Produce marketing photos and product images

  • Record podcasts and promotional videos

  • Design logos, packaging, and branding materials

  • Develop prototypes using maker equipment

  • Host small workshops, networking events, and product launches

  • Build digital content for websites and social media

In today’s economy, visibility and branding are essential. Whether launching a handmade goods business, consulting service, creative agency, or nonprofit initiative, access to high-quality media production tools can dramatically accelerate growth and credibility.

Beyond equipment, Idea Forge provides community. Members connect with photographers, designers, filmmakers, musicians, writers, and other professionals who can collaborate, exchange services, and expand networks. This ecosystem creates organic mentorship, peer learning, and cross-promotion opportunities that help small businesses gain traction faster.

For entrepreneurs who attend the Free Professional Headshot Day, the opportunity doesn’t end with one photo session. Participants will receive information about a special 6-month membership opportunity — providing continued access to studio space, creative tools, and a supportive entrepreneurial environment.

At Idea Forge Studios, we believe that local businesses strengthen local communities. By equipping entrepreneurs with professional-grade resources and an inclusive creative network, we help transform ideas into sustainable economic opportunity right here in Willimantic and throughout Eastern Connecticut.

February 22, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Free

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Free Photo Headshot Session
You will receive a web link to sign up for a 20 minute window.
$0.00
20 available
Quantity: 0
Total: $0.00

Venue

Base Camp & Idea Forge Studios

54 North Street
Willimantic, CT 06226 United States

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Organized By

Project Imo

(860) 786-5799

teamimo@projectimo.org

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Know Before You Go!

Nope! A digital copy on your phone is perfectly fine. Just have it ready at check-in for a quick scan. We would gladly accept 

Project Imo and the Idea Forge Creators Space strive to offer high-quality events and workshops for our community. To ensure fair access and responsible planning, we’ve established the following refund policy:

Ticket Purchases

  • All ticket sales are final unless otherwise stated on the event listing.

  • Refunds may be issued if a written request is received at least 7 days before the event date.

  • Refunds requested within 7 days of the event are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • A processing fee may be deducted to cover platform costs (e.g., PayPal fees).

How Refunds Are Processed

  • Refunds will be issued to the original payment method (usually via PayPal).

  • For in-person registrations paid by cash or check, refunds will be issued by check within 14 business days.

  • Requests must be sent to [insert email] and include:

    • Your full name

    • The event name

    • Proof of purchase

If We Cancel or Reschedule
If an event is canceled or rescheduled by Project Imo, you will receive:

  • A full refund, or

  • The option to transfer your registration to a future event (upon request)

Parking is available at right outside the entrance of our main location.

Street parking may be limited on Main street, so always recommend arriving early or carpooling when possible.

We offer a few light refreshments, including a Keurig station, a water dispenser, and occasional snacks.

However, we do not provide full meals. For most events, you’re welcome to eat beforehand or bring your own food, unless otherwise noted in the event description. If outside food isn’t allowed for a specific program, we’ll be sure to mention it clearly.

Please bring your ticket (digital or printed), a valid ID, and any personal items you may need.

Some events may require specific materials, these will be noted clearly in the event description if needed. If you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out before attending!

Unless otherwise stated, all events/workshops are intended for adults ages 18 and up.

If an event is family-friendly or open to younger participants, that information will be clearly noted in the event description.

Yes and we encourage it!

You can add multiple tickets at checkout and enter details for each attendee. We highly recommend inviting your friends, coworkers, or creative crew to join you. Events are more fun when shared, and it makes for a great group outing or even a unique gift experience.

Yes, just email us at TeamImo@Projectimo.org with the full name and email of the new attendee at least 48 hours before the event.  Best option would to also copy that person on the email you send.

Use the contact form below or email us directly at TeamImo@projectimo.org. We’re happy to help!

Interested in Future Events?

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