CREATIVE THINKING WORKSHOP

SMALL BUSINESSES + NONPROFITS 2026

 


 

EVENT DETAILS:

 

WHEN

February 27, 2026

11:00am - 2:00pm

WHERE

Hyattsville Library

6530 Adelphi Rd

Hyattsville, MD 20782

FREE!

This event is FREE to attend!

Space is limited, register below.

 

WHY ATTEND?

Please join us for a unique workshop that will teach you how to think creatively about your small business and nonprofit spaces. Attendees will learn about the latest federal, state, and county funding opportunities, building products and ideas on how to enhance “bricks and mortar” spaces. The event will be free for attendees. Funders will share numerous resources to get the financial support you need for your next capital project.

The conference will be held at the Hyattsville Library. Lunch will be provided.


ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

Triple Line Studio is a woman-owned small business in Hyattsville, providing architectural services for small businesses and nonprofits. We work with clients to design their spaces - old or new, big or small, owned or leased - and amplify their mission to support their organization’s triple bottom line. From stakeholder engagement to concept plans we have the tools to coach them along the way. We provide the information they need to target grants, dazzle donors, interest investors, and launch a capital project to transform their organization.


AGENDA

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | REGISTRATION & COFFEE sponsored by matriarch coffee & pella windows and doors

Registration will open at 10:30 AM. Attendees are welcome to have a coffee sponsored by Matriarch Coffee & Pella Windows and Doors and network in the library lobby.

 

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | INTRODUCTION & PRESENTATION

Triple Line Studio will open the event with highlights from the TLS Resource page. This will be followed by a panel discussion “Fantastic Facades & Spectacular Storefronts: Using State and Local Incentives to Create Commercial Curb Appeal”.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | networking EXPO & lunch sponsored by Cocineros

Attendees will pick up a free lunch generously sponsored by Cocineros and tour the mini-expo talking to funding and project experts.

 

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | WORKSHOPS

Participate in the break-out session/workshop of your choice.


PANEL DISCUSSION:

Fantastic Facades & Spectacular Storefronts: Using State and Local Incentives to Create Commercial Curb Appeal 

CAREY L. JONES

MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST

Carey L. Jones is a Preservation Officer with the Maryland Historic Revitalization Tax Credit Program. In her current capacity Ms. Jones reviews state and Federal tax credit projects and provides technical support for owners of historic properties. Before joining MHT, Ms. Jones worked as a Senior Preservation Planner/Secretary to the Commission of Architectural Review for the City of Richmond, Virginia, where she was the primary point of contact for the local historic district program. Ms. Jones has a BA in History/Political Science from Rutgers University and an MA in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University.

 

Jesse Kirsch

NOPLAN Studio

Jesse Kirsch is a multi-talented creative, working as a graphic designer, muralist, letterpress printer, and artist. With a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity of bygone eras, Jesse values the artistry and dedication that characterized creative professions in the past. His endeavors have led to the creation of authentic brands and designs, leaving a memorable mark on the visual landscape. 

 

LaVerne Peakes

TOWN OF RIVERDALE PARK

LaVerne Peakes is the Senior Grants Manager for the Town of Riverdale Park, where she oversees the development, management, and compliance of local, state, and federal grant programs supporting infrastructure, economic development, and community initiatives. She holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the University at Buffalo, SUNY, and specializes in leveraging public funding to advance community revitalization, public safety, and placemaking projects.

 

RAYYA NEWMAN, AIA, LEED BD+C, SEED

TRIPLE LINE STUDIO (EVENT ORGANIZER)

Rayya is a public interest architect and the founder of Triple Line Studio. Licensed in Maryland and DC, she has worked in the DC area for over 20 years. In 2017 her project, Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, an adaptive reuse project in the heart of historic Hyattsville, won Preservation Maryland’s Community Choice Award. In addition to running her own firm, Rayya also teaches design studios as a professor at the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.


LUNCH EXPO

ANACOSTIA TRAILS HERITAGE AREA

The Anacostia Trails Heritage Area is one of 13 Heritage Areas certified by the State of Maryland under the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Heritage Areas contribute to the state and local economy through tourism.

MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST

The Maryland Historical Trust is the state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland's past. Through research, conservation and education, the Maryland Historical Trust assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage.

PEPCO ENERGY SAVINGS FOR BUSINESS

The Pepco Energy Savings for Business Program provides financial incentives for you to install new energy-efficient equipment in your business.

C & A ELECTRICAL & FIRE ALARMS

C & A, Inc. is a Maryland-based corporation specializing in Electrical and Fire Alarm remodeling construction.

Maryland Community Investment Corporation

Proposed and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, the Maryland Community Investment Corporation represents Maryland’s first state sponsored Community Development Entity. MCIC will draw crucial federal financial resources to galvanize development in underserved communities, fostering equitable access to capital and opportunity across the state.

MODULEX

As a leading provider of architectural signage, Modulex is dedicated to delivering exceptional visual communication solutions. We pride ourselves on our wayfinding and signage solutions that represent the best in design and production.

WILLS DECORATING

For a huge selection of premium custom blinds, draperies, in-stock and special order wallpaper, flooring from ceramic tile, vinyl tile, laminates, and hardwood to carpet and Benjamin Moore paint visit Wills Decorating in Hyattsville, Maryland. Upholstery services are also offered. Whether you are a homeowner, business or contractor, our designers can help you pull it all together from the floor to the ceiling.

WAGNER ROOFING

For over 100 years, Wagner Roofing Company has been dedicated to preserving iconic buildings, commercial institutions, and residential homes with award-winning craftsmanship throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

M-NCPPC - Prince George's County Planning Department - Historic Preservation Section

The Historic Preservation Section works with the Prince George’s County Planning Board and the Historic Preservation Commission to maintain a collection of historical resources; identify, designate, and regulate historic sites; and provide expert guidance to encourage preservation awareness.

MCN BUILD

MCN Build is a purpose driven construction company dedicated to empowering our global communities with sustainable projects. We build strong, continuous relationships with our clients, delivering state-of-the-art structures on time and on budget. With every project, MCN Build aspires to create opportunities for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. We continue to meet the highest standards of corporate social responsibility because we are passionate about the community.


WORKSHOPS:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

In this workshop participants will learn what programs PEPCO offers through the EMPOWER MARYLAND PROGRAM in order to plan for and then purchase upgraded systems and equipment so they can save on their energy bill.

WILLIAM JOHNSON

PEPCO

William Johnson is an Account Manager for Pepco's Energy Savings for Business Programs. Born and raised in Maryland, he attended the University of Maryland where he studied Civil and Environmental Engineering, learning how to create sustainable infrastructure and optimize building efficiency. In his free time he loves to play golf, and spend time with his girlfriend and two cats.

 

CAPITAL STACK

In this workshop Chief Impact & Investment Officer, Ira Kowler, will share what funding sources can go into a Capital Stack and how MCIC can help in assembling those crucial financial pieces in order to get a project underway.

Ira Kowler

Maryland Community Investment Corporation

Ira Kowler is Chief Impact & Investment Officer of the Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC). As a state instrumentality, MCIC is dedicated to building long-term financial capacity and sustained investment in low-income communities across Maryland through New Markets Tax Credits. Prior to joining MCIC, Ira has served as a community and economic development expert throughout Maryland. He served as Managing Director at the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), the City’s quasi-governmental economic development agency, overseeing the commercial corridor investment and real estate development teams. Previously, he also served as the Director of Housing & Community Development (HCD) for the City of Takoma Park, overseeing housing & economic development work and participating in municipal government associations throughout the state.

 

PRESERVATION BASICS

In this workshop participants will learn how to determine whether their building is designated or located in a historic district, what types of building changes typically require approval, and how early coordination can help property owners plan renovations, pursue funding, and avoid delays.

KACY ROHN

M-NCPPC - Prince George's County Planning Department - Historic Preservation Section 

Kacy Rohn is a historic preservation planner in the Prince George's County Planning Department and the staff liaison to the Prince George's County Historic Preservation Commission. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's dual master's program in Community Planning and Historic Preservation and has worked in preservation planning at the state, county, and local level. 




OUR PAST CREATIVE THINKING WORKSHOPS:

 

CTW 2025

CTW-H 2024

CTW 2023