October 2017

GAP Helps Minnesota's Small Manufacturers

Enterprise Minnesota-Fall 2017
The Minnesota’s Legislature this year re-established the popular Growth Acceleration Program (GAP), which helps manufacturers of 250 or fewer employees gain access to business improvement services.

Shawn Hunstad, above, president of Brainerd-based Stern Cos., is among the more than 300 Minnesota manufacturers who have participated in GAP since its inception in 2008. The program has helped to create or retain 5,299 jobs and increase sales by $556 million in the state.

Meet the Winner

MicroOptx Inc. of Maple Grove was named the 2017 winner of the 13th annual Minnesota Cup competition on Oct. 9.

MicroOptx, a medical device company that makes implants for halting the progression of glaucoma, was awarded the $50,000 grand prize during a ceremony at the University of Minnesota. The Autonomous Tractor Corp. took second in this year's competition and was awarded $20,000.

Go to the Carlson School of Management website for more details about this year's competition, including the eight finalists that competed for the grand prize.

MINNESOTA VENTURE CONFERENCE

Don’t miss the 2017 Minnesota Venture Conference on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Hundreds of participants will gather for a full day of knowledge-sharing, networking and pitches from some of Minnesota's most promising companies. DEED is a sponsor of the event.

Startup companies can also apply for the Entrepreneurial Showcase. Showcase participation is free for qualified registered companies and includes a one-page profile in the event book, a one-minute introduction on stage and information table.

Learn more about this event or register at the Minnesota Venture Conference website.

Industry experts will meet at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Oct. 23-25 to share ideas on how to improve cyber security domestically and internationally.

Cyber Security Summit 2017 will include a half-day session on Tuesday, Oct. 24, aimed at small businesses. Participants can register for that session for $79. They can get a 10 percent discount by using the code SBA17 for that and any other sessions at the event.

MINNESOTA RESOURCES FOR SMALL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES

Learn about the wide variety of resources available to small businesses in the entrepreneurial ecosystem during the Minnesota Resources & Technology Companies event at the University of Minnesota on Nov. 2. The Minnesota High Tech Association has a complete agenda and registration information.