It’s an exciting time for Minnesota’s startup community!
We are thrilled to share that our legislators agreed to continue funding Launch Minnesota, and Governor Walz just signed the bill to make it official. The bill allocates the same amount of funding the program had previously – $2.5 million a year – and it is slated for each of the next four years. We now have a great runway for growth and tremendous momentum across the state.
We are grateful for the support of the Governor, legislators (from both parties) and you! There was an outpouring of support; the startup community was heard, and the collective efforts noticed.
Here are a few of the messages sent to the Legislature:
Laura Zumbrunnen (Founder of InControl Health)
“Since being awarded a Launch MN Innovation Grant and engaging in their entrepreneurial ecosystem, doors have opened for us. We are in the strongest position yet to experience success.”
Cathy Connett (CEO of Sophia Fund, investor and advisor)
“Since the 1990s, I have been a part of several efforts to try to expand public and private support for entrepreneurship in our state and ... this is the first successful effort I have seen to support entrepreneurs across our state.”
Christine Beech (Launch Minnesota: advisory board member, network partner and higher ed network co-host)
“I have been nothing short of amazed at what Launch MN has been able to accomplish in its short tenure. Launch MN has ... put funds in the hands of the most innovative Minnesotans. They’ve sought to empower the existing organizations in the far-reaching corners of the state, and to ensure ways to help them collaborate most effectively. There has been no bureaucracy – simply an example of government as a most efficient and effective partner – making every effort to help businesses grow.”
 Looking forward:
Working together, we’re excited to be part of building the next chapter of our economy. (Shown above are a few members of Minnesota’s startup community.)
The funding will enable Launch Minnesota to continue to serve and support Minnesota’s startup community and grow our innovation ecosystem. Our goals moving forward will focus on:
- Increasing access to capital for innovative startups
- Creating a collaborative and connected culture
- Growing entrepreneurial talent and expertise
The development of new technologies and innovative businesses are critical for our economy and will keep Minnesota competitive nationally and globally. We are proud of the traction we’ve seen in under two years but realize the work has just started.
Onward!
Neela Mollgaard
Executive Director, Launch Minnesota
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