 Northwest Regional Roundtable
Launch Minnesota and its partners in the Northwest gathered in Bemidji last week for a roundtable discussion about innovation and rural business growth. In addition to Bemidji Mayor Jorge Price, panelists included local investors, early-stage startups, scale-ups, and more.
The conversation ranged from discussions on the region’s many strengths to growing its investor network and methods for supporting startups in the area.
We enjoyed visiting the vibrant innovation ecosystem in Bemidji and we look forward to collaborating with our partners in Northwest Minnesota on further initiatives to help entrepreneurs in the region!
Lakeland PBS has more
Innovation Grant Funding Available
Don't miss your chance to apply for a Launch Minnesota Innovation Grant! These grants provide up to $35,000 for business operations, which includes research and development, direct business expenses and technical assistance.
Applications for the new round of Innovation Grants opened last month. Check out the Innovation Grant page on our website for additional information and to see if your startup qualifies.
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Southeast Minnesota Capital Fund Raises $7M
The Southeast Minnesota Capital Fund (SMCF), a group of angel investors based in Rochester, has raised $7M for its second fund. SMCF expects to invest in 12 to 15 seed-stage companies and make up to 10 follow-up investments in its portfolio companies.
Minne Inno has more
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
Join us on September 8th and 9th in Red Wing for the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC). The conference will bring together entrepreneurs, support organizations, decision makers, and community champions. Now in its fourth year, the event aims to create the kind of supportive networks that help entrepreneurs succeed in communities throughout the state.
Registration is now open for this year’s CEC Conference in Red Wing!
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Twin Cities Startup Week
Launch Minnesota is excited to share that along with our DEED colleagues, we are hosting four events during Twin Cities Startup Week this year! Follow the links below for information about all of our different events.
September 19:
September 20:
Friday Forum: Blockchain
Launch Minnesota’s Friday Forums are an opportunity to discuss the topics facing Minnesota’s startup community. Friday, August 25 at 8:30 a.m. we’re discussing Blockchain technology and its many applications. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just getting started, this will be a fun and engaging conversation for all.
Learn more
Lunch With Launch
Lunch With Launch is a new, casual meetup for grantees and community members to connect and collaborate. We are gathering for our third Lunch with Launch at Twin Ignition Startup Garage in Northeast Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 31.
Thank you to BETA for co-hosting! The Launch MN team looks forward to connecting with grantees and other members of the innovation ecosystem.
Details here
Upcoming Events
August 23: AURI’s Fields of Innovation – From Setback to Success: How Failure Creates Opportunity
August 31: Lunch With Launch @ Twin Ignition
September 7: TechCrunch City Spotlight—Minneapolis
September 8-9: Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
September 20: BETA Backers
September 16-23: Twin Cities Startup Week
More events on Launch Minnesota’s Startup and Small Business Calendar
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
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