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Launch Minnesota Newsletter: May 2023 Edition

Gov Walz speaks to constituents at the capitol during small business day

Startup and Small Business Summit at the Capitol

Gov. Tim Walz joined DEED’s Office of Small Business Development and its community partners at the State Capitol on April 27 to celebrate small business’ big impact on Minnesota’s economy. The event was not only a celebration of entrepreneurs, but a chance to reflect on the One Minnesota budget proposals that will make them even stronger.

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Startups Selected for MN Ventures

Launch Minnesota is partnering with the University of Minnesota, the Medical Alley Association and MNSBIR, Inc. to host the second MN Ventures event of 2023. MN Ventures attracts investors from across the country to hear pitches from Minnesota startups. Here are the businesses that will be featured on May 19:

If you are an investor interested in attending MN Ventures, email launchminnesota@state.mn.us

Angel Investing Guide from Tech.MN

Interested in becoming an angel investor but not sure where to start? A new guide published by Tech.MN provides an overview of information on the basics of angel investing, qualifications for becoming and accredited investor, and a growing directory of angel investor resources in Minnesota.

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New SBDC Director

Andy Donahue has been appointed as the new Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director. In this role, Donahue will lead Minnesota’s SBDC program by working with SBDC’s regional centers, entrepreneurs and small businesses to help catalyze and grow the state’s small business community.

Prior to his new role at DEED, Donahue served as the SBDC Director at the University of Wisconsin-Superior for eight years. While there, he focused on developing a robust entrepreneurial program that focuses on strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement and in-depth client insight.

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Friday Forum: Small Business Legislative Update - May 26

Launch Minnesota’s Friday Forums are an opportunity to discuss topics affecting Minnesota’s startup community. This month we'll be learning about new and changing legislation that will affect startups and small businesses in Minnesota. Join us to hear from these DEED leaders:

Deven Bowdry, DEED Legislative Liaison
Charles Schaffer, Small Business Assistance Office Director
Brandon Toner, DEED Agency Policy Specialist

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Welcoming Wednesday - June 24

Launch Minnesota is partnering with coworking spaces and economic development agencies across the state assist startups and small businesses during Welcoming Wednesdays.

On the second Wednesday of each month, spaces across the state spotlight a range of available business resources in their communities. There will be experts at each location, including business coaches, Launch Minnesota regional leaders and Small Business Development Center consultants.

Our June Welcoming Wednesday hosts will be announced shortly! Learn more

If you are interested in becoming a host, email launchminnesota@state.mn.us

Gen Z Entrepreneur Block Party

Local startup Simi is hosting a gathering for Gen Z entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. The June 23 Block Party features mini crash courses for businesses in areas such as: