SSBCI Financing Programs
DEED’s SSBCI team has several financing tools to assist Minnesota’s early-stage small businesses. Technologically innovative businesses seeking angel funding or venture capital may apply to the Growth Loan Fund. Businesses across most industries that are struggling to access traditional bank financing may find a lender through the SSBCI-supported Minnesota Loan Guarantee or Small Business Loan Participation programs.
Friday Forum: MN Cup - Feb. 28
Launch Minnesota’s Friday Forums allow entrepreneurs to explore a wide range of topics impacting our state’s innovation ecosystem. This month, we’re talking about MN Cup – the largest statewide startup competition in the nation. Join MN Cup Director Kailin Oliver as she leads a discussion with former MN Cup participants about making the most of your MN Cup participation.
Here are the session panelists:
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Value Proposition Design Webinar
The University of Minnesota’s Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship will offer its Value Proposition Design Course for four weeks starting April 3. Powered by grant funding from Launch MN, this class is exclusively for pre-launch and early-stage tech entrepreneurs planning to seek external grant or equity funding. Participants will learn about Lean Startup tools and study specific examples of how startups have utilized this framework to advance their ventures.
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Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
The 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference will take place March 20-21 in Virginia, Minnesota. Past conferences have brought together nearly 100 entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development professionals, decision makers, and community champions. Participants had the opportunity to connect with others who care about entrepreneurship in their region. Be sure to save the date for this exciting event!
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Connect with Student Interns Through MacNest
MacNest is a 10-week summer internship program where students receive funding from Macalester Colleges for internships with Twin Cities startups. Students receive funds to work 35 hours per week and participate in cohort-style workshops to support personal and professional growth and development. If your startup is interested in working with a MacNest intern, consider applying by Monday, Feb. 28.
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CEO Start Program
Applications are now open for CEO Start, a group-learning opportunity in the CEO Growth Series from Elevate Hennepin. CEO Start, powered by CO.STARTERS, is open to anyone in Hennepin County with a business idea. Participants will work through a nationally renown framework for testing and validating their idea so they can build a viable business.
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BETA Cohort Accepting Applications
BETA Cohort is a free, non-dilutive accelerator program that connects founders to Minnesota’s tech and innovation community. Over the course of four months, up to 20 companies will gain valuable insight into growing and scaling their business. BETA will also provide participants with access to resources and mentorship. Applications are due March 5.
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Upcoming Events
Find more events on Launch MN's Statewide Startup and Small Business Calendar.
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Resources for Entrepreneurs:
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