Helping founders find community and connections
Annual one-day entrepreneurship conference held in Austin, MN, featuring keynote speakers, peer networking, and a student business plan competition with $10,000 in prizes for entrepreneurs across southern Minnesota.
Share this program with someone via SMS or email
Go to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) hub page
We'll draft an intro email to connect you with this program
See the full program details and how to apply
Find out if this program is a good fit for you
Add a calendar reminder with program details
Request to speak with a mentor from this program
Six-month professional development and mentorship cohort for early- and mid-career community development professionals, focused on networking, policy advocacy, and building equitable communities.
Learn more →Annual two-day conference and field trips connecting community champions, economic developers, and entrepreneurs to share models supporting rural entrepreneurship.
Learn more →Monthly professional development and networking events for economic development professionals, aligned with IEDC competencies.
Learn more →Programming for energy professionals and entrepreneurs exploring startup opportunities, including industry-specific training, workshops, networking events, and connections to Grid Catalyst's Innovators Network.
Learn more →Young professionals program of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce connecting and empowering emerging leaders ages 20–40 through networking events, experience-based learning, educational offerings, and community involvement opportunities.
Learn more →Eight-week one-on-one mentorship program pairing University of Minnesota undergraduate students with experienced founders and entrepreneurs; runs March–May annually.
Learn more →Annual business idea competition for Northwest Minnesota entrepreneurs offering cash prizes, intensive business training, coaching, and post-award technical assistance to accelerate innovative business concepts.
Learn more →Annual regional business pitch competition for SE and southern Minnesota entrepreneurs; top winners receive cash prizes and an automatic semifinalist seat at the statewide MN Cup competition.
Learn more →Program connecting economic development interns across Minnesota through virtual and in-person sessions to broaden their understanding of the profession.
Learn more →Digital cohort and coaching platform for BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and non-binary founders outside the Twin Cities or unable to attend in-person Lunar programming; provides on-demand resources, events, and operational excellence tools.
Learn more →