Helping founders find community and connections
Annual statewide startup competition — the largest in the nation — open to any MN entrepreneur with under $1M revenue, offering mentorship, pitch coaching, and $400,000+ in non-dilutive cash prizes across 9 divisions.
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 →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.
Learn more →Monthly convening of leaders of MSP-area accelerators, incubators, and entrepreneurial support organizations to address shared challenges, advance equity priorities, and collaborate on building a stronger startup ecosystem.
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 →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 →Resource and connection hub for Minnesota food and agriculture entrepreneurs, offering events, networking, education, and the Bold Growth Program accelerator for late-stage food/ag companies.
Learn more →Annual week-long startup innovation festival with 200+ events covering all facets of business, connecting innovators, developers, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Learn more →Holmes Center initiative supporting scalable women-led startups in Minnesota through annual conferences, events, mentorship programs, and community building; open to all, centered on female founders.
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