Launch Minnesota Announces a New Initiative for Startups and Small Businesses

Launch Minnesota is partnering with coworking spaces and economic development agencies statewide on a new initiative to foster connections with local experts for startups and small businesses at all stages.

St. Paul - Launch Minnesota, a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) led initiative dedicated to growing Minnesota's startup ecosystem, is partnering with coworking spaces and economic development agencies to welcome businesses across the state to make connections and get answers. This new opportunity will bring together startups, small businesses and community experts.

"We are proud to have representation in every region of the state," said Launch Minnesota Executive Director Neela Mollgaard. "These events will increase access to Minnesota's many educational, non-profit, government and other innovation resources and make it easier for entrepreneurs and business owners to connect to talent across Minnesota to help their business start and scale."

On the second Wednesday of each month, spaces across the state will spotlight the range of business resources available in their communities. There will be experts in each location, including business coaches, Launch Minnesota regional leaders, support organizations, and consultants from Small Business Development Centers. All sessions are free, with no registration required.

Launch Minnesota partners will participate in the inaugural sessions on Wednesday, February 8. In addition to the in-person gatherings, these events will also be offered virtually on the Minnesota Exchange. After the inaugural event on February 8, these gatherings will be offered on the second Wednesday of each month.

Here are spaces partnering in this effort on February 8:

• Northeast - Itasca Economic Development Corporation

o Where: 12 NW 3rd St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

o When: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

o Hosts: Amanda Lamppa (Innovate 218), Nichole Arbour (SBDC Business Consultant), Rob Sjostrand (SBDC Business Consultant)

• Northwest - LaunchPad

o Where: 102 1st St W, Bemidji, MN 56601

o When: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. or by appointment

o Hosts: LaunchPad Navigators and SBDC Consultants

• Southeast - Red Wing Ignite

o Where: 419 Bush St, Red Wing, MN 55066

o When: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

o Hosts: Shannan Harris (Red Wing Ignite Operations Director), Julie Herrera-Lemler (SBDC Business Consultant)

• Southwest - Strategic Partnership Center

o Where: 424 Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001

o When: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and free coworking in Mogwai all day

o Hosts: Mankato State University and South-Central SBDC Center

• West Central - The Foundry at Greater Fergus Falls

o Where: 101 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

o When: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

o Hosts: Greater Fergus Falls Business Coaches

• Twin Cities (two locations)

o Fueled Collective

 Where: 424 S 4th St, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55415

 When: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 Hosts: Launch Minnesota and Forge North

o Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship

 Where: 323 Naumkeag St S, Shakopee, MN 55379

 When: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

 Hosts: Scott County CFE Experts

If you are interested in hosting a future event or have questions, contact launchminnesota@state.mn.us.

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website, the JoinUsMn.com website, or follow us on Twitter.