MINNEAPOLIS ECOSYSTEM MAP

MN Venture Builders:

MN Venture Builders

Programs They Run:

Organized by the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, this site shares information to connect with courses, competitions, seminars, mentors and connections to the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem to early-stage technology entrepreneurs across the entire State.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Students that attend the University of Minnesota

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Abdennour Abbas

Contact Info:

aabbas@umn.edu

DEI : Focus on female entrepreneurs

Cargill and the Edes Business School:

Cargill and the Edes Business School of the Universidad Técnica Particular de L

Programs They Run:

Made an alliance to carry out a training program for 100 female shrimp producers from Mexico, Central America, and Ecuador. The program will help the women access technology and technical knowledge, eliminating obstacles to improve their sources of income and enrich the industry and their communities. This partnership aligns to Cargill’s commitment to promote gender parity and women’s empowerment along its supply chains.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

100 shrimp female producers in Mexico, Central America and Ecuador

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Camilo Pinzón

Contact Info:

media@cargill.com

The Community Entrepreneurship Program - University of St. Thomas:

The Community Entrepreneurship Program

Programs They Run:

10-month, hands-on program for any community member facing economic hardship who has a dream of starting and growing a business, including those who have already started a venture but need help to grow. The Community Entrepreneurship program supports entrepreneurs through:

Six-week business training bootcamp

One-on-one mentorship

Consulting support

Connections to community resources

Micro-grant program

Networking opportunities

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

People who already have a business and are sturggling for venture, or even if you have an idea for a business

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Diane Paterson

Contact Info:

smallbusiness@stthomas.edu

Smart Start For Business - University of St. Thomas:

Smart Start For Business

Programs They Run:

Smart Start for Business is a self-led CAPE-designed course in collaboration with Opus College of Business and the SBDC. This course provides the essentials needed to get ready to launch your business:

Test the viability of your business idea

Write a business plan

Determine potential business risks

Plan your legal

Financial and tax recordkeeping

Know how to run an ethical business.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Anyone who wants to start a business, but are unsure how to launch what they have done

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Diane McMonigal-Paterson

Contact Info:

diane.paterson@stthomas.edu

Grow North:

Grow North

Programs They Run:

Create an interconnected, sophisticated, invested, and accessible ecosystem for Minnesota's food and agricultural entrepreneurs and innovators that will:

Enable them to grow and scale their businesses faster and more successfully in order to maximize the impact

Make Minnesota a globally recognized leader in entrepreneurship and innovation in food and agriculture

Transform our food system

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?:

Starting point for those who want to be a part of, engage with or know more about Minnesota's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in food and agriculture

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Allison Hohn

Contact Info:

hello@grownorthmn.com

DEI : BIPOC entrepreneurs

Ascend Twin Cities

Ascend Twin Cities:

Programs They Run:

Ascend Twin Cities is a partnership initiative between JPMorgan Chase & Co., Meda (Metropolitan Economic Development Association), and Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship (Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota). With the support of our Anchors we provide access to capital, market opportunities and business education to BIPOC Entrepreneurs. Ascend is a national network of cities. Ascend grows BIPOC-owned businesses by building local networks in major metropolitan areas across the US. Ascend Cities program’s goal is to scale BIPOC-owned businesses to match the scale of businesses owned by others.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

BIPOC Entrepreneurs

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Robert Harper

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascendcities/

MIN-Corps

MIN-Corps

Programs They Run:

University of Minnesota hub for technology innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization. We provide education and coaching programs that help STEM students, postdocs and faculty develop the skills required to translate innovations into product and services with real-world impact.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

STEM Students, Faculty, and postdoc students

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Mostafa Kaveh

Contact Info:

mos@umn.edu.

Strengths: community inclusion

The Beez Kneez

What is it?

Raw and local honey, delivered by bike.

Why is it different?

The Beez Kneez is an urban apiary, community beekeeping program, and educational honey house in the middle of Minneapolis. Run by two friends with a passion for cycling and sustainable beekeeping, they make it their responsibility to teach the community about the importance of bees to our food system and how to keep a hive.

Founders

KRISTY LYNN ALLEN

Website

https://www.thebeezkneezdelivery.com/about

Upsie

What is it?

Upsie is a smartphone app that offers warranties for electrical and appliance purchases.

Why is it different?

24-7 claims with real people in North America, Clear plan coverage and terms with no surprise fees.

Founders:

Clarence Bethea

Website:

https://www.upsie.com/

Bright Health

What is it?

Bright Health is working on a health insurance platform that will provide a high-quality healthcare experience.

Why is it different?

Designed for you health insurance to never get in your way.

Founders:

Kyle Rolfing, Robert John Sheehy, Tom Valdivia

Website:

https://brighthealthcare.com/

Benjoes Shoelaces

What is it?

A stylish specialized shoelace company.

Why is it different?

Ben Hertz makes shoelaces that allow the wearer to express his or her individuality. It started years ago when he replaced some broken laces in Rome with a red pair, and the compliments started pouring in. But because Hertz couldn't find anything similar in the U.S., he decided to make his own so that he and others could add a cool, new punctuation of style detail with this distinct wardrobe addition.

Founders

Ben Hertz

Contact Info:

(https://www.csleathergoods.com/brand/benjos-boot-shoe-laces/

Galactic Pizza

What is it?

A pizzeria that wants to save the world

Why is it different?

Galactic Pizza is committed to making great pizza and making a good-for-the-earth business. The restaurant is powered by renewable wind energy. Pizzas are made with organic ingredients when possible, and mozzarella cheese from cows not treated with the hormone rBGH. The packaging is made from recycled or biodegradable materials, and pizzas are delivered — hot, fresh, and delicious — to your door by a superhero-costume-wearing delivery boy or girl by electric vehicle.

Founders:

Mitch Massman

Website:

https://www.galacticpizza.com/

*Met with Shelisa who is the marketing director at BETA.*

She helped us bring Launch MN government program to our research platform

The BETA Cohort

Programs They Run:

One afternoon-per-week of 2-to-3 educational sessions. Plus an optional workshop to apply what you are learning with your peers. A business model canvas, a functioning cap table, a financial model, a functioning CRM, an active sales pipeline, a media pitch, an investor pitch.

Who Is Eligable For These Programs?

Minnesota-based founders from the top local tech startups with the resources and relationships required to scale their business.

Who Runs These Programs?

Clarence Bethea

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarencebethea/

The BETA Cohort

301 Inc

301 Inc

Purpose:

To collaborate with emerging food brands.

Programs They Run:

Offer marketing, supply chain, product development and channel development improvement based programs.

Who Is Eligable For These Programs?

Emerging food brands with a compelling product, a strategic fit and fueled by founders that are driven, passionate and aren’t going to settle for anything less than success.

Who Runs These Programs?

Doug Martin (Disruptive Growth Officer)

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-martin-332a831/

Strengths: technology and entertainment

Tech Stars

Tech Stars

Programs They Run:

3-month, mentorship-driven accelerators, investing $120K and providing hands-on mentorship and access to the Techstars network for life.

Who Is Eligable?

Early-stage companies. The Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars will attract and advance world-class startups focusing on the intersection of technology, sports and entertainment.

Who Runs These Programs?

Maëlle Gavet

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maellegavet/

OnRamp Insurance

OnRamp Insurance

Programs They Run:

A three-month, concierge accelerator program in Minneapolis-Saint Paul (hybrid).

Who Is Eligable?

Insurtech startups

Who Runs These Programs?

Aurora Voss, CEO

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurora-voss-zemble/

Strengths: software development

Tiny Seed

Tiny Seed

Programs They Run:

The program is remote and runs for a full year. Founders are able to build a profitable company for the long-term.Founders can choose to raise additional funding (or not) based on their goals

Who Is Eligable?

Investing in various corporate structures (not just C-Corps). Foocused on capital efficient, non-unicorn SaaS companies.

Who Runs These Programs?

Rob Walling, CEO

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwalling/

FINNOVATION

FINNOVATION

Programs They Run:

ILT Academy, Finnovation Felloweship, Social Business Collective, ImpactSKU

Who Is Eligable?

CEOs of for-profit social businesses coaches, supports, and boosts entrepreneurs and soon-to-be-entrepreneurs on their lean startup journeys.

Who Runs These Programs?

Connie Rutledge, CEO

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/connierutledge/

Retail Xelerator

Retail

Xelerator

Programs They Run:

1) consumer tech and goods 2) retial innovation 3) smart home and energy efficiency 4) food and beverage

Who Is Eligable?

retailers, carriers, utility focused companies

Who Runs These Programs?

Rick Rommel / Founder of program

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickrommel/

Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs

DEI:

Focused on supporting Veterans

Programs They Run:

Veterans In Residnce, Ceocircle, Ambassador Program

Who Is Eligable:

Veterans, military spouses and military family members who have launched a business and are ready to grow.

Who Runs These Programs?

Joe Herold (oversees all programs)

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeharkherold/

Invenshure

Invenshure

Programs They Run:

Colaboritive incubator / accelerator (they help you build technology based startups from scratch)

Who Is Eligable?

Tech companies with CEO approved potential to grow- email / contact to pitch your idea to their team

Who Runs These Programs?

Troy Kopishke

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-kopischke-6338097/

IdeaGist

IdeaGist

Programs They Run:

No application needed mentorship program - (global specific programs)

Who Is Eligable?

All individuals, communities, and companies looking to startup or grow their companies (no applications needed)

Who Runs These Programs?

Azeem Amir

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/azeem-amir-2471673/

Twin Ignition:

Twin Ignition

Programs They Run:

Boostrap, Pre Seed, Seed

Who Is Eligable?

Companies that are projected to help them create 100,000 job opportunities acorss minneapolis in 20 years; you pitch your startup to them through email

Who Runs These Programs?

Scott Aubitz Ben Rasmussen and Seth Peter

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottaubitz/

For More Data & Company Stats:

Stats & Data Links

Flywheel: https://growjo.com/company/Flywheel.io

Marsh and Mclennan Agency: https://growjo.com/company/Marsh_and_McLennan_Agency_-_Northeast

Compute North: https://growjo.com/company/Compute_North

75F: https://growjo.com/company/75F

Connex Pay: https://growjo.com/company/ConnexPay

Milk Moovement: https://growjo.com/company/Milk_Moovement

Player's Health: https://growjo.com/company/Player's_Health

Francis Medical: https://growjo.com/company/Francis_Medical

Company Home Pages:

Company Site

Flywheel: https://flywheel.io/

Marsh and Mclennan Agency:https://www.marshmma.com/

Compute North: https://www.computenorth.com/

75F: https://www.75f.io/

Connex Pay: https://connexpay.com/

Milk Moovement: https://www.milkmoovement.com/

Player's Health:https://playershealth.com/

Francis Medical: https://www.francismedical.com/

Company Descriptions:

Company Descriptions

Flywheel Site

A biomedical research data platform for imaging and associated data. We automate time-consuming processes so scientists and researchers can focus on making discoveries.

Marsh and Mclennan Agency Site

Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) provides business insurance, employee health & benefits, retirement, and private client insurance solutions to organizations and individuals seeking limitless possibilities.

Compute North Site

Crypto, blockchain, accelerated computing, TIER 0 computing

75F Site

Delivering unparallelled indoor air quality and industry leading energy efficiency, right out of the box.

Connex Pay Site

A payments technology company that aligns customer payments with outgoing supplier payments. By connecting these two, ConnexPay de-risks the payment process and unlocks new benefits.

Milk Moovement Site

A powerful took that connects all players in the dairy supply chain. There are features such as transportation monitoring, production tracking, quality monitoring, and producer payment.

Player's Health Site

Ensures that athletes do not experience any types of abuse, hazing or bullying through safety scores, coaching credits, injury reporting and investigation, risk management support, and education and training.

Francis Medical Site

A medical group developing theraputic solutions to treat prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer. They are a dyanamic medical device company committed to developing urological cancer treatments that are tough on cancer, but gentle on patients.

Event Names:

Event Names

1) Develop a Successful Smart City Tech Startup Business Today! Entrepreneur

2) Fourth Generation Monthly Grant Making Gatherings

3) Clique and Grow

4) Impactful Insights-Mastermind

5) Thinkful Webinar

6) International Passive House Open Days

Event Links

Event Links

1) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/develop-a-successful-smart-city-tech-startup-business-today-entrepreneur-tickets-409564266747?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

2) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fourth-generations-monthly-grantmaking-gatherings-20222023-tickets-425437473937?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

3) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clique-grow-tickets-300241700007?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

4) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impactful-insights-mastermind-tickets-327479819957?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

5) https://allevents.in/minneapolis/thinkful-webinar-%7C%7C-data-analytics-tools-of-the-trade/10000433171145557

6) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-passive-house-open-days-good-energy-haus-november-2022-tickets-451793144457?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

General Mills

DEI: racial and gender equity

General Mills

Programs They Run:

General Mills today invested a combined $15 million into two early-stage venture capital funds, Fearless Fund and Supply Change Capital. These investments are part of General Mills’ commitment to standing for good and promoting racial and gender equity in representation through economic opportunity for minority and female food entrepreneurs. Fearless Fund, a fund built by women of color, invests in women-of-color-led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed-level or series A financing, with a mission to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for founders building scalable, growth aggressive companies. Supply Change Capital, a women and Latina powered venture firm, invests at the intersection of food, culture and technology. The firm catalyzes early stage food and food tech founders with a focus on sustainability, health and diversity.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Minority and Female young entrepreneurs

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Doug Martin - 301NC

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/301-inc

Target

Target

Programs They Run:

Target founded an organizationg called Forward Founders. This program will engage Black entrepreneurs earlier in their startup journey to help them navigate the critical stages of ideation, product development and scaling for mass retail. With increased access to subject matter experts and educational workshops earlier in the startup process, Forward Founders is designed to help Black-owned businesses increase their potential for long-term success in retail.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Black owned businesses

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Christina Hemmington

Contact Info:

accelerators@target.com

Cargill

DEI: women and technology strength

Cargill

Programs They Run:

Cargill and the Edes Business School of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) in Ecuador signed an alliance to carry out a training program for 100 female shrimp producers from Mexico, Central America, and Ecuador. The program will help the women access technology and technical knowledge, eliminating obstacles to improve their sources of income and enrich the industry and their communities. This partnership aligns to Cargill’s commitment to promote gender parity and women’s empowerment along its supply chains.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Female Entrepreneurs in the Shrimp Sector

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Camilo Pinzon

Contact Info:

media@cargill.com

BestBuy

DEI

BestBuy

Programs They Run:

Best Buy invested up to $10 million with Brown Venture Group, a venture capital firm that focuses exclusively on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous technology startups in emerging technologies. The goal of this investment is to help break down the systemic barriers often faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs — including lack of access to funding — and empower the next generation within the tech industry.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Black, Indegionous, and Latino Entrepreneurs in Tech

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Michael Bowen

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-buy-for-business/

3M

3M

Programs They Run:

3M Ventures is the venture capital arm of the 3M Company. The purpose of 3M Ventures is to advance 3M innovation by creating growth options in areas of strategic interest through minority equity investments, leveraging the global entrepreneurial and venture community. 3M partners with entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative companies in fields related to our strategic focus areas. Ideas can be at any stage from prototyping to late stage and our investment can range from seed funding to capital investment.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Management team with a track record of success, Products and technology with a strong intellectual property position, Well-articulated, scalable business model and a Strong customer engagement, linked to an impactful market opportunity in 2-5 years

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Erik Paisley

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-paisley-5619455/

FUELED COLLECTIVE

Fueled Collective

Programs They Run:

Boost productivity and learn, attract and gain talent, and gain flexibility and sociabilitty

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Techies, solopreneurs, creatives, freelancers.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Kyle Coolbroth

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fueled-collective-cincinnati/

ModernWell

Modern Well

Programs They Run:

ModernWell is home to hundreds of members—some who utilize the space as their daily workspace/office and some who pop in once in a while for a change of scenery, to network with the community, host a meeting, or to attend an event or workshop, or even sit by the fire and read a book. Featuring open seating and private workspaces, high speed wi-fi, coffee, tea, healthy snacks, private conference and consult rooms, and ongoing enrichment classes, ModernWell is a space where members will be celebrated and supported both professionally and personally. Fostering a kind and inclusive community, we welcome all who believe in the power of supporting women.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?:

Predominantly women, from small business owners to corporate lawyers and bankers who crave a less formal, more inclusive setting for meetings

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Julie Burton

Contact Info

https://www.linkedin.com/company/modernwell/

DEI : women entrepreneurs

FLOCK

FLOCK

Programs They Run:

Flock has different programs within there space. One of those is called Big Brain. Big Brain is a designated brainstorming hour filled with laughter and brilliant minds. Designed to bring together fellow creatives to bounce around ideas. They also offer comfortable and unique spaces to spur creativity, rearrange for maximum effectiveness and act as a backdrop for your Instagram.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

A mix of entrepreneurs and remote workers. Lots of media

Names of People Who Run Program:

Brandon Wentzel

Contact Info:

https://www.flockmpls.com/connect

Life Time Work

Life Time Work

Programs They Run:

At Life Time Work Downtown Minneapolis, located nearby Life Time Target Center, you’ll find everything you need to elevate your workday — from workspace designed to enhance your overall health and wellbeing to a dynamic community of professionals and entrepreneurs.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

A mix of entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and corporate professionals seeking a “third office.”

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Bahram Akradi

Contact Info:

https://work.lifetime.life/home.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=ltw-minneapolis-brand&utm_audience=life_time_work&s_kwcid=AL!3651!3!326361577862!p!!g!!life%20time%20work&gclid=CjwKCAjw7eSZBhB8EiwA60kCW__5SyTgWq426r12tz4opg3MgQ4HcgO8qBHLhLio4a0QwtDS-9-rahoC8t4QAvD_BwE

NEW RULES

NEW RULES

Programs They Run:

The mission of NEW RULES is to develop the capacity of youth, artists, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to pursue their passions in a sustainable way that creates tangible economic growth in North Minneapolis, supporting the community from within. By taking unproductive buildings in overlooked communities and co-creating innovative spaces.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?:

Creatives, makers, and social enterprise entrepreneurs.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Christopher Webley

Contact Info

https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-rules/

Impact Hub

Impact Hub

Programs They Run:

Impact Hub connects entrepreneurs and innovators to resources, knowledge and community through shared workspace, training opportunities, 1-1 coaching, curated events and social impact startup support. mission is to accelerate social impact by connecting, inspiring and supporting a community of social innovators and entrepreneurs. We accomplish this by: Building a vibrant local & global community, curating learning experiences that build economic participation, cultivating cross-industry collaboration, and providing welcoming spaces to work and connect

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Entrepreneurs and Social Innovators looking for a way to connect to others in the same field, as well as a community with similar interests

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Katie Kalkman

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekalkman/

Creators Space

Programs They Run:

Creators Space is a place for those looking to work along side others that are embracing their creative spirit, by bringing together people with similar interests.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Membership is designed for Creative Enthusiasts, Professionals, and Organizations. They provide an encouraging environment, along with the space and tools needed to create.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Melissa Dessart

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/creatorsspacemn/

MPLS MAKE

MPLS MAKE

Programs They Run:

MPLS MAKE is the perfect space to create beautiful things from wood or metal alongside other awesome members. Our 8,500 sqft shop is complete with state of the art equipment, a full dust collection system, incredible lighting, and 20ft ceilings. When you walk in you get the sense that you can build anything here.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Membership is meant for any creative individuals that are looking for a space to make new things and a place to work with others

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Danny Robinson

Contact Info:

https://mplsmake.com/contact/

Twin Cities Maker

Twin Cities Maker

Programs They Run:

Twin Cities Maker is a non-profit, volunteer-driven community of artists, engineers, and makers. Together, they operate a shared community workshop where you can build nearly anything you can imagine. Whether you're into woodworking, metalworking, or high-precision machining, they've got the tools, space, and equipment to help your projects come together. All members have 24/7 access to the workshop

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

The community and our facilities to be available to people from all walks of life, and to do that we have keep their dues as low as possible. As a result, they don’t have paid employees and instead rely on the dedication of our volunteer staff and the goodwill and cooperation of our members to keep everything working smoothly.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Scott Hill

Contact Info:

https://www.tcmaker.org/contact/

White Bear Makerspace

White Bear Makerspace

Programs They Run:

A DIY workshop where members use our tools to build any project they like, from scratch. Woodworking tools, CNC, 3D printer, laser cutter, crafting and more.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Becoming a member of White Bear Makerspace is very easy and welcoming, as they target anyone from beginners to experts, and anything in between. All you have to want is to be creative and ambitious in what you're creating.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Theresa and Tom Landway

Contact Info:

https://www.whitebearmakerspace.com/content.aspx?page_id=4&club_id=669289

Make It Mac's Makerspace

Make It Mac's Makerspace

Programs They Run:

As Central Minnesota’s first Makerspace, Make It Mac’s mission is to promote cooperation and creativity through education and support by providing makers with the resources they need to explore, learn, and develop skills for their hobby or career.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Make It Mac's membership is also very open and accepting to all walks of life. The missions on require people to be creative, cooperate, educate and collabrate!

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Macanan Dhein

Contact Info:

https://makeitmacs.com/contact-page/

Creative Arc

Creative Arc

Programs They Run:

Creative Arc is an interactive design and development studio. They specialize in creating intelligent designs, delivering engaging experiences and building meaningful connections. They work with great clients to create thoughtful and purposeful online experiences.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Anyone who is either looking for assistance on basic website maitenance, or someone who wants to start a website for a future business, or someone who wants to redesign an existing website as well.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Paul Larson

Contact Info:

info@creativearc.com

Maker Space at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Maker Space at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Programs They Run:

The Makerspace provides equipment, materials, and tools that promote innovation and creativity. Learners at all skill levels can visit the Makerspace to: explore new technologies,attend workshops and receive guidance on designs and tools, prototype ideas, build problem-solving skills, apply technology to coursework and research, andhave fun, build community, and be creative.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

The space is free to all U of M Twin Cities faculty, students, and staff.

Names of People Who Run:

Jessica Abbazio

Programs Contact Info:

jabbazio@umn.edu

Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program

DEI:

Supports women, people with disabilities and low income persons.

Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program

Programs They Run:

DEED provides ELP funding to certified nonprofit partners to make loans to Minnesota businesses that are majority-owned and operated by minorities, low-income persons, women, veterans and/or persons with disabilities.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

businesses must be based in Minnesota and owned and operated by one or more Minnesota residents who are minorities, low-income persons, women, veterans and/or persons with disabilities.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Mitch Massman

Contact Info:

(507) 867-3164

Small Business Technical Assistance Program

Program Objectives:

To understand how the City spends federal housing and community development funds, we create a yearly Consolidated Plan and a Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER).

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

Entrepreneurs, micro-enterprises and small businesses located in Minneapolis.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Finance & Property Services Department

Contact Info:

612-673-3000

finance@minneapolismn.gov

Neighboorhood Devlopment Center, INC.

Programs They Run:

Entrepreneur training, Business loans, Business services, Incubators & Real Estate

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?

low-income companies in the Greater MSP region

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Julia Eckart

Contact Info:

651-291-2480

Small Business Development Center

Small Business Development Center

Programs They Run:

Business plans, Certifications, HR, Marketing.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?:

Start up small businesses who needs help.

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Laura Babcock

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-babcock-b50a8a67/

Launch MN

Launch MN

Programs They Run:

Business Operations Grant &

SBIR/STTR Matching Grant.

Who Is Eligable For The Programs?:

The business must be headquartered in Minnesota,

The business’s operations must be in Minnesota

The business must have been in operation for 10 years or less

The business must have generated less than $1 million in revenue

Names of People Who Run Programs:

Neela Mollgaard

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neela-mollgaard-14ba58158/

Twin Cities Angels

Twin Cities Angels

Programs They Run:

- Crowdfunding

- Permitting solicitation of new investors and advertising of the fundraising

- Raising the threshold for mandatory registration as a public company to 2,000 shareholders

- Facilitating initial public offerings with less or delayed regulation

- Increasing the size of Regulation A offerings from $5 million to $50 million

Who Is Eligable For These Programs?

Apply, and pass the test by their screening committee. There is a detailed due dilligance assesment in which they "uncover potential show stoppers" in an entrepreneur that give them reasons to invest

Who Runs These Programs?

Co-Partners

Contact Info:

http://tcangels.com/contact

Forge North

Forge North

Programs They Run:

Angel Campaign: Activating more angel investors, who provide the earliest stages of capital for new founders, is critical to accelerating the growth of startups in MSP.

Enterprise Playbook: MSP is home to the country’s highest concentration of large corporate headquarters. Our goal is that 100% of billion-dollar enterprises in MSP meaningfully engage with local startup ventures.

Builders Fund: The MSP region is home to many great entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) that provide critical early mentorship and connections.

MSP Equity Fund: is a $50 million venture capital fund of funds that will invest into a diversified pool of 10+ different venture capital funds committed to investing in diverse founders here in Minnesota.

Who Is Eligable For These Programs?

Available to ALL entrepreneurs in the region, application is through an email interest form - welcomes companies of ALL sizes, specific focus on industries of food&agriculture, health and medicine, and entreprise technology

Who Runs These Programs?

Scott Barrington

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-barrington-5a90a95/

Norwest Mezzanine Partners

Norwest Mezzanine Partners

Purpose:

-Operate in a quick and decisive manner throughout the entire transaction process.

-Perform as long-term investors committed to helping align interests for all involved parties.

-Measure our success by the accomplishments of our sponsor partners and their portfolio companies.

-Seek investment opportunities in diverse industries, such as business services, consumer, distribution, industrials and healthcare.

Programs They Run:

invest in partnership with private equity firms to support their efforts to build great businesses. committed to being thoughtful investment partners who deliver decisive transaction solutions that create successful outcomes for all stakeholders. Leverage our broad investment charter to invest a combination of subordinated debt and equity securities in private equity transactions.

Who Is Eligable For These Programs?

Financial sponsors with whom we have an established or growing trusted relationship. Growing and profitable middle market companies with EBITDA >$10 MM $20 MM – $75 MM investments; combination of subordinated debt and equity securities in each transaction.

Who Runs These Programs?

Carter Balfour

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-balfour-314ab89/

West Central Angel Fund

West Central Angel Fund

Programs They Run:

Focus on early to mid-stage investments in private companies that demonstrate the potential for sustainable, profitable, growth-capable operations while providing a suitable return for investors. West Central Angel Fund I, LLC seeks investment opportunities in high-technology and growth businesses in any industry in Minnesota. Notwithstanding the Fund’s stated goal, we can invest in any business that our Members deem suitable.

Who Is Eligable For These Programs?

Will invest within Minnesota and the West Central Minnesota Region in and around Willmar, MN, provided sufficient quality of investment opportunities are available. Although the West Central Angel Fund I, LLC intends to emphasize investments within the region, it may also invest in companies located elsewhere.

Who Runs These Programs?

JOHN O CHRISTIANSON

Contact Info:

320-214-5293

Email: info@westcentralangelfund.com

Groove Capital

Groove Capital

Programs They Run:

Groove Capital is where entrepreneurs go to get their first institutional investment. By combining the power of an active angel network with a traditional venture fund, Groove accelerates the velocity to a startup’s first funding, while providing its investors with a platform and process to invest with confidence.

Who Is Eligable For These Programs?

Great teams who have the ability to capture a compelling market opportunity, High growth startups that are positively impacting their local communities.

Who Runs These Programs?

Reed Robinson

Contact Info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedrobinson/