Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities in Minnesota

About the Conference

Entrepreneurs will help create the future of Minnesota. That's why the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference brings together business leaders, economic development professionals, decision-makers, and community champions to build the connections and systems entrepreneurs need to thrive. Together, we can create the kind of supportive networks that help entrepreneurs succeed in our communities!

The CEC conference is led by the University of Minnesota Extension's Community Development Department, and joined by the Minnesota Small Business Development Centers, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Rethos, IgniteMN, Southwest Initiative Foundation, and many other organizations. 

By increasing the frequency and density of regional cooperative network development and use, the conference aims to: 

To learn more about the conferences and its value to your community, please visit our For Participants pages.  

Questions?

For questions, please contact the Minnesota Extension CEC planning team members: 

Neil Linscheid

Extension Statewide Specialist, Entrepreneurship
Email: lins0041@umn.edu | Tel: 320-203-6109

Becca Leys

Extension Educator, Community Economics
Email: leysx006@umn.edu | Tel:  612-756-9075


The 2025 conference will be held March 20-21, 2025 in Virginia, Minnesota.

Learn more and register for the 2025 conference here.