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:
Showcase tools and resources available to support entrepreneurs in Minnesota.
Provide neighboring communities with the opportunity to learn from each other and share ideas that work in supporting local entrepreneurs.
Bring other state and national resources to Minnesota's regional networks, growing the number of resources we tap.
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.