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Minnesota's Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
Minnesota's Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities 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 supportive networks that entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota need to succeed.
Through two days of keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking activities, the CEC conference:
Showcases tools and resources available to support entrepreneurs across the state.
Provides neighboring communities with opportunities to learn from one another and share effective strategies for supporting local entrepreneurs.
Connects Minnesota’s regional networks with additional state and national resources to expand the pool of support available.
Who should attend?
Who should attend?
Local leaders and teams who are working to improve entrepreneurship support in their community. This includes business leaders*, economic development professionals, decision-makers, and community champions who are passionate about supporting their entrepreneurial community.
We encourage communities to recruit and send teams to the conference. We have learned that sustaining the enthusiasm gained from this event will be easier to maintain if there are several key people in the community with this mindset, rather than just one person.
*Please note that, at this time, conference sessions are not intended to provide direct business education. If you need direct business support, we encourage you to reach out to your local Small Business Development Center for additional resources.
2022 breakout session located in Boxrud's Resale & Gifts, Red Wing
How does it work?
How does it work?
Each year, the conference is held in a different community to showcase entrepreneurship throughout Minnesota. Conference sessions highlight programs, resources, and success stories from local and statewide organizations to share different approaches to supporting entrepreneurship.
Conference breakout sessions are located directly in local businesses, not in a conference center, to encourage attendees to engage with and learn from the local community. The conference agenda is designed to allow participants time to network, shop, and explore the community in between sessions.
Networking and learning from other communities are key objectives. The conference aims to foster learning from speakers and other attendees, to bring new ideas, connections, and inspiration back to your own community.
2023 closing session located at Little Theatre Auditorium, New London
Questions?
Questions?
Contact the Minnesota Extension CEC planning team members.
Neil Linscheid
Neil Linscheid
Extension Statewide Specialist, Entrepreneurship
Email: lins0041@umn.edu | Phone: 320-203-6109
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, Southwest Initiative Foundation, and many other organizations.
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