2023

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference

New London

Photo Credit: Center on Rural Innovation

September 14-15, 2023

For 2023 conference proceedings, please see this booklet.

Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023

11:00 a.m. Registration and lunch available

11:30-12:15 Welcome and Keynote

Location: Grand Stay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow

Presenter: Betsy Bonnema, Owner of Redstar Creative Agency & Marketing Un/Academy

Description: Get ready to be inspired by an exceptional keynote address from Betsy Bonnema, the visionary behind redstar’s marketing un/academy. She believes loving your work can be contagious and has been proving it throughout her 30-year career. In 2016, she began building programs that have now helped over 130 entrepreneurs and small business owners in greater Minnesota fall back in love with their work, build their brands and reinvent themselves in the face of a constantly changing world. Her un/academy symbolizes a rebel spirit that she shares with the incredible entrepreneurs in her programs who are bravely taking chances on their dreams and giving back to their communities in powerful ways. They run what appear to be typical businesses... coffee shops, bakeries, consulting firms, retail stores, salons, restaurants... but are really agents for change. Betsy and her un/academy team believe we need these rebel entrepreneurs and changemakers now, more than ever.

12:15-12:45 p.m. Travel to Breakout Session 1

Breakout sessions are located throughout Downtown New London. Use this time to travel to your next session. Take a few minutes to explore the fantastic businesses along the way.

12:45-1:45 p.m. Breakout Session 1

Workshop 1A: Empowering Diverse Entrepreneurs: Culturally Appropriate Financing and Technical Assistance

Location: United Minnesota Bank

Presenters: Felicia Ravelomanantsoa from African Development Center; and Larry Swan from Lower Sioux Indian Community Office of Economic Development; and moderated by Sarah Swedburg, Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission

Description: This session will showcase the resources, lessons learned, and experience from three innovative organizations serving BIPOC entrepreneurs. Attendees will learn how each organization engages with financing and technical assistance, followed by a discussion as to how communities throughout Greater Minnesota can provide the financial and technical assistance resources needed to advance economic mobility and prosperity for historically underserved entrepreneurs.

Track: Equity in Entrepreneurship

Workshop 1B: People-Powered Prosperity: Human-Centered Economic Development

Location: Greenwater Garage

Presenters: Kelly Asche, Center for Rural Policy and Development, Cameron Macht, Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development

Description:

Join us for an engaging breakout session that shifts the focus from attracting businesses to attracting people for community prosperity. Explore the changing demographics of cities and counties in Greater Minnesota and how that will impact the workforce of the future. Learn the concept of human-centered economic development, where vibrant communities prioritize the well-being and needs of residents. Discover strategies for creating an inclusive, livable environment that attracts and retains talented individuals, fostering a thriving community for all.

Track: Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Best Practices

Workshop 1C: Ensuring Success: Navigating Cottage Food Production for Entrepreneurial Ventures

Location: Goat Ridge Brewery

Presenter: Cindy Hale, PH.D. University of Minnesota Extension

Description: Discover the crucial aspects of cottage food production with an expert from UMN Extension in this informative session. Dive into the essential knowledge ecosystem builders need to effectively advise entrepreneurs venturing into cottage food businesses, a popular choice for many first-time entrepreneurs. Gain insights into regulations, best practices, and ensuring food safety for successful and compliant operations.

Track: Technical Assistance

Workshop 1D: Laying the Foundation: Basics of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Communities

Location: Grand Stay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow

Presenters: Neil Linscheid, University of Minnesota Extension, Emily Kurash Casey, RETHOS

Description: This breakout session explores the essential elements of building thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in communities. Gain a strategic perspective, practical approaches, and a fundamental vocabulary to foster vibrant entrepreneurial communities. Leave with actionable insights to support and nurture local entrepreneurship, setting the stage for long-term success.

Track: Essential Knowledge for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Leaders

1:45-2:15 p.m. Travel to Breakout Session 2

Breakout sessions are located throughout Downtown New London. Use this time to travel to your next session. Take a few minutes to explore the fantastic businesses along the way.

2:15-3:15 p.m. Breakout Session 2

Workshop 2A: Nurturing Success: Unleashing Potential with Elevate Community Business Academy

Location: United Minnesota Bank

Presenters: Sarah Swedburg, Kandiyohi County EDC & Graduates of the Elevate Program

Description: Created from a partnership between Rising Tide Capital, the Southwest Initiative Foundation, and the Kandiyohi County & City of Willmar EDC, Elevate Community Business Academy is a game-changing program for aspiring entrepreneurs. Elevate is the EDC’s vehicle for providing business education and coaching specifically tailored to underserved minority entrepreneurs, with the guiding objective of creating economic opportunity for all. During our time together, we’ll explore how Elevate equips individuals with the essential tools, resources, and mentorship to build thriving businesses within their communities directly from the alumni themselves!

Track: Equity in Entrepreneurship

Workshop 2B: Empowering the Next Generation: Engaging Students in Entrepreneurship

Location: Goat Ridge Brewery

Presenter: Dr. George Taylor, Assistant Professor of Management, Southwest Minnesota State University/SMSU Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director

Description: Dive into an invigorating breakout session with Dr. George Taylor, a dynamic speaker from SMSU in Marshall. Discover innovative strategies to inspire and engage students in entrepreneurship. Explore the transformative impact of student pitch events and gain valuable insights into fostering a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship among the youth. Get ready to be motivated and inspired by George's expertise and passion.

Track: Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Best Practices

Workshop 2C: Empowering Entrepreneurs through Support: Bootcamps and Marketing Assistance

Location Greenwater Garage

Presenters: Betsy Bonnema, Owner of Redstar Creative Agency & Marketing Un/Academy

Description: Loving your work is more than just a feeling. It’s an intention, a choice, and only happens if you can articulate what you believe. Join this engaging workshop to learn about the process entrepreneurs and small business owners go through in one of Betsy’s un/academy programs to dig deep and put words to the beliefs driving their businesses forward. It helps them fall back in love with their work and unlock a new understanding of their brand, their value proposition, their impact on the world and their role in their community. It can help you, too!

Track: Technical Assistance

Workshop 2D: Chambers of Commerce: Building Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Location: Grand Stay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow

Presenters: Ryan Vesey, Greater Mankato Growth, Anne Johnson, Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism & Courtney Schmidt-Anderson, New London Chamber of Commerce

Description: Join us for an insightful panel discussion that examines the role of chambers of commerce in building thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems across communities of different sizes. Explore how chambers support local businesses and entrepreneurs through collaboration, resource provision, and advocacy for favorable policies, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by large, medium, and small communities. Gain practical insights and strategies tailored to harness chambers' potential in fostering vibrant entrepreneurial communities, regardless of community size.

Track: Essential Knowledge for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Leaders

3:15-3:45 p.m. Travel to Breakout Session 3

Breakout sessions are located throughout Downtown New London. Use this time to travel to your next session. Take a few minutes to explore the fantastic businesses along the way.

3:45-4:45 p.m. Breakout Session 3

Workshop 3A: Spotlighting Women-Owned Businesses in New London

Location: United Minnesota Bank

Presenters: Kari Gislason, Owner- New London Bakery, Paulina Romain, Owner/Artist - Art of Ink Studio & Mill Pond Salon, Linda Lagregen, Owner - Paisley Threads

Description: Women-owned businesses are at the helm of the entrepreneurial scene in New London. Hear directly from three women entrepreneurs about their experiences in opening up a business and what surprises, challenges, and successes have come their way. Their stories and knowledge can inform you about what your community can do to make entrepreneurship a more viable option for women in your community.

Track: Equity in Entrepreneurship

Workshop 3B: County Economic Development: A Case Study of the Kandiyohi County & City of Willmar EDC

Location: Goat Ridge Brewery

Presenter: Aaron Backman, Executive Director at Kandiyohi County & City of Willmar Economic Development Commission (EDC)

Description: The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission (EDC) exists to be a catalyst for the economic growth of the greater Kandiyohi County area. As the role of economic developers has shifted over time, so has the work at the EDC: Willmar Renaissance Zone, Kandiyohi County Housing Study, broadband infrastructure development, and Kandiyohi County Child Care Economic Development Program, just to name a few. Explore how this innovation revitalizes communities, attracts investment, and fosters economic growth. Gain insights into strategies, successes, and lessons learned with this county-level economic development agency.

Track: Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Best Practices

Workshop 3C: Navigating Small Business Development Centers' Services

Location: Greenwater Garage

Presenters: Kris Boedigheimer, Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center & Christine Fischer, Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center

Description: Unlock the wealth of knowledge and resources available from Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in this informative session. Discover the array of services they offer to both entrepreneurs and those supporting entrepreneurs. Gain insights on accessing expert guidance, training, mentorship, and essential tools to empower and accelerate entrepreneurial success.

Track: Technical Assistance

Workshop 3D: Exploring Diverse Financing Tools in Minnesota Communities

Location: Grand Stay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow

Presenters: Miles Seppelt, City of Hutchinson; Robin Weis, Southwest Regional Development Commission; Selina Berning, Southwest Initiative Foundation

Description: This session will showcase how a local municipality, regional development commission, and regional community foundation Microlender engage to provide mission-driven capital and resources to be a catalyst for business success. Learn how these organizations have invested in businesses and how they help build an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southwest Minnesota.

Track: Essential Knowledge for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Leaders

4:45-5:15 p.m. Break

5:15-7:00 p.m. Reception and Networking Event

Location: Goat Ridge Brewery, New London

Moderator: Rani Bhattacharyya

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

7-8:30 a.m. Light Continental Breakfast Provided

8:45-9:00 a.m. Warm-up, wake-up, idea sharing

Location: Grand Stay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow

Description: RECONNECT, REFLECT, & RECHARGE! A decentralized world café where participants meet others and reflect on the conferences and share Ah-ha moments from previous days events and ideas of projects they would like to start in their hometowns.

Moderator: Rani Bhattacharyya

9:00-9:30 a.m. Walk to Breakout Session 4

Breakout sessions are located throughout Downtown New London. Use this time to travel to your next session. Take a few minutes to explore the fantastic businesses along the way.

9:30-10:30 a.m. Breakout Session 4

Workshop 4A: Exploring Minnesota SBA's Tailored Programs for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Location: United Minnesota Bank

Presenter: Don Jackson, Veterans Business Development Officer & Lead Outreach and Marketing Specialist, Minnesota District Office - U.S. Small Business Administration

Description: Dive into the comprehensive range of programs and resources provided by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) to support veteran entrepreneurs. Uncover specialized guidance on access to capital, business development, government contracting, and mentorship programs, empowering veterans to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Track: Equity in Entrepreneurship

Workshop 4B: Business Succession

Location: Goat Ridge Brewery

Presenter: Michael Darger, Extension Specialist in Community Economics, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: With many aging business owners, it is critical to address business succession and transition, especially for smaller communities. The Minnesota Business Succession and Transition Study - Results of a state-wide survey will provide insight into business owners’ awareness, attitudes, aspirations, and actions related to the transferring of their businesses.

Track: Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Best Practices

Workshop 4C: Building Vibrant Main Streets: Exploring RETHOS - Minnesota's Main Streets Program

Location: New London Real Estate

Presenter: Emily Kurash Casey, RETHOS

Description: For the past 12 years, Rethos has been the coordinating entity for the National Main Street Center in Minnesota, and has worked with communities of all sizes all over the state offering supports for grass roots revitalization using existing local assets and historic preservation as an economic development tool. Discover how Main Street resources support the creation of strong downtowns and unique businesses that contribute to a rich sense of place and cultural identity, using Main Street’s 4 Point Approach: design, economic vitality, organization, and promotion, and learn how they can be leveraged to foster comprehensive development in your community.

Track: Technical Assistance

Workshop 4D: Cultivating Local-Global Entrepreneurship Connections: Tapping into Statewide Support Networks

Location: Grand Stay Hotel & Suites at Little Crow

Presenters: Maddy LeClaire, Launch, MN & Gary Schott, SBDC Mankato

Description: Explore the pathways to connect as a local leader with statewide entrepreneurship support initiatives, such as Launch MN and other robust networks. Gain practical insights into leveraging these resources to bolster local entrepreneurial ecosystems. Discover strategies for fostering collaboration, accessing funding opportunities, and tapping into a wealth of expertise. Uncover the keys to creating strong local-global connections that drive entrepreneurial success and economic growth.

Track: Essential Knowledge for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Leaders

10:30-10:45 a.m. Drive to Closing Session

11:00-12:00 p.m. Closing Session

Capnote Presentation: Building Bridges: Uniting the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Location: The Little Theatre

Presenters: : Scott Marquardt (Southwest Initiative Foundation and Neela Mollgaard, (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development)

Description: : Join us for an engaging panel discussion moderated by Scott Marquardt, featuring esteemed guest Neela Mollgaard. Explore the power of collaboration and resource-sharing in connecting the dots across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Discover how community leaders and entrepreneurs can leverage existing resources, harness collective strengths, and forge meaningful partnerships to drive innovation, economic growth, and community empowerment. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for maximizing the potential of your community's entrepreneurial ecosystem.