The Holmes Center is the hub of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Minnesota that inspires, educates and connects the next generation of Minnesota's entrepreneurs. We mobilize the community and provide support for emerging entrepreneurs, both within and outside the University, through experiential courses and engaging outreach programs.

A digital tool for locating resources throughout the Greater Minneapolis & St. Paul Region created and managed by Forge North, an initiative from local economic development organization Greater MSP, to boost the state's startups and small businesses.

The Providing Resources & Opportunity & Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Act Loan Program is a new, state-funded program that will provide loans to disadvantaged small businesses located in certain areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

 Education, Loans, and many other business support services for female-identifying entrepreneurs

Bread and Butter Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Minnesota, the Bread and Butter State. They invest globally while leveraging the deep industry networks, corporate access, and commercial insight found here at home for the benefit of our founders. Their local roots are a strategic advantage that helps the companies we back grow stronger and scale smarter.

Check out the B&B Blog for tips, tricks, and insights!

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.

NDC offers financial support, including loans and their credit up program. 

Investing in exceptional women-led growth companies has been our business since 1998 As business owners, we understand what it takes to build a successful company.

As Minnesota’s most active angel investment network, we drive innovation in the Midwest and across the U.S.

 ILT runs multiple programs where founders are presented with a certificate upon completion of the 3-4 week educational series. They also offer a robust mentorship program.

Beta is the nonprofit behind programs like Twin Cities Startup Week and the BETA cohort, a free and non-dilutive five-week accelerator. BETA also runs an annual pitch competition and a showcase for STEM companies. They also run quarterly BETA Bridge chats, where startups from specific industries can meet with larger corporations.

MNSBIR, Inc. is dedicated to advancing scientific excellence and technological innovation to bolster Minnesota’s economy while fostering opportunities for all by leveraging federal funding from the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.   This funding accelerates the creation of new products, services, and solutions for domestic and international markets.

MSP Equity Fund, a fund investing in venture capital funds, seeks to make Minneapolis-St. Paul the epicenter of venture capital and startups for undervalued founders. Applications open April 25th, 2025!

MIN-Corps is the 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.  

From in-person to virtual events, NDC offers world-class Entrepreneur Training.

SBA's online learning programs are designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way. 

Mentorship and education to help veterans and active duty military founders kickstart their business idea.

The WBDC’s mission is to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving all business owners, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy

The WBDC envisions a world where all business owners have an opportunity to compete and succeed in the marketplace and achieve economic independence.

Contact: Lynn Herbert (lherbert@wbdc.org)

LegalCORPS offers non-litigation transactional business and intellectual property protection legal aid to entrepreneurs, business owners, inventors, and nonprofits with limited resources and/or access to the legal system.

Accelerating and connecting Minnesota’s food and agriculture entrepreneur and innovative ecosystem. Offers free education sessions for food ecosystem entrepreneurs, community networking events, and a membership program with mentors & other benefits.

Our Mission

The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota invests in ending systemic inequities and driving innovation for gender and racial justice.

Our Vision

A world of opportunity where all women, girls, gender-expansive people across intersecting identities – and their families – have the power to create and lead safe, prosperous lives.

EmpowerHer is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting gender equality, girls’ education and empowering women of all backgrounds. Our mission is to provide a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow, and to create opportunities for leadership and professional development. Join us in our efforts to make a difference and support the advancement of women worldwide.