Twin Cities Startup Week 2021
Diversity & Equity & Inclusion
Saturday, September 18, 2021
VIP Walk and Talk
Start your morning taking in the beauty of Lake Harriet while getting to know your peers. We'll meet at the Lake Harriet Bandshell for a casual stroll around the lake. Let's get to know one another while getting our steps in.
Event will be limited to the first 20 people who register.
*VIP ticket required to attend this event*
Code Switch: Reimagine 911 on the National Day of Civic Hacking
Code Switch is a civic hackathon in which community members work on data and technology projects to create positive change.
Techies AND non-techies are welcome — entrepreneurs, artists, educators, developers, business professionals, and concerned residents. Projects can use coding, data, storytelling, and more! Ideas and solutions can be proposed by anybody (yes, anybody). You don’t need a detailed plan, only a desire for change.
This year’s theme is Reimagining 911, from Code for America’s National Day of Civic Hacking.
More details and free registration can be found at:
“Hack Your City” - Creatives in Tech
From music, to art, to marketing, technology is transforming the way we work and create. The intersection of technology and art play a crucial role in creating new possibilities for diverse communities. On this panel, creative professionals from multiple industries will be discussing how they use technology in their work, and how they envision creative technology contributing to a more inclusive and abundant future.
Immediately following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to experience immersive media first hand, with the VR social justice exhibit “One City, Two Realities,” put on by Rem5 VR Lab.
During the event, Smart North will be announcing the launch of a design contest entitled “Hack Your City.” We are calling upon MN based artists, designers, developers, and creatives to craft submissions that envision an abundant future for the Twin Cities, or one of its diverse communities. Further details on the contest will be revealed during the announcement.
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Shop Local Market and Fashion Show
Aeterna, in partnership with Coimatan and True North Collaborative, is excited to bring the first Local Vendor Market and Fashion Show to Twin Cities Startup Week 2021! During the opening weekend of TCSW, as part of the Arts and Culture Track, we will be hosting a pop up where local entrepreneurs can come and showcase their products and services.
Entertainment during the pop up will include a fashion show featuring local clothing brands and designers, as well as performances by local musicians. We will especially be focusing on highlighting Bipoc and Women owned businesses.
Monday, September 20, 2021
Future of Our Cities Track
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The Future of Our Cities Track of Twin Cities Startup Week is being hosted by Smart North and sponsored by MnDOT. Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the future of Livability, Mobility, Sustainability, and Workability and all the opportunities that exist for disruptors in the space. Food and beverage will be provided during the event.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin. IN-PERSON CAPACITY: 35 people.
SCHEDULE
7:50 am - Opening Remarks
8 AM - Reimagining Our Cities in the Post-Pandemic World (Hybrid)
9 AM - Transforming Livability and Equity Through Technology (Hybrid)
9 AM - Reimagining Partnerships in Placemaking and Urban Planning (In-person)
10 AM - Digital Equity - The Next Great Equalizer (Hybrid)
11 AM - Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis Through a New Investment Strategy (Hybrid)
11 AM - Future of Mobility Tech & Research Showcase (In-person)
12:30 PM - Shark Tank Reverse Pitch Competition (Hybrid)
2 PM - The Re-emergence of Place-based Entrepreneurship (Hybrid)
2 PM - Entrepreneurial Roundtable (In-person)
3 PM - Investing in Our Collective Futures! (Hybrid)
4 PM - Bringing the Future Forward, Fast! (Hybrid)
4:45 PM - What's your Blueprint for becoming Future Ready? (Hybrid)
Non-Dilutive Federal Funding for Novel Early Stage R&D Projects
The annual $4 billion in federal, non-dilutive funding offered through the SBIR/STTR programs is often a critical milestone in moving an entrepreneur’s research idea from concept to commercial product/services. Small business (startups and existing) across the country engage with the programs to de-risk their innovations toward new products, services and/or processes. The Small Business Administration and the 11 federal agencies are committed to making sure innovators – particularly women and minorities are aware of the SBIR and STTR programs and gain a higher percentage of that funding moving forward.
The Minnesota SBIR/STTR Accelerator™ facilitates the commercialization of deep tech ideas, concepts and projects by leveraging federal research and development funding to small business in collaboration with government, industry, and academia.
SBIR/STTR funding is all about commercializing a novel product, service or process for domestic and international markets. There is no limit to the amount of funding or awards a small business can be awarded. The funding is awarded via a federal grant or contract, based on the agency.
Get started today to learn if your novel idea or project is a good fit with the programs. These programs are HIGHLY COMPETITIVE. Forming a research collaboration with other entities (academic, medical, federal laboratories, etc.) are highly encouraged.
Shark Tank Reverse Pitch
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The Future Cities Shark Tank Pitch is a catalyst that connects government, start-up funders, talent and others in the innovation and technology markets to find ways to use automation, connectivity and other tech solutions to advance livability, safety, mobility, access, equity and sustainability.
Tech Job & Opportunities Fair
REGISTRATION REQUIRED, please RSVP here.
Looking for a new gig or way to plug into the MN tech ecosystem? Join us at the Job & Opportunities Fair during Twin Cities Startup Week!
With 55% of people currently considering looking for a new job, it's time to connect community members and job seekers with some fabulous companies and organizations. During Twin Cities Startup Week we are putting on our first ever Job and Opportunities Fair - enjoy free food & drinks, get plugged into your community and learn about job opportunities at some of the best companies around.
Participating Companies
- Livefront
- SPS Commerce
- Total Expert
- OST (Open Systems Technologies)
- Kipsu
- SportsEngine
- Buzzfeed
- Granicus
- Soona
- Wagento
- SDG (Solution Design Group)
- Lone Wolf Technologies
COVID Guidelines
This will be hosted at Malcolm Yards - in a private space room with ample air flow (garage doors open to outside). In accordance with Twin Cities Startup Week guidelines we are requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID test for all attendees, and will ask folks to mask up while indoors (and not eating/drinking).
Looking forward to seeing you at this awesome event!
Discussion on the Future of Work in a Hybrid Model
Join us for a panel discussion and networking event with Venture Capitalists, Business Leaders, and Startup Founders around how the Future of work will look including how benefits and incentives are provided to employees in companies. This will be an opportunity to see what other companies are looking at for strategies around work to attract and retain talent in their organizations. Food and beverages will be provided at the event that will take place in the West End at the TeaWomen/Twin Cities Film Fest new offices. Free parking is available in the West End. Please join us for this event on Monday of Startup Week!
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Creative Video to Tell and Sell Your Story
We will share some tools and tips on how to easily create video that stands out. These will include lighting, audio, 360 video, live video and drones. This is an active sessions and questions are a big part.
How to Scale Tech Marketing with Purpose: Elevating Minority Founders' Platforms, and Reaching Underserved Communities through Thoughtful Communications
Many startups lack access to the brand, marketing and communications skills that help ensure their product reaches the right people who need them. This is especially true for founders of underserved communities. The Hotwire Ignite Possibility Program (HIPP), launched in 2020, has committed to providing $1M in pro bono brand, marketing, and public relations services to qualifying tech and tech-enabled organizations that are minority-led or providing a product or service benefitting minority communities. In this panel you’ll hear from some of the founders in the first cohort of HIPP on how they are tackling their business challenges and meeting their goals through brand, marketing and public relations in order to bring technology innovation at scale and succeed in today’s competitive tech sector.
Gotta Have Faith: An Interfaith Dialogue Panel Exploring the Role of Faith in the Startup World
Agnostic, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Wiccan... Regardless of your religious orientation this interfaith panel discussion aims to inspire you to consider leveraging “faith as a strategy” in your startup. Faith comes in many forms: in yourself, your product or service, your team, a higher power. This panel will explore the role of faith for startup founders. How does faith enable people to push forward believing they can accomplish what they set out to? What role does faith play when you face challenges in your work? How has faith helped create partnerships and collaborations with others? What is challenging about being a person of faith in the world of start-ups? We will explore these questions and more with a diverse panel of entrepreneurs moderated by an interfaith dialogue facilitator.
Don’t Have a Plan, Build a Strategy: How to Recognize and Prioritize Marketing Opportunities
**Don’t Have a Plan, Build a Strategy: How to Recognize and Prioritize Marketing Opportunities**
Posting to Facebook. Sending email newsletters. Landing pages. Search ads. If you have a good budget and you do them as part of your marketing plan, they’ll probably yield some results.
But if you’re short on time, money, or even marketing talent, then it can be a slow and costly path to growth.
A high-performing marketing strategy has two core elements: A mechanism to recognize opportunities, and a method to prioritize them.
In this talk, I’ll show you my very simple, well-tested approach to each of these elements and provide you with templates for you to leverage for your own marketing strategy. When executed well, you can expect more impact from less effort in the short term, which gives you even more opportunity in the long term.
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Founder Track presented by Samsung Next
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Samsung Next is proud to present the Twin Cities Startup Week Founder Track. Please join us as we explore the entrepreneurial journey from how to start your own startup to funding options to how to grow and scale. We’ll hear from seasoned entrepreneurs, local investors, and other community leaders that want to ensure the next Fortune 500s are started in our own backyard. If you’re a founder or interested in starting a company - this track is for you! Breakfast and lunch provided.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM - Opening Remarks
9:15 AM - Lessons from Black Tech Leaders
10:30 AM - If You Build It Will They Come? How To Hire and Retain Your First Employees
11:25 AM - How is the MN Startup Market Perceived by Out of State VCs?
1:15 PM - Come Meditate! A Mindfulness Break.
1:45 PM - Understanding your startup funding options
2:55 PM - Your Strategic Playbook for Growth & Execution
4:00 PM - Rethinking Best Practices
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Emergent Africa Forum (EAF)
Theme: Illuminating Africa And The Diaspora.
The EMERGENT AFRICA FORUM is the signature event of the Africa Chamber of Digital Commerce (ACOFDC Inc.). A non-profit organization headquartered in Minnesota and serves as a gateway to the Africans in diaspora community and the continent of Africa. The EAF is a Digital confluence of elevated ideas and mindset. A solution focused event that seeks to illuminate and accelerate tech Investments in Africa and Diaspora community in strategic and impactful ways. The EAF seeks to bring together professionals, founders, investors and the public sector from Africa and the diaspora nations to showcase innovations, celebrate accomplishments, seal deals and foster a private-public partnership ecosystem.
Lessons from Black Tech Leaders
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Join us for a powerful and insightful session as Black leaders in the Minnesota tech community share their journey to success. Our panel of technologists, entrepreneurs, and investors will share their experiences in tech and insights on how to break into and thrive in the space. We'll also hear thoughts directly from leading venture capitalists on how the increase of BIPOC VCs can impact the growth and successes of diverse-led startups.
This session is for all aspiring BIPOC professionals that want to learn lessons, resources, and insights to making an impact in tech.
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Accessible Startups: Simple Tips for Digital and Social Inclusion
Every startup wants to be diverse and inclusive, but few understand that the digital needs of people with disabilities is part of reaching that goal. Websites, software, social media, videos, presentations, emails and documents that are accessible to people living with cognitive, hearing, mobility and sight-related disabilities is not only possible, it's essential in the current legal landscape, for companies engaged in startup and beyond. This lunch time session will give Startups knowledge, tools and empowered next steps to understand the "why" of digital accessibility AND begin to include clients, employees and the public, who live with disabilities, from the start. Each attendee will receive an "Accessible Startup Tips" digital guide and a free accessibility assessment of their website or mobile application.
This presentation will include live audio description and closed captioning. All materials in this presentation are structured for digital accessibility. Advance copies of the handout materials are available upon request at: [email protected]
ZOOM INFORMATION:
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Meeting ID: 822 1133 1619
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How is the MN Startup Market Perceived by Out of State VCs?
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Ever wonder how out-of-market investors perceive the Twin Cities startup community? How do we stack up to other markets they regularly spend time in? What makes us unique? We'll have a panel of out-of-market VCs and take questions from the audience.
Crowdfunding: What You Should Know Before You Start
In-person Location: FINNOVATION Lab: 817 Fifth Ave S UNIT 400, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Crowdfunding may seem simple, but a successful campaign requires building a crowd, and a smart funding strategy: which platform is right for you, what you’re giving in exchange for money, and how these choices can help you identify your strongest target audiences. Whether you are a social impact company looking to mobilize your community, or an innovative start-up willing to experiment with equity crowdfunding, we've got you covered. We will share the legal basics and business best practices for improving your chances to successfully crowdfund your company.
A collaborative project from FINNOVATION Lab, Avisen Legal and the University of Minnesota Law School.
Answers to 10 of the Biggest Employment Law Questions Facing Startups and Emerging Companies
Startups and small businesses are not immune from employment laws - learn how to establish a legally compliant framework that saves you money and headaches down the road.
You’re Necessary and Next: How a Brief History of Everything Will Inspire You to Think Big and Take Action
One of the most exciting discoveries of the last 100 years is the emerging, data-driven research on how people grow and adapt to changing conditions. We are in the midst of massive, economic and cultural changes unlike anything we've seen before. This session is for Founders - and their advisors, teams, consultants, and investors. From marketing and innovation to strategic leadership and decision-making, without these paradigms and frameworks, we are at risk of creating things built for yesterday, not tomorrow. Join us to learn why all of this is good news for your startup, career, community, family, and life. We'll build and “unfold” the model in the room, discuss it, and then integrate everything with what we already know, exploring the multitude of ways that we can apply it to our contexts. Along the way, expect to contribute and discover new ideas, as well as meet the kind of people who come to workshops like this. Tim Schuster is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is Co-Founder of LegalQ and Founder of Popup Think Tank.
Platform Cooperatives
Can startups foster a more equitable gig economy? Platform cooperatives are collectively-owned, democratically managed alternatives to tech companies like Uber or Airbnb. In New York City, the Drivers Co-op is on track to double their driver's take home income. Given the potential to provide a sustainable path toward economic equality for the growing, diverse gig-worker community, what can be done to foster the development of platform cooperatives in Greater MSP?
Understanding Your Startup Non-dilutive Funding Options
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Early Stage Founders must be diligent about financing growth and need to be aware of all funding options. Founders are looking for ways to finance their growth with non-dilutive capital options and extend runway for equity raise. This helps founders retain control, align their business growth to their core values, preserve equity and raise future equity at higher valuations.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Red Bull Basement
Red Bull Basement gives wiiings to student innovators in all areas of study to kickstart their ideas using technology to drive positive change. This global program aims to connect students and inspire them to innovate at university today and disrupt the world tomorrow. We will have local innovators speak to share their experiences and how they took their idea to the next level. This will be followed by open conversation, questions, and potential pitch practice for students. The goal is to inspire students to move forward with their own ideas and solutions.
SCHEDULE
- Introduction & Welcome 2:00 PM - 2:10 PM
- Bharat Pulgam - 2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
- Amy Helgeson - 2:40 PM - 3:10 PM
- Q&A and Workshop 3:10 PM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION
The Toaster Innovation Hub: Walter Library BO4, University of Minnesota Libraries - 117 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55445
Doing good while doing well: How being mission and values driven can change lives and drive returns while rapidly scaling
Are you building a mission-driven business? Do you believe that defining core values is a critical piece to achieving your mission? Learn from OurFamilyWizard and Upsie about how a deliberate and inclusive approach to defining mission, vision, and values can pull out the true ethos of a culture, lead to stronger strategy, better and faster decisions, and more empowered execution across the organization. Having both recently received major funding from world class investors, building mission, vision, and values into the foundation of the organization has been key for an accelerated phase of growth.
With a mission to help families living separately thrive, every decision at OurFamilyWizard starts by thinking through the implications on co-parents, their children, and their support system as they grow their market leading co-parenting application.
With a mission to reinvent extended warranties with superior, selfless coverage and service, Upsie is taking the warranty industry by storm in a more affordable, transparent, and customer-centric way.
This session will be both aspirational and practical with advice on how to build a mission and culture that scales while a business faces rapid growth, investor pressures, and changing market dynamics. Learn how to stay true, stay strong, and remain authentic to why your business exists to help the world.
Rethinking “Best Practices”
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The short phrase “best practices” has become a defining factor within the private equity industry, from due diligence processes for potential investments to vetting fund managers. In this session, Dr. Chris Brooks will explore how this single phrase has led to billions of dollars of missed opportunity, and he will propose steps to think differently moving forward.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
Black Fashion Week MN Presents Black Girl Magic Fashion Show
Join Black Fashion Week MN and enjoy some of the Hottest Upcoming Female Designers! Te La Vie Speak Easy, Scissors and Sass and The Macc Brand. Whisky Fashion Fun! Black Fashion Week MN provides a platform for the talented and brown creative designers
This is a partnership with Black Fashion Week MN. Tickets for this event can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bfwmn-presents-black-girl-magic-fashion-show-tickets-166297196391?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Education & Training Track presented by AWS
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
AWS is proud to present the Twin Cities Startup Week Education and Training Track in partnership with EdNorth. Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the future of Education & Training and all the opportunities that exist for disruptors in the space. Breakfast and lunch provided. Breakfast and lunch provided.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin. IN-PERSON CAPACITY: 50 people.
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM - Doors open / breakfast
8:30 AM - Opening Remarks
8:40 AM - Be the Change: Youth Workforce Development through Social Entrepreneurship
9:30 AM - Do Well by Doing Good: Making a Positive Impact in EdTech
10:30 AM - Too Many Children Left Behind: Improving Equity in Education through Innovation
11:30 AM - OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator Premiere (virtual event / lunch)
12:30 PM - Getting Technical About the Challenges of Ensuring Everyone Has Access to STEM Programming
1:25 PM - EdTech Startup Guide published by AWS
2:30 PM - Preparing Your Startup For Fundraising
3:25 PM - Early EdTech Founders Panel
4:15 PM - Managing Fast-paced Growth for Emerging EdTech Companies
5:00 PM - Closing Remarks
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Be the Change: Youth Workforce Development through Social Entrepreneurship
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
How can we use entrepreneurship to create a better, more equitable Twin Cities? At a time when Minnesota has one of the widest opportunity gaps when it comes to youth of color in this country, hear from local social impact entrepreneurs who are working to use their startups to create opportunities to help bridge that divide. Through providing workforce development, real-world business skills and entrepreneurship training, these founders are building scalable businesses and stronger communities.
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Best Practices for Leveraging Emotional Intelligence to Foster a more Human-Centered Leadership
Join us in an interactive conversation to discuss how we can leverage elements of Emotional Intelligence to foster a more Human-Centered Leadership. This training will help you promote workplaces that are more engaging, healthier and happier.
Making Peace with Non-Violent Communication
Non-violent communication is a skill set that enables effective communication with others by bringing the focus back to oneself.
NVC can help you communicate with others in a manner that maximizes productivity, minimizes misunderstanding and encourages us to appreciate the unique humanity that each person brings.
Do Well by Doing Good: Making a Positive Impact in EdTech
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
How can we, as EdTech entrepreneurs create new opportunities for learning by affecting meaningful, positive change in our communities? Join us for a panel discussion with educators, executives, and thought leaders. We’ll explore topics like:
- How digital programming and classroom instruction better intersect?
- What are some recommendations for future entrepreneurs who want to make an impact?
- What is the on the horizon for education technology?
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
The Art of Tech: Unlocking Creative Possibilities
We’re often lumped into two categories: creative or technical. But we’re here to prove that wrong. With the combination of art and tech, new categories are possible! From making high-quality media accessible to all to helping creatives focus on the essential parts of their roles, we’ll use real examples of how creativity + tech play together at soona. We’ll walk through what’s possible with the combination of these two arts and give you tips on how to incorporate them into your work.
Too Many Children Left Behind: Improving Equity in Education through Innovation
Shanita Young
Little Earth Residents Association, Wiconí Wasté (Good Life) Youth Program Coordinator
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Minnesota is among the worst in the nation when it comes to the K12 achievement gap. There is no quick fix, but EdTech provides an opportunity to create more diverse and culturally reflective curriculum solutions to improve outcomes. The question is how do we make sure that it's done authentically, accurately and impactfully? From engagement to accessibility, how do we make sure that we are creating inclusive learning tools for all learners? And most importantly, what do those working in the field wish EdTech entrepreneurs working on these solutions knew?
Attend this session in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Why The Brain Follows - The Science of Us vs Them
America and the world have become more and more divided. The attention of the public and the media has been on race, politics, and religion. However, new divisions keep dominating the spotlight. Based on decades of scientific research, it is evident that the human brain is wired to seek group belonging and group identities. Wherever there are groups, there are “Us” and “Them.” Instead of getting confused by all that divides us, it is important to understand our innate desire for group affiliation. More importantly, it is crucial to understand how such a desire can work for and against us at the same time.
In this talk, you will learn about the science of the us-vs-them divide. You will find out how this unconscious divide can be learned or changed quickly. You will discover the impact of us-vs-them on our decisions and judgments. You will gain insights into how we can bridge this divide and create more harmony.
OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator Premiere
This Premiere Event is a celebration of the latest OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator class of innovative startups and entrepreneurship.
Join us and meet this amazing cohort!
Watch this virtual event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
Getting Technical About the Challenges of Ensuring Everyone Has Access to STEM Programming
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
A panel discussion around the challenges high schools are facing getting everyone access to solid STEM programming and the innovative approaches companies are taking to attract, hire and retain diverse tech talent.
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
How To Ask People For Money
Everyone has done it, and very few people are comfortable with it. Asking people for money is a skill that can be developed. It's also a skill that is relevant to just about everyone—founders, non-profit leaders, employees, and more.
In this conversation we'll talk openly about our experiences with "the ask," and leave you all with some tips for building confidence ahead of your next money-seeking conversation.
Tips For Hiring Developers and Designers in 2021
Having trouble hiring developers and designers?
So is everyone else. Come to this session for actionable advice, strategies, and recommendations to set yourself up for success when hiring devs and designers in 2021 and beyond.
Unveil the Right Relationship with the Right Person
Let’s explore the social tools to answer: “What relationships can we really have?"
Relationships mean different things to different people! And even the same relationship can mean different things, to the same people. CanWe.app introduces new relationship guidance theories and several social tools to quickly define and navigate our honest social potential with other people.
Breaking Into Tech Panel Discussion
Looking for a possible career change? Want to know how to break into the tech industry? Join this panel for a discussion on how they did just that and landed their dream job! We guarantee you'll walk away feeling inspired!
EdTech Startup Guide published by AWS
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Join us for an overview of the EdTech Startup Guide, published by Amazon Web Services' EdStart team. During this presentation we will cover industry advancements, identify emerging trends, and discuss how you can integrate solutions/features into your products using advanced cloud technologies to help revolutionize education globally. We will talk about the current state of the EdTech startup market, and forward-looking trends that early stage EdTechs should be aware of, such as, fundraising best practices, technology trends to consider, and some tips from industry experts.
Q&A will follow.
Download the EdTech Startup Guide and learn valuable cloud insights from EdTech founders.
Connect with us: pages.awscloud.com
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Early EdTech Founders Panel
Teresa Marchek
Be the Match operated by National Marrow Donor Program, Senior Director of Provider Marketing
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Panel of founders of education startups will explore topics such as: How they identified and refined the education problem they are trying to solve? What progress have they made? What have been their biggest challenges so far? What advice do they have for other founders?
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Technovation[MN] Inspiring Young Women for a Future Role in Your Business
Since its creation, Technovation[MN] has inspired over 1300 girls in Minnesota to develop technology and entrepreneur skills. In 2020, we hired our first two alumnae interns (one high school and one college level) and it was a huge success. The pandemic has showed us that technology is more critical than ever to our communities. In this session, you will hear directly from participating girls about their experience and skill development. You will hear from a supporting business about how they have engaged with Technovation[MN] to grow this diverse talent. You will hear from mentors on how they have provided guidance and support in building out this future tech workforce pipeline in Minnesota. We also want to hear from you! Your next intern or employee could come from Technovation[MN] and we would love to hear about your technology and entrepreneur needs.
Managing Fast-paced Growth for Emerging EdTech Companies
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
How have edtech founders been able to deal with rapid growth? What challenges have they encountered? What has worked? What lessons have they learned?
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Leveraging Immersive Technology for Social Justice
The pandemic has accelerated the evolution of human interaction and information consumption towards digital platforms. Now add a global social justice movement. What challenges and opportunities can emerging technology bring to bear in the fight for a more just world?
Both RFTP and REM5 are rooted in leveraging technology and data to reimagine diversity, equity and inclusion education. In this session, we will cover how RFTP is creating authentic experiences that allow people from different perspectives to better connect with each other, how REM5 is using high-end virtual reality to democratize learning experiences, and how the two organizations are collaborating to create cutting-edge, digital learning experiences. This session will include a short presentation with Q&A, social time (including hosted food and beer/wine) and VR demos.
Founders Live Minneapolis - Pitch event
REGISTER HERE FOR THE EVENT.
The Ultimate Entrepreneurial Experience and Pitch Competition Show.
Showcasing Founders of: Cherry Hoggs, Company of Women Travel, ZeSa Fitness, CoyaBlu, InControl Health
Friday, September 24, 2021
Reimagining Supplier Diversity - Invite Only Breakfast presented by Ecolab
Char Dobbs
The Activate Network and Certified Access, COO of The Activate Network and Co Founder of Certified Access
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
The procurement process can be complex without the proper guidance and resources in place. Hear from the BIPOC-owned startups, businesses, and supplier diversity professionals about challenges and new resolutions to payment structures, certifications, responding to RFPs, and outreach to diverse suppliers.
The purpose of the event is for Supplier Diversity Executives to connect, share best practices, and discuss how to improve the process to attract more diverse suppliers. Char Dobbs and Mercedes E. Jaime from the Activate Network will share knowledge on navigating the procurement process with large corporations and present lessons learned from helping hundreds navigate supplier diversity programs.
We're excited to bring supplier diversity leaders together and help lay the foundation to create more effective supplier diversity programs.
PARKING INSRUCTIONS
Science Museum of Minnesota - Parking Map & Instructions.pdf - Parking in the museum lot is $5.
Food & Agriculture Track
Laurie Kleinbaum Fink, Ph.D.
Science Museum of Minnesota, Chair of Science at Science Museum of Minnesota
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
TCSW is proud to present the Twin Cities Startup Week Food & Agriculture Track. Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the future of Food & Ag and all the opportunities that exist for disruptors in the space.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM - Reimagining Supplier Diversity - Invite Only Breakfast
10:00 AM - Opening Remarks
10:10 AM - How to Build a CPG Brand
12:30 PM - Customer Obsession Creates Restaurant Resiliency
1:45 PM - State of Startup + Enterprise Partnerships in MSP
2:40 PM - To fund or not to fund…the founder’s dilemma from an investor perspective
3:40 PM - The Real Pitch MN
PARKING INSRUCTIONS
Science Museum of Minnesota - Parking Map & Instructions.pdf - Parking in the museum lot is $5.
9 Ways to Fail as an Entrepreneur: How to Avoid Going to Court (Private Session)
Few startups budget for attorneys. Most entrepreneurs prefer to rely on their own common sense, research, and creativity to avoid legal problems. Small business owners tend to wait for problems to escalate before getting legal help.
We get it. A combination of limited budget and ignorance-is-bliss leads most of us to want to stay away from those pesky lawyers. Until we have to. Self-help will take you so far and that's OK.
We find that many businesses shutdown unnecessarily in large part because entrepreneurs underestimate the intricacies of the law. After all, it only takes one slip to get into hot water.
We are here to help you! We want you to thrive.
Come learn 9 common mistakes entrepreneurs make when starting and running their business!