Check out these purpose-driven consumer brands from across the country! These start-ups recently completed the ImpactSKU accelerator and are ready to change the food and beverage world for the better. ImpactSKU is a unique collaborative program between Minneapolis-based FINNOVATION Lab and Austin-based SKU. Hear from local company, Maazah as well as Oklahoma City-based KiZE Concepts, and two innovative companies from Los Angeles: Ancient Provisions and Chiki Chiki Boom Boom.

This two-part event starts with an in-person networking breakfast at FINNOVATION Lab at 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, we'll join the Hopin platform to stream the premiere of the Showcase video (also streamed live at FINN Lab).

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)

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Get inspired by the research-led vision of Abi Asojo, Tom Fisher, and Virajita Singh, University of Minnesota colleagues who have led a series of webinars over the last year on Design in the Post-Pandemic World. They will converse about the challenges and opportunities that exist as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Join Smart North for a conversation on why these Entrepreneurs, Academics, Community Leaders believe this is an imperative.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

What role is technology based innovation playing or can play to transform livability, sustainability, mobility, workability for all communities and people in our cities?

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Join our panel of developers, investors, and housing experts as they discuss a new investment idea that is fast, cost-effective, sustainable/resilient while offering market returns for investors.

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.

https://www.theplumcatalyst.com/sharktank 

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Tom Fisher in conversation with local entrepreneurs, educators and designers - Reimagining the future of the Root District and the Upper Harbor around the emerging notion of place-based entrepreneurship.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Why the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem needs to invest in entrepreneurs and reimagining our cities and communities in a post pandemic and George Floyd world

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

A fireside chat with Mayor Frey of Minneapolis and Mayor Carter of St Paul, on how they are reimagining and reshaping the Twin Cities to be future-ready, as the world watches.

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!

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Fireside chat with John Paul Farmer, CTO of NYC and Commissioner Steve Grove of DEED. What's their Blueprint for their city and state and becoming Future Ready?

Join us in Dinkytown after the MN Cup Awards for an evening of networking & playShotCaller Night!     

Watch ‘Packers vs Lions’, Make Game Picks via our app, & WiN Prizes for playing! 

** $500 in Local Prizes (Free-to-Play) 

** TCSW Participants 21+ receive a drink ticket for a free Miller Lite Draft 

** Back section reserved for event participants 

*** Virtual participation is also HiGHLY encouraged (if unable to join in-person) 

Play Now & WiN Prizes > Play Now Link

More about ShotCaller: ShotCaller is a social gaming platform that lets fans make sports predictions without the complex betting jargon, & users win rewards from local partners for playing

TCSW is proud to partner with Denamico and Lola Red to present the Twin Cities Startup Week Sales & Marketing Track. Hear from innovative entrepreneurs, dynamic business leaders, and game-changing experts as they share insights on how the future of Sales & Marketing is being shaped.

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 - The Power of Community in Marketing

10:30 AM - Twin Cities Podcast Hosts UNPLUGGED - Sales 

11:30 AM - Twin Cities Podcast Hosts UNPLUGGED - Marketing

1:15 PM - The 2 Keys to Successfully Marketing your Business 

2:25 PM - Stop Guessing, Start Asking: Using Research to Drive Growth

3:40 PM - Pitching Yourself and Your Company For Success

MOTHER'S ROOM

The Machine Shop offers a beautiful mother's room for attendees. Please check in at the front desk when you arrive and we'll direct you to the room.

PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS

The best door to enter is the main set of double doors (the 2nd set from our small parking lot to the east of our building) off of 3rd street. 

The Machine Shop has limited parking in its parking lot, but is a very short walk from bus routes 6, 250, 261, 264, 270, 288. Best parking options:

Machine Shop Parking Map.pdf

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Jess Von Bank is the Head of Marketing for Leapgen and organizer of the Now of Work global community. The Now of Work community launched by Leapgen at the beginning of a global pandemic is a movement to better serve humanity by humanizing work. It represents the humanization and digital disruption of work during the most historic labor market and business cycles we’ve seen in modern times. In this opening keynote, Jess discusses community-centric marketing to build brand, grow loyalty, adapt and remain authentic in wildly changing times, and drive innovation.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

This two-part Clubhouse-style event is bringing together Twin Cities podcast hosts to extract what they’ve learned from their conversations with notable guests in the startup realm, corporate world, and tech space.

In Part 1 of this event, host Tim Bornholdt will be flipping the mic on these podcasters to chat about using podcasting as a tool to grow a business, judging the success of episodes, using podcasting for lead generation, preparing for interviews, and more!

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

In Part 2 of this event, host Tim Bornholdt will be flipping the mic on these podcasters to learn how podcasting fits into their marketing strategy, the power of video, leveraging guests’ networks, sponsorships, and more!

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

There’s a lot of unknowns in business. Marketing strategy doesn't need to be one of them. ⠀And you don't need *more* strategies and another "expert" on the internet talking AT you about problems – you need ideas and solutions. In this session, Jen Fieldman will walk you through the two key elements to market your business, and demonstrate how  you can customize, only spending time on platforms that make SENSE for you and your brand.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Looking to make decisions about your product, marketing, pricing, or brand strategy?  A thoughtful research roadmap will help you make smart, strategic, and informed business decisions. 

In this session, Fusion Hill’s VP of Research & Strategy, Amy Behrens, and VP of Business Strategy, Nina Gazel, will give you the 411 on all things customer and market research. You will come away from the session with a clear understanding of the integral role customer research should play in your growth strategy and how to make it happen at any stage of your business journey.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

From pitching your business, raising money, recruiting talent and leading your teams, effectively channeling your own personal brand and networks can have a tremendous impact on your success.  

Learn tips and tricks behind successful PR strategies and fundraising campaigns.  
Alexis Walsko brings 22 years of experience as founder, marketer and leader to a conversation about how best to present yourself and your company to support your growing business.

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?

12:10 PM - Growing Your Business: Do I Raise Money to Fund my Startup? - A Lunch Discussion Presented by Traction Capital

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.

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.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Building a successful business requires bravery, tenacity, and a commitment to crafting a top-flight workplace that doesn’t let your imagination get stifled. It also hinges on getting the foundational stuff right – things like payroll, policies and procedures, employee benefits and employer-related compliance.  The best way to attract investors to your startup is to demonstrate operational credibility to prove that your company is ready to maximize their investment dollars. 

Start-up superstar Matt Meents joins Human Capital advisor Courtney Howard for a fireside chat to discuss the 10 foundational principles of building a well-established HR infrastructure to make sure you hire the right talent in the right way.

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.

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.

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.

 Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here. 

Are you considering whether or not to raise funding to grow your business? If so, you won’t want to miss this lunch discussion featuring four accomplished Minnesota investors and entrepreneurs: Andrew Duneman, Barb Stinnett, Matt Meents, and Shane Erickson. This panel of Traction Capital investors possess the knowledge and experience needed to navigate the often-tricky process of raising capital to grow your business (and whether you should). Mark your calendars for this insightful lunchtime conversation!

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.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Come to do a short meditation to get yourself recharged for the rest of the day. This meditation session is easy to do, so whether you are new or experienced at meditation, you'll feel right at home with it.  

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.

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.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Vision tells everyone where you are going, strategy tells everyone how you will get there. An excellent business growth strategy outlines a unique path that provides its customers truly differentiated value. This is what increases a company's value. The execution is sometimes underestimate and execution is what clears the way and puts structures, processes and capabilities in place to make strategy effective. This workshop style session will provide guidance and tools to creating strategic initiatives to get strategic execution and results.

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.

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.

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). 

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). 

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). 

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). 

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.

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). 

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). 

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

What should a startup do to prepare for raising capital?
What does the fund-raising process look like?
What is “due diligence” and how should a startup prepare for it?
What do angel investors typically look for in a seed or early round financing?

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). 

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). 

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). 

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

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. 

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Learn what it takes to launch and build a successful CPG brand from an industry insider and someone who has both called on many of the biggest accounts in the country and helped manage some of the most successful brands in natural retail.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

The pandemic drove a wedge between restaurants and their customers causing many losses and even more heartbreak. In this talk, we'll take a look at 3 Minnesota restaurants that were customer-obsessed and thrived because of it. Create a bond with your customer that no pandemic, restriction, or shut down can stand between - here's how.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a “headquarters economy,” home to the highest concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters in the country. That can be a huge asset for local startups when corporations act as customers, investors, and partners, as well as support programs like local accelerators or events like Twin Cities Startup Week. Partners across the Forge North coalition, including the Carlson School of Management, Target, Medical Alley Association, EY, and others, worked together to interview dozens of the region’s largest corporations and learn all the ways they’re engaging startups today and what more could be possible in the years to come. Join us to unpack the results.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

What are investors really thinking when they hear a startup pitch? See 5 MN-based startups pitch experienced investors Brett Brohl and Mary Grove from Bread and Butter Ventures. Brett and Mary will give live feedback and provide insight into the investor thought process, giving you an inside peek at what investors think about pitch decks, round sizes, competition slides and more!

Startups can apply to pitch here.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.

Join us as we celebrate those making a difference in the Minnesota innovation scene!

At the Minnesota Startup Awards Ceremony at 6:00pm on September 24, we'll be honoring the top makers, inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs that make the Minnesota startup ecosystem thrive.

Stick around after for the TCSW 2021 Closing Party at 7pm!

Minnesota Startup Awards presented by: -- ILT Academy -- Digital River -- Flagship Bank -- SureSwift Capital -- Drip -- Dispatch

Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.

PARKING INSRUCTIONS

Science Museum of Minnesota - Parking Map & Instructions.pdf - Parking in the museum lot is $5.