Twin Cities Startup Week 2021
In person
Friday, September 17, 2021
TCSW 2021 Opening Party - VIP
The TCSW team invites you to meet and mingle with distinguished guests, community ambassadors, thought leaders, executives and others from the Twin Cities community prior to the TCSW 2021 Opening Party!
We'll have food and drink, live entertainment, and you might even get to go on an exclusive tour of the Twins Stadium! Plus, you can pick up your TCSW VIP hoodie.
This event will lead right into the Opening Party at 7pm — stick around and kick off the week with founders, corporate leaders, and members of the community.
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
The entry point for the event is the Minnesota Twins Executive Offices Entrance, located at 353 5th Street North, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Parking is available on the street and in the ramps surrounding the ballpark. Recommended parking:
- Target Field Station Parking Ramp at 335 5th Street North, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Ramp B at 516 N 2nd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
TCSW 2021 Opening Party presented by 3M
Kick off TCSW 2021 with us! Grab a drink, network with the community, and enjoy the views of the skyline from the Budweiser Deck at Target Field.
There will be music, local entertainment, food, and more. We'll also be celebrating our addition of tech.mn to the BETA family — don't miss out!
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
The entry point for the event is the Minnesota Twins Executive Offices Entrance, located at 353 5th Street North, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Parking is available on the street and in the ramps surrounding the ballpark. Recommended parking:
- Target Field Station Parking Ramp at 335 5th Street North, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Ramp B at 516 N 2nd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
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*
“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.
Dating? Test Out A New Dating Guidance App
Can you have the right date with the right person, regardless of the many mis-steps and false impressions along the way?
Modern dating is frustrating. The games. The mind reading. Who knows what a "relationship" even means these days? CanWe.app is a new relationship guidance tool that helps modern daters meaningfully cut to the chase with a potential partner with safe and fast intentionality.
Join our demo! Bring your friends, bring a date, or journey alone; and we'll all practice together in a fun and low pressure adventure in St Paul’s Cochran Park (rain or shine).
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Alchemy 365 Fitness Class in Loring Park
Join us in the heart of the city to celebrate Twin Cities Startup Week! This outdoor class is free and open to all. Alchemy's workouts combine yoga, strength and conditioning. You’ll begin with a progressive warm up integrating fundamental yoga postures to get the body moving and the heart pumping. Class peaks when you give it your all during a 20 minute stretch of maximum cardio. Class winds down with a dose of incredibly soothing stretching so you can walk away ready to conquer your day.
Open to all fitness levels. Please bring your own yoga mat. Pre-registration is required. Save your spot here: https://alchemy365.io/loringpark
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)
Reimagining Our Cities in the Post-Pandemic World
Abimbola Asojo
University of Minnesota, Associate Dean for Research, Creative Scholarship and Engagement
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.
Free Open Co-working @ Wellworth
Wellworth will be open to all TCSW attendees for open co-working throughout the week.
Free Open Co-working @ WeWork
Free Co-working Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm for Twin Cities Startup Week attendees! Please check in at the Community Bar upon arrival.
WeWork 1330 Lagoon - 1330 Lagoon Ave Minneapolis, MN 55408
WeWork Capella Tower - 225 S 6th Street Suite 3900
729 N Washington Ave WeWork - 729 N Washington Avenue 6th floor 55413
MENTOR MORNING by Minnesota Innovates
Minnesota Innovates invites Founders, whose problem solution has a technology component, to participate in a special offering of its signature Mentor Mornings. At TCSW, Founders will meet in small groups to share their concerns with mentors who have experience in various fields of technology, as well as, legal, financing, starting and scaling, marketing, sales, data analysis, customer validation and strategic development experience. The casual and welcoming setting provides opportunities to glean helpful insight and fosters enhanced access to people and resources that can support a Founder’s startup journey.
Reimagining Partnerships in Placemaking and Urban Planning
Join local design leaders, researchers and directors for a panel discussion on the future of place and partnership in Minnesota and around the world.
Transforming Livability and Equity Through Technology
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.
Winthrop Accelerator - Office Hours
REGISTER HERE TO RESERVE AN APPOINTMENT
We will provide Startup Week participants with an opportunity to meet with attorneys from the firm’s “Winthrop Accelerate” program, which is specifically designed to counsel Founders on issues commonly encountered by growth-stage companies. Each meeting will be 30 minutes and will take the format best suited to the needs of the particular participant (e.g., discussion of questions or issues facing a particular company, initial review company organizational documents, address options for capital and governance structures and/or other topics necessary to provide a solid foundation to successfully operate and raise capital). After the meeting, Founders will also have access to our suite of complimentary agreements specifically tailored for Founders and their growth-stage ventures, including non-disclosure agreements; sample employment, independent contractor and advisor agreements; and/or confidential information and inventions assignment agreements.
Free Open Co-working @ Impact Hub
Free Co-working at Impact Hub MSP Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm and Friday 9:00am-4:00pm for Twin Cities Startup Week attendees!
TCSW Minneapolis Community Hub
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, 9/20 - Friday, 9/24 from 9am to 5pm
Community Hubs are the physical manifestation of Twin Cities Startup Week! Come explore the happenings of the space and connect with other TCSW attendees. Below is what you'll encounter at the hub:
- TCSW sessions
- Free cowoking
- TCSW swag pickup
- Professional office hours
- Food & networking events
- Startup resources and local businesses to support
**To view the Community Hub event schedule, use the "Community Hub" tag and filter.
HOW TO GET HERE?
- Enter IDS Center
- Walk through Crystal Court and head up the escalators
- Turn left and you'll see the TCSW Community Hub on the second floor! (Old Banana Republic store space)
TCSW St. Paul Community Hub
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, 9/20 - Friday, 9/24 from 9am to 5pm
Community Hubs are the physical manifestation of Twin Cities Startup Week! Come explore the happenings of the space and connect with other TCSW attendees. Below is what you'll encounter at the hub:
- TCSW sessions
- Free cowoking
- TCSW swag pickup
- Professional office hours
- Food & networking events
- Startup resources and local businesses to support
**To view the Community Hub event schedule, use the "Community Hub" tag and filter.
PARKING INSTRCUTIONS
Recommended / most used parking options:
- Treasure Island (6th and Wabasha)
- Lawson Ramp (enter off 5th St)
- Victory Parking (enter off Wabasha)
How To Turn Your Side Hustle Into A Start-Up
Tips on building your side hustle into a full-time business, from someone who has done it successfully.
Digital Equity - The Next Great Equalizer
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?
Go from Start-Up to Smooth Scaling with Structured Operations
Go from Start-Up to Smooth Scaling with Structured Operations A developing organization will pass through three distinct phases as it evolves: Proof-Of-Concept, Building the Organization, and Smooth Scaling
Building the Organization requires a change in mindset from the typical bootstrap (or cost) mentality to an investment mentality.
Building the Organization allows you to systematically align responsibilities toward the following results: 1. Trust in the people in the organization to deliver on your promise. 2. Once you have trust in the people in your organization you can focus on your strengths. 3. Evolve & Grow – Organizations need to evolve and grow to be successful. Building the organization starts at the top. It needs time and energy from leadership.
Once you have built your organization and developed your leadership team, it’s time for Smooth Scaling. With Smooth Scaling, you can decide on the scale and scope of your organization.
*Wellworth is located at The 428 building on the corner of Minnesota St. and 7th Place. The entrance to the building is on 7th Place. There will be signage just outside the building entrance. There are several ramps within 1 block of Wellworth as well as street parking all around. Once you arrive, the session will be taking place on the 1st floor. You are welcome to stay and work at Wellworth before or after the session. Wellworth is up on the 5th floor.
Future of Mobility Tech & Research Showcase
Come see and explore the 3 research and technology demo stations including Micro-mobility, Vehicles, and Digital Technologies
Skills-based Volunteers Get Real Jobs at Saint Paul Restaurants
Our communities need a different type of volunteerism during a global pandemic, recession, and uprising. Attend this session to hear how volunteers from Land o'Lakes engaged directly with Saint Paul restaurants to build resilience.
Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis Through a New Investment Strategy
Warren Hanson
Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and Minnesota Equity Fund, President and Chief Executive Officer
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.
Preparing For a Capital Event
Whether you are seeking to raise debt, secure equity financing, sell your business or partner with a strategic investor, you will need to be prepared. Hear from four successful entrepreneurs on their experiences raising capital and the keys to being adequately prepared.
Office Space: How to Find it and Negotiate Like a Pro
Finding an office is a huge step for a startup. We’ll provide you with lunch (Fuzzy's Taco Shop, anyone?) and a road map to make finding your startup’s dedicated office space an easy and informed process. In our session, we’ll show you the best ways to calculate how much space you actually need, finding space through online tools, what to look for when touring spaces, negotiating lease terms, and ultimately moving into your new space. And, at the end of our session, you’ll walk away with all of these tools at your fingertips so that you can manage the process with confidence.
*NOTE - Lunches will be individually packaged for health and safety.
Futureproof and Thrive
New York Times technology journalist and bestselling author, Kevin Roose, will discuss the age of automation in a conversation with leadership from local venture studio DNT BLNK. They will explore how we, as humans, can be happy and successful in a world built by and for machines. Kevin’s most recent book, “Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation'' addresses the pervasive impact of artificial intelligence on our lives and jobs. In a discussion with attendees, Kevin will examine the uniquely human skills - creative, inspiring, and meaningful things - that differentiate people from machines.
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.
Circular Economy for Retailers: Now is the Time
Making (and communicating) meaningful progress on strategic sustainability plans is a must for any retailer or brand today. Yet, so many organizations struggle to take the first steps. I believe that the Circular Economy is a straightforward, actionable, and proven framework to effectively jump-starting sustainability efforts. I am excited to share this concept with retailers and their partners in an approachable, informative way.
An Entrepreneurs Roundtable: We need more Startups That Improve Our Cities and Communities
The vision of building a community within the confines of a city is a large task. While there's a lot of interest in the specific technologies being deployed to make cities "smart", there's a need for entrepreneurs to lead the way and take risks to both explore and show what's possible through their solutions.
Join us for this collaborative conversation to learn how all these entrepreneurs started with an idea and how we need more startups to help our cities and communities succeed.
The Re-emergence of Place-based Entrepreneurship
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.
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!
Investing in Our Collective Futures!
Marc Majors
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Director of Employment and Training Programs (ETP) Division
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
Bringing the Future Forward, Fast!
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.
What's your Blueprint for becoming Future Ready?
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?
Fly-in VIP Happy Hour
Get out your racquets! Come meet our awesome TCSW Fly-ins, grab a drink, and play some pickleball at the Minneapolis Cider Co. Pickleball from 5-6 PM.
*VIP ticket required to attend this event*
Interactive Gaming Night ( Football x Prize BONANZA )
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
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Free Open Co-working @ Impact Hub
Free Co-working at Impact Hub MSP Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm and Friday 9:00am-4:00pm for Twin Cities Startup Week attendees!
Free Open Co-working @ WeWork
Free Co-working Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm for Twin Cities Startup Week attendees! Please check in at the Community Bar upon arrival.
WeWork 1330 Lagoon - 1330 Lagoon Ave Minneapolis, MN 55408
WeWork Capella Tower - 225 S 6th Street Suite 3900
729 N Washington Ave WeWork - 729 N Washington Avenue 6th floor 55413
Free Open Co-working @ Wellworth
Wellworth will be open to all TCSW attendees for open co-working throughout the week.
TCSW Minneapolis Community Hub
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, 9/20 - Friday, 9/24 from 9am to 5pm
Community Hubs are the physical manifestation of Twin Cities Startup Week! Come explore the happenings of the space and connect with other TCSW attendees. Below is what you'll encounter at the hub:
- TCSW sessions
- Free cowoking
- TCSW swag pickup
- Professional office hours
- Food & networking events
- Startup resources and local businesses to support
**To view the Community Hub event schedule, use the "Community Hub" tag and filter.
HOW TO GET HERE?
- Enter IDS Center
- Walk through Crystal Court and head up the escalators
- Turn left and you'll see the TCSW Community Hub on the second floor! (Old Banana Republic store space)
TCSW St. Paul Community Hub
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, 9/20 - Friday, 9/24 from 9am to 5pm
Community Hubs are the physical manifestation of Twin Cities Startup Week! Come explore the happenings of the space and connect with other TCSW attendees. Below is what you'll encounter at the hub:
- TCSW sessions
- Free cowoking
- TCSW swag pickup
- Professional office hours
- Food & networking events
- Startup resources and local businesses to support
**To view the Community Hub event schedule, use the "Community Hub" tag and filter.
PARKING INSTRCUTIONS
Recommended / most used parking options:
- Treasure Island (6th and Wabasha)
- Lawson Ramp (enter off 5th St)
- Victory Parking (enter off Wabasha)
Winthrop Accelerator - Office Hours
REGISTER HERE TO RESERVE AN APPOINTMENT
We will provide Startup Week participants with an opportunity to meet with attorneys from the firm’s “Winthrop Accelerate” program, which is specifically designed to counsel Founders on issues commonly encountered by growth-stage companies. Each meeting will be 30 minutes and will take the format best suited to the needs of the particular participant (e.g., discussion of questions or issues facing a particular company, initial review company organizational documents, address options for capital and governance structures and/or other topics necessary to provide a solid foundation to successfully operate and raise capital). After the meeting, Founders will also have access to our suite of complimentary agreements specifically tailored for Founders and their growth-stage ventures, including non-disclosure agreements; sample employment, independent contractor and advisor agreements; and/or confidential information and inventions assignment agreements.
Sales & Marketing Track
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:
The Power of Community in Marketing
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.
VC 101: A Roundtable Discussion
Interested in learning more about venture capital? Or maybe you just want to brush up on the topic. Either way, this event is for you. Join us for a panel discussion where we'll discuss FAQs surrounding venture capital with experts on all sides of the table, including representatives from venture capital firms, startups, and a business law firm. Did we mention there's going to be free breakfast?
Twin Cities Podcast Hosts UNPLUGGED, Part 1: Sales
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!
Twin Cities Podcast Hosts UNPLUGGED - Marketing
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!
Draw: Community Color Therapy
Learn how we can grow our communities and promote mental health through a powerful story and color therapy. Coloring supplies will be provided- coloring is optional but encouraged!
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.
The 2 Keys to Successfully Marketing your Business
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.
Stop Guessing, Start Asking: Using Research to Drive Growth
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.
Grow your Business by Creating a Marketing Machine
Every business needs a constant flow of new customers to ensure that it thrives in the long term. This workshop will explore 3 guiding principles to create a marketing machine so that your business has consistent quality leads. Attend this workshop if you would like help on making marketing theory relevant to your business. This is an interactive session and you will leave this workshop with the following:
1. Powerful insights and 'aha' moments for your business 2. A focused action plan to implement in your business 3. A free 1:1 follow-up strategy session with a Business Coach to plan your business growth
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.
Pitching Yourself and Your Company For Success
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.
Building a Tech Stack to Grow With Your Business
Given all of the options out there when it comes to marketing, sales, and customer service technology, it can be challenging for businesses of any size to build a scalable solution. In this session, we'll provide a process for evaluating your current tech stack, identifying gaps, and creating a solution that can grow with your business over time.
In addition to the presentation, the event will include time for networking (snacks and beverages included).
Happy Hour Discussion: Privacy & Marketing - Why privacy changes everything and how you can adapt
Join us for a relaxed, happy hour discussion about a serious topic, privacy. It may not be flashy, but it's critical to your business and the success of your marketing plans.
April 2021, Apple introduced App Tracking Transparency, upending modern digital marketing and forcing marketers to adapt. ATT wasn't the first significant change to privacy in recent years (👋 GDPR), and it won't be the last.
This fall, with the release of iOS 15, Apple will release Mail Privacy Protection which will dramatically impact how you measure the success of your email marketing campaigns. Open rates for email will essentially become a meaningless and unreliable measurement.
Government regulations, device maker policies, and consumer awareness about privacy are changing rapidly, and the impact is not limited to just tech companies. For example, if you're a coffee shop with an Instagram and an email list, you need to consider consumer privacy as part of your overall marketing strategy.
In this session, we'll discuss the current state of privacy, what has changed in recent years, and how you can adapt to the changing world and ensure your marketing dollars are still generating a return.
VIP Alchemy 365 Fitness Class
Join us at Alchemy 365 Northeast for a special VIP group fitness class. Located in the basement of the Machine Shop, Alchemy is hosting a free class exclusively for Twin Cities Start Up Week's VIP guests. This class combines yoga, strength and conditioning. You’ll begin with a progressive warm up integrating fundamental yoga postures to get the body moving and the heart pumping. Class peaks when you give it your all during a 20 minute stretch of maximum cardio. Class winds down with a dose of incredibly soothing stretching so you can walk away ready to conquer your day.
Open to all fitness levels. No need to bring shoes or a mat! Pre-registration is required. Save your spot here: https://alchemy365.io/VIPclass
*VIP ticket required to attend this event*
Meda Million Dollar Challenge – After Party
Meda and its partners are hosting the fourth Meda Million Dollar Challenge – an exciting business-plan competition modeled on the television show Shark Tank. During Twin Cities Startup Week, BIPOC-owned businesses will make their best case to a panel of judges regarding why their companies are poised for growth. Finalists from around the country will travel to Minnesota for the final pitching event, which will award at least $1 million in financing. Be our guest at this party as we celebrate the finalists and announce the winners at 6:15 PM.
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Free Open Co-working @ Impact Hub
Free Co-working at Impact Hub MSP Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm and Friday 9:00am-4:00pm for Twin Cities Startup Week attendees!
Free Open Co-working @ WeWork
Free Co-working Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm for Twin Cities Startup Week attendees! Please check in at the Community Bar upon arrival.
WeWork 1330 Lagoon - 1330 Lagoon Ave Minneapolis, MN 55408
WeWork Capella Tower - 225 S 6th Street Suite 3900
729 N Washington Ave WeWork - 729 N Washington Avenue 6th floor 55413
Free Open Co-working @ Wellworth
Wellworth will be open to all TCSW attendees for open co-working throughout the week.
TCSW Minneapolis Community Hub
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, 9/20 - Friday, 9/24 from 9am to 5pm
Community Hubs are the physical manifestation of Twin Cities Startup Week! Come explore the happenings of the space and connect with other TCSW attendees. Below is what you'll encounter at the hub:
- TCSW sessions
- Free cowoking
- TCSW swag pickup
- Professional office hours
- Food & networking events
- Startup resources and local businesses to support
**To view the Community Hub event schedule, use the "Community Hub" tag and filter.
HOW TO GET HERE?
- Enter IDS Center
- Walk through Crystal Court and head up the escalators
- Turn left and you'll see the TCSW Community Hub on the second floor! (Old Banana Republic store space)
TCSW St. Paul Community Hub
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, 9/20 - Friday, 9/24 from 9am to 5pm
Community Hubs are the physical manifestation of Twin Cities Startup Week! Come explore the happenings of the space and connect with other TCSW attendees. Below is what you'll encounter at the hub:
- TCSW sessions
- Free cowoking
- TCSW swag pickup
- Professional office hours
- Food & networking events
- Startup resources and local businesses to support
**To view the Community Hub event schedule, use the "Community Hub" tag and filter.
PARKING INSTRCUTIONS
Recommended / most used parking options:
- Treasure Island (6th and Wabasha)
- Lawson Ramp (enter off 5th St)
- Victory Parking (enter off Wabasha)
Coffee Tasting with Curioso
In this immersive session highlighting the world of coffee, the team from Curioso will share an overview of the industry from cherry to cup. Attendees will then have the opportunity to try different coffees, each with a unique roasting intensity. This event is in partnership with Coimatan.
To learn more about Curioso, visit https://www.curiosocrafts.com/. To learn more about Coimatan, visit https://www.coimatan.com/.
Capacity is limited so RSVP early.
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.
Building an Advisory Business to Grow Your Network
Building a network is a shortcut for growth. Whether you are creating a board of advisors or looking for funding or employees you want to have a strategy for who to reach and how to build relationships. Start identifying who you want to meet and where you would find them. As well you can learn specific tips and blueprints for how to grow your network with confidence.
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.
Lessons from a Failed Pitch: A Public Post-Mortem
It's late March 2021 and Kinetic Co-Founder Kris Eul is preparing to pitch to Groove Capital's Founder and Partner, Reed Robinson. Faulty internet and a dropped call would be the least of his concerns once the pitch was over.
Join them for a candid (and entertaining) conversation as they provide a rare perspective from both sides of the fundraising table. They'll also share key lessons learned that would guide Kinetic to successfully closing their first round and Groove evolving into a preferred early-stage fund within Minnesota.
Strengthen Your Mental Fitness
Are you at times, or often, self-critical or blame others for things that don’t go the way you want them to? Do you find it difficult to see challenges as opportunities? Do you ever feel you are in a rut and don’t know how to get out? If so, this workshop was designed for you. Positive Intelligence is a measure of your Mental Fitness, called PQ (Positive Intelligence Quotient). If you’re mentally fit, you can handle life’s great challenges without mental stress or other negative emotions. You’ll be happier and perform better.
If You Build It Will They Come? How To Hire and Retain Your First Employees
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.
How to Find and Interview Your Ideal Customer
You have an idea/product. How do you validate the idea, know how to sell it, and start your business? In this presentation we will go over on how to define your ideal customer, find them, and conduct customer interviews.
Preparing Your Startup for Investment
Topics will include: Selecting the type of business entity and forming your company, Protecting your intellectual property, Employment matters including classification as independent contractors and non-compete agreements, How to use equity to attract, retain and motivate team members, Rules of Fundraising, including private placements, federal and state crowdfunding and networking events. With time to answer your questions!
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.
Growing Your Business: Do I Raise Money to Fund my Startup? - A Lunch Discussion Presented by Traction Capital
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.
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.
Great Leadership Without the Scars - Avoiding Mistakes as a Manager
As businesses grow, leadership at all levels becomes critical for success. Early leaders frequently miss out on scarce training resources, opening up the company to risks and missed opportunities.
Whether you lead a team of two or two hundred, leadership is a critical skillset and essential for a successful business. During this session, we will identify the leadership skills vital for success of a new manager, and learn strategies to build those skills today so you are ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
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.
Come meditate! A mindfulness break.
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.
What Every Startup Needs to Know about Building/Deploying Custom Software
Who is this for? The focus of this presentation & material is aimed at non-technical founders but will be useful for technical founders as well. It assumes you are an entrepreneur with a technical feature or working in a tech startup. Most of the advice in this presentation leans towards software featured startups but will still be relevant for any startup because most will end up having business software living in the cloud.
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
Pivot or Perish
The session explores the power of the pivot, in business and in life. Panelists will tell their stories of successful pivots and failures where pivots were required. Moderated by Club Entrepreneur chief Rick Brimacomb, this session features three business leaders who have been involved in numerous pivots. They will teach how early to look, when to keep going on the existing road and when to jump off it. The art and science of maneuvering with limited resources. Being disciplined about “failing fast” but not throwing out the baby in the bathwater.
LinkedIN Event Page https://www.linkedin.com/events/6842559799880663040/
Facebook Event Page https://www.facebook.com/events/371593624429690
AI in Healthcare
The main focus for AI applications in healthcare has been towards Diagnostic & Treatment, or Patient care. Ai is making a real impact in other areas of healthcare with a huge impact on the bottom line for companies that think outside the box. We will look at the medical device Manufacturers - how can Ai make their manufacturing data Readable, Searchable and Analyze-able? An educational panel showcasing the power of Ai in the medical manufacturing field
Your Strategic Playbook for Growth & Execution
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.
Challenges of Building a Developer Tools Startup
Join us for an interactive panel discussion with experienced founders and founding engineers of successful Developer Tools startups like TrackJS, Frontend Masters, Akita Software, and Touca. We will speak about common challenges of building products for software developers, ranging from marketing and sales to product development. We will share our experiences and offer our vision for the future of software development.
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.
Groove Capital's Angel Investor Rally
REGISTRATION REQUIRED, click the following link to RSVP
The purpose of this gathering is two-fold:
#1 - By this time Groove Capital will have made 16+ local investments, since launching in February. A lot is going to plan, some things have surprised us. Bottom line, we're successfully connecting early stage investors with Pre-Seed Minnesota-based startups, and we want to show you how.
#2 - The BETA Showcase is immediately following this event. Let's get excited about venture and angel investing, talk shop, and head over to that event to practice our craft. Register for the BETA Showcase here.
Who should consider attending - LPs & Angel investors (Groove or otherwise) and anyone who has ever wanted to learn more about angel investing.
Fall 2021 BETA Showcase - VIP Event
REGISTRATION REQUIRED, click the following link to RSVP
Please join us for a special VIP Reception sponsored by Twin Ignition prior to the Fall 2021 BETA Showcase on September 22 at Huntington Bank Stadium! (formerly TCF Bank Stadium).
The BETA team invites you to meet and mingle with distinguished guests, community ambassadors, thought leaders, executives and others from the Twin Cities community prior to the BETA Showcase.
The VIP reception will roll right into Showcase, starting at 6:00pm. Stick around for demos from startups from our last 3 virtual cohorts!
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.
XR Happy Hour
Join us for a happy hour dedicated to celebrating and connecting the MN XR Industry. Connect with others in AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality) over drinks and food to catch up, network, and learn what others are doing in the space. This event is for anyone in or interested in XR - developers, product, designers, enthusiasts, business folks, students - anyone.
Fall 2021 BETA Showcase powered by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Michael Gietl
J.P. Morgan, Industry Executive - Midwest and Canada Life Sciences and Healthcare ServicesREGISTRATION REQUIRED, click the following link to RSVP
BETA Showcase is a science fair for startups, where tech enthusiasts, reporters, investors, and the general public meet with founders from a dozen of the top emerging companies.
For the first time, the event will feature startups from our past THREE cohorts that were forced to showcase virtually due to COVID, along with the Fall 2021 BETA Cohort teams. Get excited for the biggest and best Showcase yet!
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
Free Open Co-working @ Impact Hub
Free Co-working at Impact Hub MSP Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm and Friday 9:00am-4:00pm for Twin Cities Startup Week attendees!
Free Open Co-working @ WeWork
Free Co-working Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm for Twin Cities Startup Week attendees! Please check in at the Community Bar upon arrival.
WeWork 1330 Lagoon - 1330 Lagoon Ave Minneapolis, MN 55408
WeWork Capella Tower - 225 S 6th Street Suite 3900
729 N Washington Ave WeWork - 729 N Washington Avenue 6th floor 55413
Free Open Co-working @ Wellworth
Wellworth will be open to all TCSW attendees for open co-working throughout the week.
TCSW Minneapolis Community Hub
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, 9/20 - Friday, 9/24 from 9am to 5pm
Community Hubs are the physical manifestation of Twin Cities Startup Week! Come explore the happenings of the space and connect with other TCSW attendees. Below is what you'll encounter at the hub:
- TCSW sessions
- Free cowoking
- TCSW swag pickup
- Professional office hours
- Food & networking events
- Startup resources and local businesses to support
**To view the Community Hub event schedule, use the "Community Hub" tag and filter.
HOW TO GET HERE?
- Enter IDS Center
- Walk through Crystal Court and head up the escalators
- Turn left and you'll see the TCSW Community Hub on the second floor! (Old Banana Republic store space)
TCSW St. Paul Community Hub
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, 9/20 - Friday, 9/24 from 9am to 5pm
Community Hubs are the physical manifestation of Twin Cities Startup Week! Come explore the happenings of the space and connect with other TCSW attendees. Below is what you'll encounter at the hub:
- TCSW sessions
- Free cowoking
- TCSW swag pickup
- Professional office hours
- Food & networking events
- Startup resources and local businesses to support
**To view the Community Hub event schedule, use the "Community Hub" tag and filter.
PARKING INSTRCUTIONS
Recommended / most used parking options:
- Treasure Island (6th and Wabasha)
- Lawson Ramp (enter off 5th St)
- Victory Parking (enter off Wabasha)
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.
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).
REM5 Immersive Education Showcase
Immersive technology is enabling new tools to educators and REM5 Virtual Reality Laboratory is at the forefront of bringing those tools to life in and out of the classroom. Our education offering started with field trips but now includes camps, VR/AR content distribution, and specialized field trips that have served over 3,000 students. Join us to experience some of the content and services we offer and discuss where REM5 and the industry is going in the future.
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).
Breaking Bread with Lunar Startups
Celebrate the startup community with Lunar Startups on Thursday, September 23rd at 12pm.
What you'll get: Enjoy a delicious lunch catered by House of Gristle Listen to live music (artist info coming soon) Connect with the startup community at Osborn370 in the heart of Downtown St. Paul The first 50 tickets are free thanks to the St. Paul Downtown Alliance.
Participants must register here to get lunch: https://www.lunareverywhere.com/breaking-bread
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.
Customer Experience (CX) Strategy for Startups
How can startups deliver world-class experiences to their customers while still working to scale and find a foothold? As AI and automation becomes ubiquitous, good brands are using a mix of technology and human touch to help customers succeed, make them happy, encourage referrals, and reduce churn. You don't need expensive tools or large teams to deliver great experiences, though. This talk with show you how with intentionality, planning, hard work, and dedication to the customer across your whole business, your startup can deliver amazing experiences.
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.
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).
Reacting to Crisis: Maintaining Customer Base & Loyalty
In almost every way, 2020 turned the world on its head. We invited five leaders who successfully navigated their organizations through crisis while maintaining their customer base to share their stories.
Headshot Happy Hour @ soona
We are excited to open up our Minneapolis studio to the TCSW attendees to receive one FREE headshot. We believe in the power of a photographic first impression. A great headshot can be the difference maker. Land the interview. Attract the new client. Scare the competition. This event will allow time for attendees to network, try out soona's fast casual content experience, & set the TCSW community up for success to achieve their goals! (plus free food & bev 😉 )
Preparing Your Startup For Fundraising
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).
The Ties Between Sister Companies
Steve Rogers
Anchor Plastics and Think Different, Anchor Plastics- President/CEO Think Different- Founder/CEOOverview of the sister companies Anchor Plastics and Think Different lending and how they go hand in hand with each other. Learn about what we can do to help entrepreneurs, companies, and you to be successful.
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).
#WelcomeBackStPL Happy Hour & Music!
Thursday is the new Friday, right? Starting July 22nd through the end of the
summer, we’ll be celebrating Friday Jr. the right way at Osborn370 – great
music and great drinks to go along with it.
Tonight's performance: The 370 Sets - Rena & Justin - Law to PHX
Powered by the St. Paul Downtown Alliance
Check out more amazing events taking place in St. Paul here: welcomebackstpl.com
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).
Investor Cocktail Network Event
An opportunity to network with investors over cocktails and hors d'oeuvers. All accredited investors are invited to attend. There will be an open bar from 4:30 to 6:30.
Happy Hour at Industrious!
Stick around after the TCSW Education & Training Track for a networking happy hour on the 1st Floor of T3 brought to you by Good Human Work!
Following the happy hour, head to the Finding Emotional, Relational & Mental Wellness in the Startup/Tech Community TCSW session at 6 PM.
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.