Twin Cities Startup Week 2021
Virtual
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Code Switch: Reimagine 911 on the National Day of Civic Hacking
Code Switch is a civic hackathon in which community members work on data and technology projects to create positive change.
Techies AND non-techies are welcome — entrepreneurs, artists, educators, developers, business professionals, and concerned residents. Projects can use coding, data, storytelling, and more! Ideas and solutions can be proposed by anybody (yes, anybody). You don’t need a detailed plan, only a desire for change.
This year’s theme is Reimagining 911, from Code for America’s National Day of Civic Hacking.
More details and free registration can be found at:
Hack the Gap API Hackathon Kickoff
Register HERE for the Online Kickoff.
Hack the Gap API Hackathon is a 1 week long hackathon aimed at creating a high-energy week where women and non-binary people from all backgrounds and experience levels can enjoy an accessible, approachable, positive experience.
SCHEDULE
**Kick-off (will be Virtual):**
September 18: at 1pm- 3pm CT
- 1-:30pm Connect and pick projects
- 1:30-2:30pm Connect with teams and ideate on working plan
- 2:30 onward - Connect with team members and start ideation process- We’ll also connect you with your own technical mentors and help you schedule your team check ins
Sign up for Demo Day: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/api-hackathon-demo-day-tickets-168346862999
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.
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.
Non-Dilutive Federal Funding for Novel Early Stage R&D Projects
The annual $4 billion in federal, non-dilutive funding offered through the SBIR/STTR programs is often a critical milestone in moving an entrepreneur’s research idea from concept to commercial product/services. Small business (startups and existing) across the country engage with the programs to de-risk their innovations toward new products, services and/or processes. The Small Business Administration and the 11 federal agencies are committed to making sure innovators – particularly women and minorities are aware of the SBIR and STTR programs and gain a higher percentage of that funding moving forward.
The Minnesota SBIR/STTR Accelerator™ facilitates the commercialization of deep tech ideas, concepts and projects by leveraging federal research and development funding to small business in collaboration with government, industry, and academia.
SBIR/STTR funding is all about commercializing a novel product, service or process for domestic and international markets. There is no limit to the amount of funding or awards a small business can be awarded. The funding is awarded via a federal grant or contract, based on the agency.
Get started today to learn if your novel idea or project is a good fit with the programs. These programs are HIGHLY COMPETITIVE. Forming a research collaboration with other entities (academic, medical, federal laboratories, etc.) are highly encouraged.
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?
Bookkeeping Basics
This presentation is designed to help founders better understand the bookkeeping process and basic concepts. Good bookkeeping practices are an integral part of building a healthy business.
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.
Emergent Africa Forum (EAF)
The EMERGENT AFRICA FORUM (EAF) is the signature event of the Africa Chamber of Digital Commerce (ACOFDC Inc.), a non-profit organization headquartered in Minnesota; a gateway to the community (Diaspora) and the continent (Africa).The EAF is a Digital confluence of elevated ideas and mindset; a solution focused event that seeks to 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.
Strategic Planning & Execution Made Easy(er)
"We often start strong on execution but lose momentum before we cross the finish line."
"Strategic planning is crucial in theory but results are rarely fully realized in practice."
"We spend a lot of time creating our goals but not enough on follow-up or implementing or measuring progress." If any of these sound familiar, this session is for you. I'll show you how to turn those big goals into an actionable execution plan using a proven framework to help you get clarity, maintain momentum, ensure accountability, and drive results.
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84352044629?pwd=Smp2V24ySGwrdXgySkJOdDIyalM5QT09
Launching and Sustaining your Nonprofit Organization
Attendees will learn the keys to growing and sustaining their nonprofit organization
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.
Change Can’t Happen in Isolation: Convergence of the Sustainable Development Goals
The COVID-19 Pandemic has compromised the world’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for The Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 3 - Good Health & Wellbeing has risen to the top of priority goals for many. However, the interconnectedness of the goals has become even more apparent as we work towards recovery.
The social impact entrepreneurial community is one of the leading producers of bold interventions making an impact on health, economic and social recovery efforts.
In this inspiring panel, we will highlight the innovative startups responding to COVID and the convergence of efforts working towards the broader 2030 goals.
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.
"A Side Hustle" - Creating Multiple Streams of Income
Michael Thomas Sunnarborg
Creative Enterprises, LLC, Social Researcher | Wellness Wrangler | Relentless Optimist
Creating Multiple Streams of Income
Join Zoom Meeting
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An emotionally intelligent coach that meditates with you
See a demo of a chatbot that delivers the meditation that best fits your needs at the moment through conversations.
Taking the First Step with Tech
Planning to launch a new app or platform? Here's what you need to know before you hire a developer or start to code.
In this session, Software for Good's Director of Product Strategy, Liz Tupper, will share stories and lessons from our work developing products for mission-driven startups. We'll also feature founders' insights and what they wish they'd known sooner about building software to support a new initiative. Non-techies whose ventures need tech can learn how to get off the ground — from understanding a target audience to testing early versions to launching a minimum viable product.
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
Making An Impact with Your Business from the Inside Out: To B or Not to B (Corp)
Attitudes towards business have changed, with many for-profit companies and startups pursuing objectives beyond just profit growth--looking to integrate their values directly into their business model. B Corps and Public Benefit Corporations are those inspiring companies raising the bar for a new standard of purpose-driven business.
If you’ve explored this option you know that this assessment sets a very high bar for companies and highlights the best of the best when it comes to social, environmental and economic impact. How do you know if this is the right path for your business? What is the difference between a B Corp and a Public Benefit Corporation?
Join us in welcoming a team of industry leaders in the field of social enterprise, as we dive deeper into various business structures and the legal in’s and out’s to B Corps and Public Benefit Corporations.
We will introduce you to an inspiring group of social enterprise leaders of companies who have gone through the process of becoming a Benefit Corporation and B Corp. Together we will host breakouts and workshop ideas on how becoming a social enterprise can help advance your business goals, and show you where to start when you are ready to take the leap into this gold standard for good business.
Virtual TCSW VIP Mixer
Network and connect with the TCSW VIP community from the comfort of your home or office through Gather.
*VIP ticket required to attend this event*
Reducing Tech’s Digital Carbon Footprint: Do Good for the Earth and Your Bottom Line
As investors actively support companies with climate pledges, reducing your tech’s digital carbon footprint is one way to help your ESG score. But striving for tech that is also sustainable is more than a feel-good goal.
This virtual talk between a tech expert and a sustainability expert will explore the tangible cost-saving benefits to making your tech stack eco-friendly with a Q&A session at the end.
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?
MN Cup Final Awards Ceremony
Tune in to see the culmination of extensive startup and business pitching competition. The University of Minnesota hosts the MN Cup Finals and Award Ceremony. Sign-up via MN Cup Eventbrite.
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
Building Back Local Economies - What Small Means
This session will explore and showcase the local economy while bringing in community leaders to discuss how to strengthen the Minnesota ecosystem of small businesses. At this event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the significance of small businesses, how some small businesses are doing big things, as well as how we can support startups and small businesses alike at the early stages of their work.
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86562647359
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:
Coffee & Closers: How to Land your Next 3 Customers
As a founder, whether you are funded or self-funded, the pressure to bring in new customers consistently can cause a ton of stress. And as an investor, to see a return, your portfolio has to have companies that excel at selling.
We'll cover ways to create consistent sales opportunities that not only make your investors happy but also give you the confidence and capital needed to build your vision.
Featuring perspectives from Founders, Investors, & Closer's Sales Guru Mickeli Bedore, you will walk away with tangible knowledge you can put to work immediately.
See you there!
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.
Building & Scaling Your Community
From the early days of the Web, Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs) to social networks, meetups, and open source software, community is a way to build an authentic connection with your customers, provide support, gather product feedback, and scale. Join us for an AMA-style session to learn more about what it takes to build a community around your product, why you should be thinking strategically about one, and how to get started.
What’s Changed? Adjusting to Customer Needs in the New Normal
As we fully enter post COVID, will there be new normal changes in your customers’ buying expectations? Changes in what they buy, how they buy it, how they prepare to use it, use and finish using your product, how they feel about your product/brand?
Using the Lean Canvas Value Proposition model and reviewing emerging consumer trends, participants will examine their business Value Proposition (customer promise) to learn and address post COVID changes in customer solution needs. Which elements remain valuable, which should be adjust and which should be added to provide maximum customer satisfaction and a competitive edge?
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!
A Sustainable Future and Business Impact
The only innovative way forward for businesses is to embrace sustainability. What does this mean? How can partnerships across sectors and organizational types accelerate the effort? In this session we will hear from community leaders who are doing their part in the Twin Cities and building a movement to inspire positive change.
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86562647359
How Experimentation in a Consumer Business Improves Both Business and Customer Outcomes
Hear about how experimentation can deliver significant customer and business value. While the concept of A/B testing is commonly talked about, learn practical advice about how to get started in executing on experiments to drive near-term results, accelerate learnings, and define future strategies. You will hear from people across product, growth, and marketing who have executed on experimentation across both consumer and B2B businesses. Learn how OurFamilyWizard, the market leading co-parenting application, has implemented the right technology, operational framework, and strategic approaches to accelerate business results while reducing customer friction and improving customer satisfaction. We’ll walk through several examples of experiments, how hypotheses are formed, what we needed to get started, what we learned along the way and ultimately the business and customer outcomes we achieved. If you’ve always wondered if experimentation and a / b testing is right for your business then this session is for you. We’ll plan to answer the following questions: Is experimentation right for my business? What business and customer outcomes can I expect? What do I need to get started?
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!
Get More Clients with Sales Funnel Automation
During this bore-free training, I will share everything you need to know on how to get more clients with ease even if sales is your kryptonite. **In less than 30 minutes, you'll: ** (1) Learn about what a sales funnel is & why it's important in your business (it’s so much simpler than you think & yet not a lot of people are doing this right) (2) Get a step-by-step process you can follow to get your offer in the hands of more clients ASAP. These are the Critical Success Factors you need to focus on instead of fumbling around like some entrepreneurs wind up doing (3) Walk away from the training equipped with a list of tools you can leverage for your business so you can wake up to a list of new clients waiting to work with you every single day!
A Common Vocabulary for Developers and Entrepreneurs
When developing a product – be it an app, device, or website – entrepreneurs and developers work as a team. Communication is key for many reasons. It is critical that you, as the startup, go into the first meeting with your development agency with a common vocabulary in order to set the expectations and scope of the project. Misunderstandings can be costly in time and money. In this talk, I will guide you through common developer jargon – like “MVP”, “wireframe” and “sprint” – so you can work effectively with your developers using a common vocabulary. I hope to answer the questions you’re afraid to ask – or didn’t even know you needed answered. In my years working with entrepreneurs, I’ve seen how simple misunderstandings can lead to major setbacks, and I want to help you get started on the right foot.
Topic: A Common Vocabulary for Developers & Entrpreneurs - Andy Rahn
Time: Sep 21, 2021 12:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 812 1522 8831
Passcode: 374677
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kby57NKZL
Fundraising AMA w/ VC
Ryan Broshar & Natty Zola - Partners at Matchstick Ventures - will open the mic and answer any and all questions founders have about pre-seed and seed stage fundraising for startups in this "ask me anything" format. Come with questions and look forward to a lively dialogue amongst the partners and participants.
How to Wake Up Your B2B Content
Join Liz Giorgi the ceo & co-founder of soona, the fast casual content experience, share 3 ways you can wake up your B2B content and stop putting your customers to sleep. Liz will be breaking down the B2B (aka boring to boring) box to teach you the basics to👇 ✨inject joy into the voice of your brand ✨identify ways to go from industry speak to human speak ✨how to get your leadership team on board to a new approach to marketing
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.
Your Marketing Should Pay for Itself: Optimizing for Conversion
You already know that solid content is crucial for successful INBOUND marketing, so why isn't your content paying for itself? We'll review the most effective best practices for content marketing, and dive deeply into common mistakes even sophisticated marketers make at the most crucial moment: conversion. Your marketing should always pay for itself, let's workshop how.
PLAY Your Way to a Profitable Holiday Pre-Sale Campaign
This session is for you if: you are considering a pivot in your current business, you're thinking about developing a software product or service offering, or you're driven to help people but don't know what to focus on first.
Here's the scoop.
Before you take the leap in creating your MVP (minimum viable product) in isolation, focus instead on developing your MVA (Minimum Viable Audience). Discover the specific steps you can take to validate your business idea by working with people willing to pay for your future product and provide their feedback.
Join Bob Sparkins (Sales Marketing Manager), along with Jeanette Dorazio (CEO) and Madeline Blasberg (Director of Marketing) for this presentation and workshop from Leadpages.
How to Scale Tech Marketing with Purpose: Elevating Minority Founders' Platforms, and Reaching Underserved Communities through Thoughtful Communications
Many startups lack access to the brand, marketing and communications skills that help ensure their product reaches the right people who need them. This is especially true for founders of underserved communities. The Hotwire Ignite Possibility Program (HIPP), launched in 2020, has committed to providing $1M in pro bono brand, marketing, and public relations services to qualifying tech and tech-enabled organizations that are minority-led or providing a product or service benefitting minority communities. In this panel you’ll hear from some of the founders in the first cohort of HIPP on how they are tackling their business challenges and meeting their goals through brand, marketing and public relations in order to bring technology innovation at scale and succeed in today’s competitive tech sector.
Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile: Real World Lessons Learned
Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM) is a great new approach to sharing code across mobile platforms. There are lots of elementary examples to teach developers the benefits and basics of usage. However, there isn't much material that guides developers through the choices they'll encounter as they start to use KMM in real, diverse apps. We'll highlight some of the most common choices developers will encounter, propose framing to help them understand their options and make strong, informed decisions, and give some examples of decisions that have worked well for us at Parsyl.
Business Essentials for Startups
Business essentials for startups will include expert discussions regarding legal terms for a funding raise, insurance options, accounting & tax questions, how to attract team members with limited resources, how investors evaluate startups, what legal formation is best for my company and more. There will be time for questions.
Topic: Business Essentials for Startups
Time: Sep 21, 2021 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 932 4422 6218
Passcode: i398U5
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Science Behind Testimonial Marketing - Learnings from +2,500 Customer Cases
Everybody does testimonial marketing but nobody knows what kind of results they are getting.
Please join to find out answers at least for these questions and ask your own in the Q&A:
Are testimonials important?
What makes a testimonial good?
How to use received testimonials?
How to measure results?
What kind of results you can expect?
Arttu Haho, CMO and Co-Founder of Trustmary, answers these with exact numbers and shares insights from the field with some real business examples.
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.
Double Your Sales: How to Build a Growth Roadmap that Actually Works
This session will help attendees learn how to create a growth roadmap that starts them on a path to doubling their business revenue. We will cover essential building blocks, including:
• Growth Acceleration Formula
• Customer Value Journey
• Buyer Persona
• Results Scorecard
Attendees can also receive free tools to help them get started.
Minneapolis Business Mentors is a Twin Cities-based non-profit that provides free resources to help small business leaders solve their challenges. We offer a wide range of mentoring, workshops, peer networking and online resources – all available where and when our clients need them most.
Learn more at www.MBMentors.org.
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.
Don’t Have a Plan, Build a Strategy: How to Recognize and Prioritize Marketing Opportunities
**Don’t Have a Plan, Build a Strategy: How to Recognize and Prioritize Marketing Opportunities**
Posting to Facebook. Sending email newsletters. Landing pages. Search ads. If you have a good budget and you do them as part of your marketing plan, they’ll probably yield some results.
But if you’re short on time, money, or even marketing talent, then it can be a slow and costly path to growth.
A high-performing marketing strategy has two core elements: A mechanism to recognize opportunities, and a method to prioritize them.
In this talk, I’ll show you my very simple, well-tested approach to each of these elements and provide you with templates for you to leverage for your own marketing strategy. When executed well, you can expect more impact from less effort in the short term, which gives you even more opportunity in the long term.
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Founder Track presented by Samsung Next
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Samsung Next is proud to present the Twin Cities Startup Week Founder Track. Please join us as we explore the entrepreneurial journey from how to start your own startup to funding options to how to grow and scale. We’ll hear from seasoned entrepreneurs, local investors, and other community leaders that want to ensure the next Fortune 500s are started in our own backyard. If you’re a founder or interested in starting a company - this track is for you! Breakfast and lunch provided.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM - Opening Remarks
9:15 AM - Lessons from Black Tech Leaders
10:30 AM - If You Build It Will They Come? How To Hire and Retain Your First Employees
11:25 AM - How is the MN Startup Market Perceived by Out of State VCs?
1:15 PM - Come Meditate! A Mindfulness Break.
1:45 PM - Understanding your startup funding options
2:55 PM - Your Strategic Playbook for Growth & Execution
4:00 PM - Rethinking Best Practices
PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS
- Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
- The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.
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.
The Crucial Capability Every Entrepreneur Must Develop
When launching a new venture, personal development is probably not at the top of your to-do list. Yet your greatest asset is yourself, and research has found that the strongest predictor of your startup success is your capacity to innovate. Innovativeness is essential to launching any new business venture, and that capability is determined by your mindset. But mindset is one of the most neglected capabilities by entrepreneurs. One that if addressed will dramatically shift your probability of success and the value you create.
In this session, you will discover a simple intuitive framework you can use to develop your innovativeness, and learn about tools you can use to gain high value feedback and measure your progress. Invest your time and resources where they will have the most impact on your venture—on yourself.
Building a Company From Inside Out
65% of startups fail due to co-founder or interpersonal issues. The best way to avoid that is to build a company from the inside out by creating a culture that honors and acknowledges each person's unique style while also providing amble opportunities for professional growth. This session will talk about how to be the best version of yourself, show up as a team, and therefore achieve higher levels of team cohesion, happiness and performance.
Startup success for non-technical founders
There has never been a better time for non-technical founders to launch successful tech companies. Come learn tips and strategies in areas including product management, validation, no-code tools, founder friendly funding, and getting traction.
Detour From The Default Path
Together will think differently about the well-intended default path of our healthcare system by exploring several case studies and showcasing the successful start-up story of GatherWell. Sarah Brown, Founder of GatherWell, will challenge our natural instinct for convenient thinking to uncover gaps and identify value-add opportunities for some of the greatest health system challenges. This interactive session will inspire and engage healthcare entrepreneurship.
ZOOM INFO
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85977247366
Meeting ID: 859 7724 7366
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Meeting ID: 859 7724 7366
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.
11 Clues That Your Project Might Be In Trouble
Shipping a software product (Website, app, a hardware device) is hard! It takes vision, teamwork, communication, talent, and a little magic. I'm sorry to say you are also going to run into problems. These problems will cost you time and money. Both killers for startups. The good news is that I have developed a sixth sense in identifying these problems. I will be sharing my top 11 clues that your project might be in trouble. I have gathered these clues over my 30+ years in software development. The goal of this presentation is to help you learn to identify these clues before they happen. After this presentation, you can take these clues and share them with your team, or software partner to make sure you stay on track. Let's explore these clues together at TCSW 2021.
Accessible Startups: Simple Tips for Digital and Social Inclusion
Every startup wants to be diverse and inclusive, but few understand that the digital needs of people with disabilities is part of reaching that goal. Websites, software, social media, videos, presentations, emails and documents that are accessible to people living with cognitive, hearing, mobility and sight-related disabilities is not only possible, it's essential in the current legal landscape, for companies engaged in startup and beyond. This lunch time session will give Startups knowledge, tools and empowered next steps to understand the "why" of digital accessibility AND begin to include clients, employees and the public, who live with disabilities, from the start. Each attendee will receive an "Accessible Startup Tips" digital guide and a free accessibility assessment of their website or mobile application.
This presentation will include live audio description and closed captioning. All materials in this presentation are structured for digital accessibility. Advance copies of the handout materials are available upon request at: [email protected]
ZOOM INFORMATION:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82211331619
Meeting ID: 822 1133 1619
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How is the MN Startup Market Perceived by Out of State VCs?
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Ever wonder how out-of-market investors perceive the Twin Cities startup community? How do we stack up to other markets they regularly spend time in? What makes us unique? We'll have a panel of out-of-market VCs and take questions from the audience.
Basic Financial Modeling: Create Powerful Budgets, Forecasts, and Projections for Your Startup
Excel is a simple yet powerful tool you can use to build a financial model for your company. As you start or grow your business, building a financial model will help validate your business plan, set performance goals, provide critical insight into cash needs, and forecast various scenarios.
We’ll walk you through the process of how to identify and document your modeling assumptions, build drivers, and organize outputs so you can build a functional model to use in your business. Attendees will also receive free access to a downloadable modeling template to use as a starting point.
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.
Among Us: Imposter Syndrome
Learning what Imposter syndrome is, and ways to deal with it.
Overcoming Burnout with Mindful Productivity for Entrepreneurs
To be most effective as entrepreneurs, we need something better than the currently broken systems of productivity. The Mindful Productivity paradigm is the answer to achieve a state of flow, greater focus, and clarity throughout the day.
Research also demonstrates that burnout and work-related stress have increased during the pandemic and meditation has been the most fruitful solution (Microsoft - Sept 2020 *).
In this hands-on workshop, you will take away tangible hacks designed to help you implement a Mindful Productivity routine for yourself and your team.
*https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/09/22/pulse-employees-wellbeing-six-months-pandemic/
Negotiating Collaboration Agreements with Large Companies: What to Expect
This presentation will discuss five different types of collaborative arrangements commonly used by large strategic life sciences companies to collaborate with start-up companies, either as part of strategic transactions, venture capital investments or joint ventures. The discussion will address issues and strategies for product development, patent and technology licenses, data sharing arrangements, distribution agreements and joint steering committee agreements.
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.
Using Goal Setting & Metrics to Grow Faster
One of the top sessions taught at Techstars! In working with over 100 startups, the ones that performed the best used goal setting and metrics to align their team and achieve their goals. In this session, we'll talk about and teach easy yet powerful ways to be data driven and goal oriented as you scale your startup. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of and tactics to implement goals and metrics.
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.
Platform Cooperatives
Can startups foster a more equitable gig economy? Platform cooperatives are collectively-owned, democratically managed alternatives to tech companies like Uber or Airbnb. In New York City, the Drivers Co-op is on track to double their driver's take home income. Given the potential to provide a sustainable path toward economic equality for the growing, diverse gig-worker community, what can be done to foster the development of platform cooperatives in Greater MSP?
Beyond the Core - The magic of product ecosystems
Elevate your product offering by exploring the idea of a product ecosystem! Learn how to analyze your core business through the eye of a product manager and identify expansion opportunities. We’ll share Field Nation’s journey of expanding our product ecosystem through our successes and failures. Hosted by Gokul Muralidharan, a Senior Product Manager at a local software company called Field Nation.
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.
Health Law 101: Key Legal Issues for Health Care Startups and Investors
This presentation will discuss the key legal issues for health care startup companies and investors, including IP and data rights, privacy and security, reimbursement, FDA, fraud and abuse, corporate practice of medicine, and other corporate law matters. Attendees will learn how to protect their assets, design a legal/compliance strategy, and avoid making costly legal/regulatory mistakes.
Making Healthcare More Affordable for Everyone
How to save money on your doctor visits and prescriptions medications
Demystifying Market Research
Everybody knows you have to do market research, but has anyone ever shared the secrets on how to effectively learn the nuances of your market? Join La Juana Whitmore, business strategist and small business consultant (not to mention curriculum lead at FINNOVATION Lab), to learn more about tips on finding publicly available information, techniques for digging deeper to understand more about your customers, and strategies for sizing your market.
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.
Doing More of the Right Things Faster
Startups are great at creating motion, but how do you ensure all that work and energy turns into progress? This session will share theories and practice guidance on how to get the most out of your time and energy while scaling a startup. This is one of the top presentations at Techstars.
Your Body's Energies: A Missing Piece in Your Wellness Toolkit? (and why it's not all "woo-woo")
Today's world can feel stressful and challenging, and many of us are looking for ways to feel more resilient in the face of it all. I believe working with your body’s energies can be a very helpful tool to add to your wellness toolkit. Many people don't know what the body's energies are and/or they think it's all too "woo-woo" to consider, which is completely understandable. In the workshop, I’ll explain what I mean by the body's energies and consider different ways to work with them. We’ll also discuss some of the science that supports these ideas. I'll show some quick and easy techniques to support your body's energies (which are great adjuncts to other wellness practices). You'll leave with a better understanding of your body's energies, as well as with some practical techniques that you can use on a daily basis.
Find Out if You've Outgrown your Friend or Freelance Tech Team
The goal of the session is for startups to identify when they need to consider a tech partner, why they need a team that includes technical, design, product, and user expertise, and finally, how they begin to choose the right team to work with.
All attendees will be entered into a drawing for a free Strategy Sprint with our team. A Strategy Sprint is a workshop in which we work with the founder to refine a business's goals and start to define the ideal next step in alignment with those goals. Perhaps it's a prototype, website, or some other solution... The end product is a clearer idea/plan of what will set the company up for success.
Program-Related Investments in Healthcare
Chris Ghere
University of Minnesota, Senior Technology Portfolio Manager, Technology CommercializationExplore how a powerful philanthropic tool called "Program-Related Investments" (PRIs) is helping more promising, early-stage healthcare technologies get to market. In this session, attendees will (1) get an introduction to PRIs and PRI syndication; (2) learn how the University of Minnesota is using PRIs in technology commercialization, especially in healthcare; (3) dive more deeply into one PRI anchored by Children's Cancer Research Fund to advance a University Osteosarcoma Prognostic Test; and (4) explore the broader potential for PRIs to revolutionize commercialization of rare disease therapies.
Doing good while doing well: How being mission and values driven can change lives and drive returns while rapidly scaling
Are you building a mission-driven business? Do you believe that defining core values is a critical piece to achieving your mission? Learn from OurFamilyWizard and Upsie about how a deliberate and inclusive approach to defining mission, vision, and values can pull out the true ethos of a culture, lead to stronger strategy, better and faster decisions, and more empowered execution across the organization. Having both recently received major funding from world class investors, building mission, vision, and values into the foundation of the organization has been key for an accelerated phase of growth.
With a mission to help families living separately thrive, every decision at OurFamilyWizard starts by thinking through the implications on co-parents, their children, and their support system as they grow their market leading co-parenting application.
With a mission to reinvent extended warranties with superior, selfless coverage and service, Upsie is taking the warranty industry by storm in a more affordable, transparent, and customer-centric way.
This session will be both aspirational and practical with advice on how to build a mission and culture that scales while a business faces rapid growth, investor pressures, and changing market dynamics. Learn how to stay true, stay strong, and remain authentic to why your business exists to help the world.
Using No Code Tools to Launch Faster, Save Money, and Streamline Your Startup
So you're building your company, but you don't have a technical expert on your team. The good news is that you don't *need* one. No code tools are quickly changing the way businesses operate and how web and mobile products are being released. In this session, you'll learn about some of the most popular No Code tools and explore several use cases for applying them to your business. You'll walk away with ideas for using No Code Tools to launch faster, save money, and streamline your startup.
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.
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Education & Training Track presented by AWS
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
AWS is proud to present the Twin Cities Startup Week Education and Training Track in partnership with EdNorth. Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the future of Education & Training and all the opportunities that exist for disruptors in the space. Breakfast and lunch provided. Breakfast and lunch provided.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin. IN-PERSON CAPACITY: 50 people.
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM - Doors open / breakfast
8:30 AM - Opening Remarks
8:40 AM - Be the Change: Youth Workforce Development through Social Entrepreneurship
9:30 AM - Do Well by Doing Good: Making a Positive Impact in EdTech
10:30 AM - Too Many Children Left Behind: Improving Equity in Education through Innovation
11:30 AM - OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator Premiere (virtual event / lunch)
12:30 PM - Getting Technical About the Challenges of Ensuring Everyone Has Access to STEM Programming
1:25 PM - EdTech Startup Guide published by AWS
2:30 PM - Preparing Your Startup For Fundraising
3:25 PM - Early EdTech Founders Panel
4:15 PM - Managing Fast-paced Growth for Emerging EdTech Companies
5:00 PM - Closing Remarks
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Be the Change: Youth Workforce Development through Social Entrepreneurship
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
How can we use entrepreneurship to create a better, more equitable Twin Cities? At a time when Minnesota has one of the widest opportunity gaps when it comes to youth of color in this country, hear from local social impact entrepreneurs who are working to use their startups to create opportunities to help bridge that divide. Through providing workforce development, real-world business skills and entrepreneurship training, these founders are building scalable businesses and stronger communities.
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Learn the Basics of Selling On Amazon.com
Selling your products on Amazon.com offers your brand incredible visibility and sales potential. Learn the pillars of success and how to optimize your product pages, launch products, grow sales and control how your brand is represented on Amazon.com.
Making Peace with Non-Violent Communication
Non-violent communication is a skill set that enables effective communication with others by bringing the focus back to oneself.
NVC can help you communicate with others in a manner that maximizes productivity, minimizes misunderstanding and encourages us to appreciate the unique humanity that each person brings.
Do Well by Doing Good: Making a Positive Impact in EdTech
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
How can we, as EdTech entrepreneurs create new opportunities for learning by affecting meaningful, positive change in our communities? Join us for a panel discussion with educators, executives, and thought leaders. We’ll explore topics like:
- How digital programming and classroom instruction better intersect?
- What are some recommendations for future entrepreneurs who want to make an impact?
- What is the on the horizon for education technology?
Attend this event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
The Art of Tech: Unlocking Creative Possibilities
We’re often lumped into two categories: creative or technical. But we’re here to prove that wrong. With the combination of art and tech, new categories are possible! From making high-quality media accessible to all to helping creatives focus on the essential parts of their roles, we’ll use real examples of how creativity + tech play together at soona. We’ll walk through what’s possible with the combination of these two arts and give you tips on how to incorporate them into your work.
Too Many Children Left Behind: Improving Equity in Education through Innovation
Shanita Young
Little Earth Residents Association, Wiconí Wasté (Good Life) Youth Program Coordinator
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Minnesota is among the worst in the nation when it comes to the K12 achievement gap. There is no quick fix, but EdTech provides an opportunity to create more diverse and culturally reflective curriculum solutions to improve outcomes. The question is how do we make sure that it's done authentically, accurately and impactfully? From engagement to accessibility, how do we make sure that we are creating inclusive learning tools for all learners? And most importantly, what do those working in the field wish EdTech entrepreneurs working on these solutions knew?
Attend this session in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Marketing Basics….for the Non-Marketer
Every small business needs a solid foundation. This event is valuable to new and existing businesses that have not established “core” marketing competencies that are necessary to be successful. The 4Ps (Price, Product, Promotion, Place) and Brand Positioning will be reviewed. Real life examples will be used to communicate the thought process, and templates will be included to facilitate engagement during and after the event.
Minneapolis Business Mentors is a premier source of small business advice for entrepreneurs and established businesses. We were founded and are staffed by experienced executives and business owners. We are a volunteer, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the success of entrepreneurs and small businesses in Minnesota and the upper Midwest.
Becoming a Waymaker: Level Up Your Self-Awareness
In these ever-changing & rapidly shifting times, the most crucial skill for any waymaker to develop is self-awareness— as it is the foundation for being able to adapt, evolve & innovate. But how do you actually grow in self-awareness, practically?
In this session, you will learn a simple but cutting-edge framework from the field of neurobiology that will expand your capacity to:
-Act from intention rather than reaction with increased self-awareness. -Maintain a growth mindset to remain both aware & agile in the midst of change. -Make clear and rational decisions without feeling overwhelmed or withdrawn. I-dentify and begin to overcome internal barriers & limiting mindsets.
How To Design & Deliver an Elevator Speech
An elevator speech is a short statement designed to get the attention and interest of investors, potential customers, and other people important to your business. It explains in simple terms what you do, why you do it, how you’re unique, and why it’s important to the listener. this short speech should do all of that in 30 seconds or less!
For entrepreneurs, the speech should present your business in a way that gets attention and makes a listener interested enough to say, “Tell me more.”
Why The Brain Follows - The Science of Us vs Them
America and the world have become more and more divided. The attention of the public and the media has been on race, politics, and religion. However, new divisions keep dominating the spotlight. Based on decades of scientific research, it is evident that the human brain is wired to seek group belonging and group identities. Wherever there are groups, there are “Us” and “Them.” Instead of getting confused by all that divides us, it is important to understand our innate desire for group affiliation. More importantly, it is crucial to understand how such a desire can work for and against us at the same time.
In this talk, you will learn about the science of the us-vs-them divide. You will find out how this unconscious divide can be learned or changed quickly. You will discover the impact of us-vs-them on our decisions and judgments. You will gain insights into how we can bridge this divide and create more harmony.
OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator Premiere
This Premiere Event is a celebration of the latest OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator class of innovative startups and entrepreneurship.
Join us and meet this amazing cohort!
Watch this virtual event in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
Why Visual Planning for Your Instagram Feed Matters
In the virtual world social media is the new store front. This resource is the new way of creating foot traffic towards converting sales on your product, service, or experience. This means your visuals & content matter. Join the soona crew as we spill the deets on how to level up your social media content strategy.
Growing your startup with Open Scout and AWS University Scout Program
The OpenScout and AWS University Scout Program is a university program that helps student entrepreneurs scale their ideas with resources from AWS and other providers. The program recently added University of Minnesota to their network and are excited to help student entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities. Come tune in as we have student scouts from the University of Minnesota, Drexel University, and Yale University talk about student entrepreneurship and the AWS Scout Program on their respective campuses.
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).
Tips For Hiring Developers and Designers in 2021
Having trouble hiring developers and designers?
So is everyone else. Come to this session for actionable advice, strategies, and recommendations to set yourself up for success when hiring devs and designers in 2021 and beyond.
Breaking Into Tech Panel Discussion
Looking for a possible career change? Want to know how to break into the tech industry? Join this panel for a discussion on how they did just that and landed their dream job! We guarantee you'll walk away feeling inspired!
EdTech Startup Guide published by AWS
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
Join us for an overview of the EdTech Startup Guide, published by Amazon Web Services' EdStart team. During this presentation we will cover industry advancements, identify emerging trends, and discuss how you can integrate solutions/features into your products using advanced cloud technologies to help revolutionize education globally. We will talk about the current state of the EdTech startup market, and forward-looking trends that early stage EdTechs should be aware of, such as, fundraising best practices, technology trends to consider, and some tips from industry experts.
Q&A will follow.
Download the EdTech Startup Guide and learn valuable cloud insights from EdTech founders.
Connect with us: pages.awscloud.com
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
There is a large paid parking lot right next to the T3 building (323 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401).
Future of Venture with Atland Ventures
Atland Ventures is a student run Venture Capital firm based at the University of Minnesota that focuses on investing in early stage startups innovating within the Gen Z space. Come hear from a panel of current Atland Ventures partners, recent alum, and portfolio company CEO on emerging trends in the Gen Z space.
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).
Three Strategies for Building a Consultancy That Matters
In today’s disrupted economy, self-employment is a powerful tool for building something that matters, while reclaiming flexibility and creative freedom. If you’ve been dreaming of turning your knowledge into a consultancy that empowers individuals and community, this session is for you.
In this interactive session, you’ll be asked to consider who you can serve, uniquely. You’ll ponder the values you’re called to take a stand for. You’ll consider the superpowers you can bring to your audience. And you’ll ponder how to shape your first offering in a way that engages these actual people, rather than getting lost in your head.
Launching a consulting business in our marketplace isn’t just about making money. Today’s creative thinkers must solve problems that challenge tired narratives about who’s worthy of opportunity and imagine new ways for purpose to influence profit. In this interactive webinar, you'll explore how to:
*Map your market sweet spot *Conduct a field study of what's out there, so you can stand out *Create a pilot for your first offering, so you can validate your idea
It’s designed for:
*Purpose-driven professionals pondering a side-gig or business idea *Freelancers in their first year of building a purpose-driven brand *Employees who know the pain of living one foot in and one foot out, at a job they once enjoyed but now holds them back *Individuals who’ve been laid off and now have an inkling that self-employment could become a viable path instead *Those who care about about social, economic, on environmental justice and want to use their talents to make a difference
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).
Launch Minnesota: "Ask the Board Anything"
Lindsey Hillesheim
ATP - Bio I Skylark Science, Director of Strategic Partners & Innovation at ATP-Bio | Principal at Skylark Science
Christine Beech
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Executive Director of the Kabara Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies
Launch Minnesota is proud to present "Ask the Board Anything" with the Launch Minnesota Advisory Board members.
Launch Minnesota empowers and elevates Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem. We connect, convene, and catalyze efforts to support entrepreneurs statewide by bringing together public and private organizations from diverse sectors and industries. Join this session to learn the insight and perspective from our board members who represent founders, investors, higher education, corporate and entrepreneurial support organizations.
Technovation[MN] Inspiring Young Women for a Future Role in Your Business
Since its creation, Technovation[MN] has inspired over 1300 girls in Minnesota to develop technology and entrepreneur skills. In 2020, we hired our first two alumnae interns (one high school and one college level) and it was a huge success. The pandemic has showed us that technology is more critical than ever to our communities. In this session, you will hear directly from participating girls about their experience and skill development. You will hear from a supporting business about how they have engaged with Technovation[MN] to grow this diverse talent. You will hear from mentors on how they have provided guidance and support in building out this future tech workforce pipeline in Minnesota. We also want to hear from you! Your next intern or employee could come from Technovation[MN] and we would love to hear about your technology and entrepreneur needs.
Virtual TCSW VIP Trivia Night
Join us for a fun night of trivia with the TCSW VIP community hosted by Nels Pederson on Gather.
*VIP ticket required to attend this event*
Please use Chrome or Firefox while using Gather.
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).
Friday, September 24, 2021
Food & Agriculture Track
Laurie Kleinbaum Fink, Ph.D.
Science Museum of Minnesota, Chair of Science at Science Museum of Minnesota
Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here.
TCSW is proud to present the Twin Cities Startup Week Food & Agriculture Track. Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the future of Food & Ag and all the opportunities that exist for disruptors in the space.
Attend this track in person or participate from the comfort of your home or office through Hopin.
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM - Reimagining Supplier Diversity - Invite Only Breakfast
10:00 AM - Opening Remarks
10:10 AM - How to Build a CPG Brand
12:30 PM - Customer Obsession Creates Restaurant Resiliency
1:45 PM - State of Startup + Enterprise Partnerships in MSP
2:40 PM - To fund or not to fund…the founder’s dilemma from an investor perspective
3:40 PM - The Real Pitch MN
PARKING INSRUCTIONS
Science Museum of Minnesota - Parking Map & Instructions.pdf - Parking in the museum lot is $5.
How the State Supports Startups
Attendees can learn about the many resources DEED offers startups and entrepreneurs.
How to Build a CPG Brand
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.
Restaurant Tech For The Win and For The Future
Restaurant Operators were relentless and fierce, battling through the pandemic to keep all of us fed. Learn about the technology they used to keep the tacos hot and the ice cream cold all while being delivered to your doorstep.
Customer Obsession Creates Restaurant Resiliency
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.