Meet Leslie Dingmann

Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation - Business Development Director

• What is your current role?  As the Business Development Director for GSDC, my role focuses on creating and implementing strategies to support business growth and attract new investment to the region. Building strong connections with regional business leaders and stakeholders is what I enjoy most. 
• How long have you been in your current role? 11 Years
• What is something people may not know about you? I've been fascinated by weather since I was a child and take annual storm spotting classes.  
• What is your favorite part of your position? My favorite part of my role is getting to tap into my creativity every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to see innovative ideas come to life and make a lasting difference in our region.  
• What is a hope or dream for growth within your position/company? My hope is for GSDC to continue leading the way in building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region. I want us to remain a recognized and trusted resource for entrepreneurs, providing the support they need at every stage to turn their ideas into lasting success.

Upcoming Events & Cohort Information

Webinar Series #2

Curious about MVP Process?

Our expert speakers will share valuable insights and practical tips that you can immediately apply to build and refine your Minimum Viable Product.

Speaker Lineup: Aneela Idnani, Braden Ericson, Luke Komiskey

Don't miss out! Register here!

Founders Showcase  I   12/19

Minnesota & North Dakota

You will hear over 40 founders pitch their businesses and network with individuals from all across the country virtually from 6:15pm-9:00pm. Sign up here!

Upcoming LaunchMN Events

Launch Minnesota’s calendar contains events from organizations across the state. This is your place to find networking groups, pitch competitions, coffee clubs, learning opportunities and more, both in your region and throughout Minnesota.

Application Deadline: December 6th

The PowerNorth Virtual Incubator

 A 10-week program tailored for early-stage energy and cleantech entrepreneurs. Applications are due December 6. The program will take place from January to March 2025. Learn more here.

Program Scope

• Refining your value proposition
• Defining your market and ideal customer
• Preparing for investor engagement and fundraising
• Growing your business
• Prototyping

AI for Small Business

Workshop for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who want to demystify artificial intelligence and learn its transformative power. It will cover practical applications that drive growth, efficiency, and customer engagement. Participants will learn how to use AI to streamline key business areas such as customer service, marketing, operations and management. This workshop is designed to empower attendees from all levels of technical backgrounds to implement AI solutions tailored to their business needs.

Exciting Opportunity for Healthcare Entrepreneurs!

As part of a state-supported grant initiative, UMN’s Medical Valuation Laboratory is working to identify and assist underrepresented healthcare entrepreneurs in Minnesota. The goal is to help these innovators develop their ideas—whether product, service, or startup—into successful businesses, entirely at no cost to them

Offer participants access to:

• Educational Sessions
• Networking Events
• Mentorship from Industry Experts
• Comprehensive market assessments

If you're interested, to learn more or have a brief call please reach out to dane.stimat@finnitsea.com

CSB/SJU Hiring!

Full-time Instructor Wanted

The Entrepreneurship program at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE) one-year faculty member of Entrepreneurship.

Are you hosting an entrepreneur-focused event that is open to all?

Please submit information for the event here!

Have questions? Either respond to this email or contact the sender on jweber@greaterstcloud.com