Events & Cohort

Information

JOIN US @ START.UP CONNECT - This free meetup is for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, and community members to come together and share their startup and business story with founders from central MN and beyond. At the core, this event will place an emphasis on creating connections and sharing stories. Check out the details for our upcoming speakers here.

Join us for the 21st Annual MN Cup Grand Finale

October 6th    I   4:00-7:00pm   I    McNamara Alumni Center

We're excited to celebrate the 21st Annual Minnesota Cup Competition with you at McNamara Alumni Center on Monday, October 6th. Special shout out to our very own FastLane94 Finalists, Clare and Brandon Richards (and team) with Impacks! Registration is required. 

• Showcase featuring Top 27 startups
• Pitches from our top 18 founders
• Vote for your favorite pitches
• Meet and support top emerging entrepreneurs
• Live announcement of over $100,000 of awards, plus another $50,000 to our Grand Prize Winner

Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants

October 2nd    I     FREE    I     Partnering with North Central SBDC

For entrepreneurs without an accounting background who want to demystify bookkeeping. This workshop will cover financial literacy basics as well as basic accounting principles and online options. Participants will learn essential skills such as:

• Tracking expenses
• Invoicing clients
• Reconciling accounts

In-Person - Chisago County HRA/EDA Office - 2 - 4:00 PM - Register Here

In-Person - Pine County Courthouse - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Register Here

Achieve Your Goals Faster

October 7th   I    9 - 10:15 AM    I    Virtual

Whether you're seeking investment or simply need a clearer roadmap, a lean business plan provides a streamlined solution for defining and communicating your business vision. and effectively. Core elements in on this webinar:

• Your Strategy: Clearly define your key objectives.
• Your Tactics: Outline the specific actions you'll take.
• Scheduling: Assign responsibilities and set realistic timelines.
• Your Business Model: Articulate your revenue generation strategy.

Join us to learn how to create a lean plan with practical examples, and receive a free Lean Plan template to get started. Learn more and register here!

Marketing made simple. 

Mornings Made Worth It!

Kickstart your day and your marketing strategy with Marketing Mornings, a power-packed series designed to deliver practical, ready-to-use ideas you can put into action right away.

You'll walk away with valuable tools to grow your business. And, best of all, it's completely free so you can focus on learning, connecting, and energizing your business before the workday even begins.

Crafting Connections & Brewing Success

October 8th   I   5 - 6:30 PM   I Last Turn Saloon, Brainerd

This is for  for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Crow Wing County and Beyond! Events feature a deep dive into a monthly Topic on Tap, opportunities to network, and Q&A with North Central SBDC business consultants.

This month's topic: 

• Small Loans for Big Ideas

Grow with Google

October 30th   I    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM   I   Pine County Courthouse   

In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Grow With Google workshop is for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This session will explore essential digital tools from Google that can help boost online presence, attract customers, and improve productivity. We will cover topics such as creating or optimizing a Google Business Profile, understanding online advertising with Google Ads, leveraging Google Analytics for insights and using Google Workspace for streamlined operations.

Crafting Connections & Brewing Success

November 12th   I   5 - 6:30 PM   I Dark Horse Brew, Crosslake

This is for  for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Crow Wing County and Beyond! Events feature a deep dive into a monthly Topic on Tap, opportunities to network, and Q&A with North Central SBDC business consultants.

This month's topic: 

• Small Business Saturday Success

CBS + SJU Entrepreneur of the Year Reception

November 3   I   5-8pm   I   Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom, 5418 Wayzata Boulevard, Golden Valley, MN 55416

Join us to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. The Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship presents the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, honoring alumni who launch and lead ventures, seize opportunities, and create lasting value.

Award winners are alums who have successfully launched and led ventures, seized opportunities, and initiated changes that create value.

AI for Small Business

November 4th   I    11:00am - 1:00pm   I   M State Wadena Campus

In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the AI for Small Business workshop is designed to demystify artificial intelligence and introduce business owners to its transformative power. It covers 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. Register Here.

Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants

November 6th   I    11:00am - 1:00pm   I   Central Lake College, Brainerd

In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants workshops is for entrepreneurs without an accounting background who want to demystify bookkeeping. This workshop will cover financial literacy basics as well as basic accounting principles and online options. Participants will learn essential skills such as tracking expenses, invoicing clients and reconciling accounts. Register here.

Leading with Strengths

November 12th   I   9:00am - 3:30pm  I  CliftonLarsonAllen

Develop your personalized leadership approach to build a strong team and create a thriving culture.

Leading with Strengths: Insights and Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders is designed for nonprofit leaders at all levels, including leadership teams and aspiring leaders who may have informal leadership experience, such as volunteer coordinators. In this interactive CliftonStrengths-based session, participants will gain insight into their unique talents, understand how these shape their leadership style, and learn effective strategies to manage diverse teams including staff, boards and volunteers. Attendees will leave equipped to intentionally apply their strengths to improve decision-making, communication, and problem-solving, while developing a personalized approach to foster a thriving organizational culture and prevent burnout.

*The cost includes a personalized Clifton Strengths for Leaders assessment. You will complete the assessment prior to the training. Register here.

Nonprofit Boards for the Real World

November 19th    I   9:00am - 12:00pm   I    Guardian Angel Headquarters

Strong boards are essential for healthy nonprofits, yet building and guiding them can be one of the toughest jobs for executive directors. This interactive training—designed for both staff and board members—will cover board roles and responsibilities, recruitment and onboarding, engagement strategies, and how boards evolve as organizations grow. Join us for this Nonprofit Academy session, offered in partnership with Sherburne County Area United Way and led by Amanda Whittemore and Chris Fastner of True North Strategy.

Unlike typical businesses, nonprofits are not owned. They are overseen by boards of directors who represent the best interests of an organization and its mission. Building an effective board can be one of the trickiest jobs for a nonprofit executive director. To help them work effectively, nonprofit board members need ongoing information, direction and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission, vision and values. Register here.

Join this training for nonprofit staff and board members for a wide-ranging conversation and learning experience. We’ll explore:

• What do boards do? What are their roles, responsibilities, and ethical and legal obligations?
• How does one find and onboard members?
• How can board members best support the organization they serve?
• How are boards managed and by whom?
• How do executive directors keep their boards engaged?
• How might board member roles change over time as their nonprofit evolves from small startup to a larger, more mature organization?

AURI's MN Renewable Energy Roundtable

December 17th   I   9:00am - 3:30pm  I  Machine Shop in Minneapolis

Registration is open! This year’s event will explore ways to secure Minnesota’s biogas future and preview a biogas roadmap that AURI will publish in 2026. The event will dive into the interconnected systems that drive biogas and renewable natural gas, from manure to landfills, food waste, wastewater, natural gas pipelines, and more. Learn more and register here!