Alison Medeck

Brainerd Lake Area Economic Development Corporation - BLAEDC

• What is your current role? I'm the Associate Director at BLAEDC, where I focus on streamlining operations, engaging our members, and supporting the local business community through my role as an SBDC Business Consultant. I also lead our newest data-driven initiative using Placer.ai, helping members leverage location intelligence to inform strategy and drive business growth.
• How long have you been in your current role? Nearly five years. I originally joined as Special Initiatives Director in 2020 and transitioned to Associate Director in 2025—a title that more accurately reflects the strategic and operational leadership I was already providing.
• What is something people may not know about you? I served as a school counselor in central Minnesota for over 15 years and still maintain my counseling license today. I’m deeply passionate about developing potential in people and helping others succeed. That foundation has shaped how I show up in my work—how I listen, how I lead, and how I support our business owners, community partners, and team. Fostering growth and development—and making a positive difference in everything I’m a part of—is at the heart of my mission and guides everything I do.
• What is your favorite part of your position? I LOVE our partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center. As a satellite site, I get to work with businesses at all stages—but especially start-ups—which is incredibly energizing. I also truly enjoy collaborating with our community partners as we work together to make our communities stronger and more vibrant. 
• What is a hope or dream for growth within your position/company? My hope is to continue making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. With the launch of our new foot-traffic analytics program, I’m excited about the potential to help local businesses grow and expand using real, actionable data. I look forward to seeing—and sharing—success stories that highlight the innovative, community-focused work we’re leading at BLAEDC.

Events & Cohort

Information

START.UP CONNECT + StageWorks Grand Opening - This free meetup is for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, and community members to come together and share their startup 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 5/7 event here.

Grand Opening!

Come see our space!

StageWorks powered by GSDC is a creative coworking and pop-up space for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, located in the historic Davidson Opera House in downtown St. Cloud. It offers private offices, cubicles, hot desks, event space, and a pop-up shop to test out storefront ideas—all designed to spark innovation and connection.

• Wednesday, May 7th
• 8:00am, Start.up Connect to follow
• 113 5th Ave S, St. Cloud 56301

Upcoming Launch MN 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.

Thurs, May 8th, 8am - May 9th, 12pm

Huntington Bank Stadium

Hosted by Groove Capital - Ready to elevate your knowledge? Join me at Angel Fest 2025, an energetic conference bringing together early-stage investors from Minnesota and beyond.

A place to:

• Connect with thought leaders
• dive into interactive sessions and network with hundreds of
  fellow investors shaping the future.

For the first time, Angel Fest will include a second day focused on due diligence and practical application, featuring expert panels, startup pitches, and group discussions to help you put the conference insights into action. Secure your spot here.

EmpowerHER Event!

5/20  I  Pepin, WI  I  10am-2:30pm

Space is limited, but if free to attend (if selected) - Food and drinks covered covered thanks to generous sponsorship from the Idea Fund of La Crosse. This will be held at Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards.

Spend the day diving into real conversations around:

• Growth strategies
• Scalable business models
• Fundraising and investor readiness
• Founder-led pitch feedback 

MN Healthcare

Underrepresented Healthcare Entrepreneurs

Medical Industry Leadership Institute and Finnitsea Enterprises are working together. Our goal is to help innovators develop their ideas—whether product, service, or startup—into successful businesses, entirely at no cost to them.

This opportunity offers participants access to:

• Educational sessions 
• Networking events 
• Mentorship from industry experts
• Comprehensive market assessments

Loon's Liar Entrepreneur Pitch Competition

6/7   I   Minneapolis, MN

This competition is open to startups and growing businesses across industries, offering the chance to pitch live to a panel of top investors and gain access to funding, mentorship, and visibility. We see this as a springboard for future business leaders—and with your reach and reputation, your support could make a significant difference.

• Event Moderator: Glenn McMahon | Vice President, Banker at JP Morgan
• Who Should Apply: Startups and growing businesses across all industries
• Registration Fees: FREE
• Applications Open: Now through early May
• Apply Here: www.icocmn.org/loonslair
• Contact: aanchal.singhal@icocmn.org

Nonprofit Lunch & Learn

5/22   I   11:45 - 1:00pm   I   St. Cloud Public Library

Join the St. Cloud nonprofit community for lunch and an exclusive Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) State of the Sector briefing! Emily Steinmetz, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Central Minnesota regional representative, will break down the latest insights from the MCN Nonprofit Current Conditions Report and provide timely legislative updates. Register Here.

10 [C]hats - "AI Solutions for Every Hat Your Wear "

6/10    l    9am-4pm   I    Pricing: $149

A one-day conference designed specifically for small business owners looking to harness the power of artificial intelligence safely and effectively. This event will provide practical insights into how AI can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth—without compromising security or ethics. You’ll learn how to turn the many roles you juggle into AI-powered assistants that help you save time, think smarter, and get more done with less stress.

Attendees will:

• Learn from industry experts
• Hands-on workshops
• Engage in , and discover AI tools that are accessible, affordable, and impactful for businesses of all sizes.

2025 Fastlane94 Trailblazer Competition

Recap of Event!

The 2025 Fastlane94 Trailblazer Competition was a high-energy celebration of entrepreneurial spirit! Congratulations to Lilly Goyah of ANP Streaming, who took home the grand prize of $4,000 and earned advancement to the 2025 MN Cup competition.

Second place went to Levi Bosshart and Stephen Rider with Buzz Care, and third place was awarded to Jack Murphy with Jestive.

A huge thank you to our volunteers, judges, and partners who made the event possible—and to the crowd of over 75 attendees who brought energy, smiles, and a whole lot of networking. From bold ideas to big laughs, it was a night to remember!

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