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DAWN Business Resource Summit & Pitch Competition

September 24 @ 11:30 am - 5:00 pm

You’re Invited

Join us for the DAWN Business Resource Summit and Pitch Competition, our premier event informing and celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in northeastern Minnesota.

Event 1 of 2 · In-Person

Business Resource Summit

📍 Giants Ridge Main Chalet📅 September 24⏰ 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with lunch

Attendees will sit in on four panel discussions aligned with the topic areas below. Each one will feature subject matter experts sharing insights, followed by dedicated breakout time for deeper conversation, questions, and meaningful connections.

Panels & Breakouts

Four concurrent panel discussions, each followed by dedicated breakout time for deeper conversation.

Panel 1

Regional Access to Funding

  • Amanda Vuicich, Northland Foundation
  • Chad Ricord, Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC)
  • Scott Sundvall, Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (DIRRR)
  • Zack Filipovich, Northspan Group, Inc., East Range Join Powers Board Loan Fund

Panel 2

Statewide Access to Funding

  • TBD, Entrepreneur Fund
  • Dan Cooper, Great River Energy
  • Terry Stein, MBFC
  • TBD, LISC

Panel 3

Regional Technical Assistance

  • TBD, Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
  • TBD, ILT Academy
  • TBD, Entrepreneur Fund
  • Jared Dunlap, Northspan Group, Inc.

Panel 4

Statewide Technical Assistance

  • Kirsten Kennedy, Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership (MN CEO)
  • TBD, LegalCorps
  • TBD, SCORE
  • TBD, DEED Launch and SBAO

Breakout Experience

Following the panel discussions, participants will move into smaller breakout conversations to:

✓ Explore resources in greater depth

✓ Ask questions directly to providers

✓ Identify next steps and connections

Following the summit experience, all attendees are invited to continue the day at the historic Maco Theater in downtown Virginia, MN for a live Pitch Competition & Showcase.

Event 2 of 2 · Same Day

Pitch Competition & Showcase

📍 Maco Theater, Downtown Virginia📅 September 24⏰ 2:45 PM to 5:00 PM, with snacks and drinks

This exciting finale will feature up to 10 selected participants presenting their business ideas on stage, along with opportunities to connect directly with them and experience product showcases.

Pitch Competition Schedule

2:45 PM Doors Open

2:55 PM Opening Remarks

3:00 PM LIVE Pitches Begin

4:00 PM Networking and Pitch Showcase Experience

Meet the entrepreneurs, explore their products, and continue conversations

4:55 PM Pitch Winner Announced

5:00 PM Program Concludes

Whether you’re a practitioner, community supporter, investor, or curious innovator, we’d love to have you in the audience to come be inspired and support emerging entrepreneurs from across the region!

Please fill out the brief form below to submit your RSVP. Invite your friends, family, and colleagues. This is such a fun day to learn about and celebrate community!

Details

  • Date: September 24
  • Time:
    11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Organizer