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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260324T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260325T021242Z
CREATED:20260325T021137Z
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UID:10000222-1774339200-1777222800@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:Apply for our Next 100 Series Bootcamp Cohort
DESCRIPTION:Summer ’26 – 100 Series Bootcamp  APPLY HERE \nNortheast\, MN Virtual Cohort \n\n\n\n\nOverview\nThank you for your interest in the 100 Series Bootcamp program offered by ILT Academy!\nThis program is an interactive and immersive series of sessions where you’ll walk your idea/startup through the Lean Startup process to help launch a successful product and/or business.  To participate\, you’ll need an idea or startup to work with.  You do not need a fully-formed idea.  A basic idea is great.\n\nProgram Dates\nThis Summer 2026 – 100 Series Bootcamp – Minnesota Cohort runs from June 2–August 4 for Tuesday cohorts and June 4–August 6 for Thursday cohorts (you choose Tuesday or Thursday for the entirety of the program). Sessions are held from 6:00–10:00 PM (CST). The program includes a 30-Second Pitch Night in Week 4 on Tuesday\, June 23\, and concludes with a Founder Showcase on Thursday\, August 13. \nThe program is delivered live\, through an interactive virtual platform. \nApplication Process\nILT Academy is a highly competitive program.\nOur application process consists of three (3) key milestones: \n\nWritten application – this application form\, due no later than April 26th\, 2026\nVideo interviews – administered in a self-paced manner\, and due no later than 7 days after your written application.  You will receive a link to complete your video interviews once your written application is received.\nAdmission decision – our batch admissions team reviews your written and video responses and makes a decision.\n\nThe content in your written and video responses will be used to evaluate your application.  We recommend taking your time and being thorough with your submission. \nWritten Application\nThis written application is broken into 4 main sections: \n\nIdea\nTeam\nProgress\nObjectives\n\nWe look forward to receiving and reviewing your application. \nAdditional FAQs\nIf you have any others questions or need support\, don’t hesitate to contact our Batch Admissions team at admissions@iltacademy.io
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/apply-for-our-next-100-series-bootcamp-cohort/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260324T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260325T021455Z
CREATED:20260325T021455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T021455Z
UID:10000223-1774339200-1777222800@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:Apply for our Next 300 Series Advanced Cohort
DESCRIPTION:Summer ’26 – 300 Series Bootcamp – Northeast MN Virtual Cohort APPLY HERE \n\n\n\n\nOverview \nThank you for your interest in the 300 Series Bootcamp offered by ILT Academy! \nThis program is an interactive and immersive series of sessions where you’ll walk your idea/startup through the Lean Startup process to help launch a successful product and/or business.\n\nProgram Dates \nThis Summer 2026 – MN Cohort runs from June 1 – August 3 on Monday evenings from 6:00p – 10:00p (CT)\, along with a Demo Day on Wednesday\, August 12.  (Taking off the week of June 22nd) \nThe program is delivered live\, through an interactive virtual platform. \nRequirements \nTo participate\, you’ll need to have completed the ILT Academy – Idea Accelerator (Sprint 1) – 100 Series Cohort.\n\nWritten Application \nThis written application is broken into 4 main sections: \n\nIdea\nTeam\nProgress\nObjectives\n\nWe look forward to receiving and reviewing your application. \nIf you have any others questions or need support\, don’t hesitate to contact our Batch Admissions team at admissions@iltacademy.io
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/apply-for-our-next-300-series-advanced-cohort/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260415
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260430
DTSTAMP:20260322T234610Z
CREATED:20260322T234610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T234610Z
UID:10000219-1776211200-1777507199@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:Start Strong Minnesota: Three-Part Entrepreneur Series
DESCRIPTION:Whether you are exploring a business idea or already taking early steps\, this 3‑part series gives new and emerging entrepreneurs the essential tools\, guidance\, and confidence needed to start strong in Minnesota. Each session is led by an experienced educator and is designed to meet you where you are\, offering clear next steps you can apply right away.  \n\nAll sessions will be held at the Downtown Duluth Public Library\, Gold Room\, 520 W. Superior St. Duluth\, MN 55802\nSessions are from 2:00-4:30PM. \n\nWednesday\, April 15th – Starting your Minnesota Business: From Idea to Action\nWednesday\, April 22nd – Managing Personal Finances to Strengthen Your Business\nWednesday\, April 29th – Your Credit Pathway to Business Opportunity\n\n\n\nFREE 3-Course Series – Program Value: $450 for the full 3-session series.\nThrough grant funding\, free full scholarships are available to cover the full cost for participants. Due to limited funding & seats\, we will follow up to confirm your availability and commitment to attend selected sessions before completing your registration. Expectation to attend at least 2 of 3 sessions. \nRegister here for scholarship and attendance! \nRefreshments will be provided. \nPlease take a few minutes to fill out the intake form below so we can better understand how to support your needs. To maintain and grow our grant a partner funding that supports our regional programming\, we also need a few pieces of demographic information from all participants before we meet. We will not share names of any DAWN clients with other organizations without consent\, and all demographic information will be shared only in aggregate\, with no names attached. \nWe appreciate your time and look forward to working with you!
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/start-strong-minnesota-three-part-entrepreneur-series/
LOCATION:Downtown Duluth Public Library\, 520 W. Superior St.\, Duluth\, MN\, 55802\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260428T163000
DTSTAMP:20260322T233955Z
CREATED:20260322T233955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260322T233955Z
UID:10000218-1777361400-1777393800@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:The Duluth Blueprint: Building the City We Imagine
DESCRIPTION:The Duluth Blueprint: Building the City We Imagine\nIn Partnership with Northspan\n\n\n\n\nTuesday\, April 28\, 2026 | 7:30 am – 4:30 pm \n\nGreysolon by Black Woods \n231 East Superior Street\, \nDuluth\, MN 55802 \nEarly Bird Pricing Available through March 27! \n$149 General Ticket | $49 Student Ticket (ID required at the door) \n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Today!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter years of success with the Zenith Digital Marketing Conference\, Fuse Duluth is elevating its vision with a next-generation event: The Duluth Blueprint. This new chapter amplifies the Fuse mission—developing young leaders to strengthen our community—by bringing together the voices shaping Duluth’s future. \nPicture a city with thriving businesses\, vibrant communities\, and leaders driving meaningful change. Now imagine yourself at the center of it. The Duluth Blueprint is more than a conference; it’s a full-day experience where for-profit businesses\, nonprofit organizations\, and young professionals come together to turn ideas into action. \nExplore three immersive breakout tracks:\n\nBlueprint for Growth – For small businesses\, entrepreneurs\, and corporate teams. Unlock strategies to strengthen operations\, scale effectively\, and fuel long-term success.\nBlueprint for Impact – For nonprofits\, mission-driven organizations\, and civic leaders. Learn how to build sustainable funding\, measure what matters\, and drive meaningful change.\nBlueprint for Leadership – For young professionals and emerging leaders. Gain clarity\, confidence\, and connections to chart your career path and expand your influence.\n\nDiscover the Duluth Expo: Following the event\, visit the Duluth Expo to meet local businesses\, innovative startups\, and community organizations shaping the future of the city. Network\, explore new tools and resources\, and connect with potential partners who can help bring your ideas to life. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntroducing the Morning Keynote\n“Collaboration Unlocked: Six Characteristics of Leaders Who Shape Cities” \nDan Collison\, Senior Director of Business Development and Public Affairs at Sherman Associates \nDan Collison is the Senior Director of Business Development and Public Affairs for Sherman Associates. In his role Collison assists the development team in advancing new project proposals and originations as well as connecting the company with the communities where development projects are built\, owned and operated. \nAs a business and civic leader Collison has been instrumental in catalyzing affordable housing\, safety-net social services\, new inclusive business growth and forging strategic collaborations between diverse business\, non-profit and civic leaders alongside the emerging residential communities of downtown Minneapolis. Collison serves on several community organizational boards in the markets where Sherman Associates is active leveraging Collison’ holistic and inclusive leadership style developed over 35 years of professional work in the business\, fine arts\, non-profit and religious sectors. \nCollison is a Humphrey School of Public Policy Fellow\, the 2022 AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Award winner\, and a 2015 recipient of Minnesota Business magazine’s (Real) Power 50 awards\, an annual list of 50 remarkable business leaders. In 2010 Metro Magazine listed him in the “Top 100” List of people\, places\, and things making a positive impact in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Region. Additionally\, in 2020\, Collison was named one of the Twin Cities’ Unsung Heroes by City Pages.
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/the-duluth-blueprint-building-the-city-we-imagine/
LOCATION:Greysolon\, 231 East Superior Street\, Duluth\, MN\, 55802
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260512
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260917
DTSTAMP:20260610T210728Z
CREATED:20260322T235315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T210728Z
UID:10000220-1778544000-1789603199@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:THE BUSINESS TRANSITION ROAD TOUR
DESCRIPTION:Northspan · Succession Planning 101 \n🧭 The Business Transition Road Tour\nA free series helping business owners plan early for the future transition of leadership and ownership. \n\n🗓️ May – September 2026\n📍 4 Chamber locations\n🎟️ Free to attend\n\nSee upcoming dates ↓\n\nNorthspan is excited to invite you to our Business Transition Road Tour\, a series designed to help business owners prepare for the future transition of leadership and ownership. \nSuccession Planning 101 introduces owners to the importance of planning early\, highlights the risks of delaying decisions\, and reframes succession planning as a long-term business strategy. \nParticipants will learn when and how to begin\, how to involve trusted advisors\, and how Northspan’s Discover\, Prepare\, Decide framework supports business value\, financial security\, and long-term stability. Join us at one of the upcoming sessions at a Chamber of Commerce near you! \nUpcoming dates\n\n\nMay12\nCarlton Area Chamber of Commerce\nCompleted\n\n\nJun11\nHermantown Area Chamber of Commerce\nRegister →\n\n\nAug18\nGrand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce\nRegister →\n\n\nSep16\nCloquet Area Chamber of Commerce\nLink coming soon\n\n\nWhy choose Northspan for business valuation?\nAt Northspan\, our business valuation services are led by Zack Filipovich\, a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) with a deep understanding of the regional business landscape. \nZack brings a strategic\, data-driven approach to every valuation\, ensuring your business is assessed with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Whether you’re planning for succession\, seeking financing\, or preparing for a sale\, Northspan delivers valuations that provide insight and actionable information for your decision-making process — backed by personalized service and a commitment to your long-term success. \nLimited-time grant: Businesses in the Taconite Assistance Area and the City of Duluth can access Northspan’s expert valuation services at half the usual cost. Available first-come\, first-served until funds are fully allocated.\n\nCurious what your business is worth? \nEmail Zack → \nor call (218) 481-7737
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/the-business-transition-road-tour/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260618T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260618T160000
DTSTAMP:20260615T233414Z
CREATED:20260322T232427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T233414Z
UID:10000216-1781773200-1781798400@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:Built to Last: Business Legacy & Ownership Summit
DESCRIPTION:DAWN MN Presents \nBuilt to Last: Business Legacy & Ownership Summit\nA full‑day\, no‑cost summit on employee ownership as a pathway to business growth\, succession\, and long‑term stability — for owners\, employees\, lenders\, and advisors. \nThursday\, June 18\, 20269:00 AM – 4:00 PMBraham Event CenterFree · Breakfast & lunch included\nRSVP — Save Your Spot\nWhy Attend \nWhat You’ll Leave With\nPractical guidance\, real‑world examples\, and clear next steps for keeping businesses local\, retaining jobs\, and building community wealth. \n\n\n\nA Clear Understanding\nEmployee ownership and legacy transition options\, explained in plain language. \n\n\n\nReal Examples\nHow employee ownership supports business continuity and growth. \n\n\n\nThe Right Connections\nTechnical assistance providers and financing partners ready to help. \n\n\n\nClear Next Steps\nAn action path toward stable employment and stronger local economies. \n\n\n\nPlan Your Day \nAgenda\nNo cost to attend. Light breakfast and lunch provided. Whether you’re an owner weighing what’s next\, an advisor supporting succession\, or a lender exploring transition tools — there’s a track for you. \n\nMorning Program\n\n9:00 – 9:30 AM\n\nRegistration & Light Breakfast\nArrive early to connect with peers\, speakers\, and resource partners. \n\n\n\n9:30 – 9:40 AM\n\nWelcome & Opening Remarks\nKirsten Kennedy\, Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership (MN CEO) \nSetting the stage for a day focused on business legacy\, continuity\, and ownership. \n\n\n\n9:40 – 9:50 AM\n\nIntroducing CoMN\nKatie Marty\, CoMN \nA brief introduction to CoMN and Minnesota’s cooperative network. \n\n\n\n9:50 – 10:20 AM\n\nBroad Overview: Paths to Employee Ownership\nKirsten Kennedy (MN CEO) and Char Vrieze (Cooperative Development Services) \nAn accessible introduction to employee ownership: \n\nWhat employee ownership is and why it matters\nCommon ownership models\nWhen employee ownership is — and is not — a good fit\n\n\n\n\n10:20 – 11:10 AM\n\nOwnership Panel: Real Stories from the Field\nModerated by Kirsten Kennedy (MN CEO) \nHear directly from business owners and employee-owners who have lived an ownership transition — their motivations\, challenges\, lessons learned\, and outcomes. \n\nBen Holder\, Plastic Products Company (ESOP)\nLeah Goldstein-Moses\, The Improve Group (Worker-Owned Cooperative)\nJeremy White\, CodeWeavers (Employee Ownership Trust)\nKathy Lindo\, Lindo Farms (Family-Owned Business)\n\n\n\n\n11:10 – 11:50 AM\n\nSmall Business Resource Roundup: Who to Call\, When & Why\nModerated by Elissa Hansen\, Northspan \nQuick\, practical overviews of the support ecosystem — what each organization does\, how to engage\, and what to bring to your first meeting. \n\nKatie Heppner\, SBDC\nNancy Hoffman\, Chisago County HRA-EDA\nNicole Deters\, LegalCorps\nDarold Berreau\, SCORE\nMaddy LeClaire\, DEED SBAO\n\n\n\n\n11:50 – 12:00 PM\n\nMorning Wrap & Afternoon Track Overview\nElissa Hansen\, Northspan \nHow to choose the right afternoon sessions for your goals. \n\n\n\n12:00 – 1:00 PM\n\nLunch — Beyond the Bank: Unlocking Capital Through Non-Traditional Lending\nModerated by Zack Filipovich\, Northspan \nConnect over lunch and meet organizations supporting ownership transitions and capital access: \n\nJordan Zeller\, East Central Development Commission\nNadene Kruise\, Midwest Business Finance Corporation (MBFC)\nShawn Wellnitz\, Entrepreneur Fund\nDoug Adams\, Initiative Foundation\nMatt Heggernes\, East Central Energy\n\n\n\n\n\n1:00 – 3:00 PM · Choose One \nAfternoon Concurrent Tracks\nParticipants choose one track and stay with it for the afternoon. \n\n\nTrack A\nTransactions & Succession Readiness\nRoom A\n1:00 – 1:50 PMHow to Finance an Ownership TransitionRyan Sperling (Eide Bailly)\, Mark Fick (Shared Capital)\, Jeff Cairns (Retired ESOP CPA/Attorney)\, and Darren Mozenter (MCCD).\n2:00 – 2:50 PMSuccession Planning & ValuationsElissa Hansen & Zack Filipovich\, Northspan.\n\n\nTrack B\nModels\, Benefits & Getting Started\nRoom B\n1:00 – 1:50 PMESOPs\, EOTs & Worker-Owned Co-opsKirk Lindemann (Eide Bailly)\, Christina Nicholson (Nexus)\, Char Vrieze (Cooperative Development Services)\, and Leah Goldstein-Moses (The Improve Group).\n2:00 – 2:50 PMGetting Started & Clearing Up MisconceptionsMark Fick (Shared Capital)\, Jeff Cairns (Retired ESOP CPA/Attorney)\, and Darren Mozenter (Common Trust).\n\n\nTrack C\nAdvisor Edge Clinic\nRoom C\n1:00 – 1:50 PMAdvisor Edge: Supporting Ownership TransitionsFor lenders\, accountants\, attorneys & TA providers. Facilitated by Kirsten Kennedy (MN CEO)\, with Ben Holder (Plastic Products)\, Fred Caslavka (Retired CPA\, ESOP)\, and Kathy Lindo (SBDC / Family Business).\n2:00 – 2:50 PMContinue in Track A or Track BAdvisor Edge participants choose the second session of either track — Succession Planning & Valuations (Track A) or Getting Started & Clearing Up Misconceptions (Track B).\n\n\n\n\n\nClosing\n\n3:00 – 3:30 PM\n\nClosing Remarks\, Valuation Winners & Next Steps\nKirsten Kennedy\, MN CEO \nKey takeaways\, next steps\, and wrap‑up. \n\n\n\n\n\nReady to build something that lasts?\nSeats are free but limited — reserve yours today. \nRSVP Today\nCo‑hosted by MN CEO\, Northspan\, ECRDC\, and SBDC.
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/built-to-last-business-legacy-ownership-summit/
LOCATION:Braham Event Center\, 655 SW 8th Street\, Braham\, 55006\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260728T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T170000
DTSTAMP:20260610T210728Z
CREATED:20260322T233344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T210728Z
UID:10000217-1785225600-1785344400@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:Minnesota Cooperative Summit
DESCRIPTION:Second Annual · Meeting the Moment \n🤝 Minnesota Cooperative Summit\nA statewide gathering of cooperators\, community leaders\, and changemakers building a stronger Minnesota — together. \n\n🗓️ July 28–29\, 2026\n📍 College of St. Scholastica\, Duluth\n🎟️ Scholarships available\n\nRegister Today →\n\nJoin cooperators\, community leaders\, and changemakers from across the state for the Second Annual Minnesota Cooperative Summit\, coming to Duluth this July. \nCooperatives are built for this moment. Rooted in shared ownership\, democratic decision-making\, and long-term thinking\, co-ops play a critical role in Minnesota’s economic resilience — from succession planning and inclusive entrepreneurship to addressing complex challenges that can’t be solved alone. \nBuilding on the success of the sold-out inaugural summit in Morris\, MN — which brought together 200 cooperators — this year’s event goes even further\, connecting people across sectors and generations to strengthen communities through cooperation. \nAt the summit\, you’ll\n\nLearn about the power and versatility of the cooperative model\nExplore how co-ops drive economic resiliency and long-term sustainability\nEngage with Minnesota’s rich history of cooperation\nGain inspiration from real-world cooperative success stories\nConnect with a diverse group of people committed to lasting change\n\nEvent highlights\n\nTwo days of learning\, connection\, and collaboration\nOptional co-op tours and a Tuesday evening dinner reception\nAffordable registration\, with scholarships available\nLodging options and optional bus transportation from the Twin Cities\nPlanned childcare (based on demand)\n\nCo-hosted by Minnesota Farmers Union\, The College of St. Scholastica\, CoMinnesota\, Northspan\, and the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.\n\nLet’s build a better Minnesota — together. \nRegister Today → \nFull agenda\, speakers\, lodging\, and FAQs are on the registration page.Interested in speaking\, tabling\, or sponsoring? Email info@cominnesota.coop · mncooperativesummit.org
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/minnesota-cooperative-summit/
LOCATION:College of St. Scholastica\, 1200 Kenwood Avenue\, Duluth\, MN\, 55811\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T210000
DTSTAMP:20260610T210728Z
CREATED:20260323T135737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T210728Z
UID:10000221-1787155200-1787173200@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:Builder Lab: Idea Accelerator
DESCRIPTION:ILT Academy · Sponsored by Northspan’s DAWN Program \n🚀 Idea Accelerator Workshop\nA high-energy\, hands-on evening to turn your idea into real\, fundable action. \n\n📅 Wed\, Aug 19\, 2026\n🕔 5:00–8:00 PM CT\n📍 Ecolibrium3\, Duluth\n🎟️ Free with DAWN scholarship\n\nRegister Here →\n\n\nSchedule\n\n4:15 PMDoors open\n4:30–5:00 PMCheck-in — settle in\, connect\, and fuel up\n5:00–8:00 PMWorkshop (Central Time)\n8:00–9:00 PMHappy hour at Bent Paddle Brewing\n\n\n📍 \n\nEcolibrium3\n2014 W 3rd Street\, Duluth\, MN 55806\n\n\n\nAbout the workshop\nThis high-energy\, 3-hour Idea Accelerator Workshop is designed to help local leaders\, entrepreneurs\, and innovators turn ideas into action. Whether you’re just getting started or refining an existing concept\, this workshop delivers practical tools\, expert coaching\, and serious-fun collaboration to help you: \n\nExplore real market opportunities\nUnderstand your customers\nBuild a stronger foundation for your business or nonprofit idea\n\nThrough ILT Academy’s proven Innovation Framework\, you’ll take part in hands-on activities and peer-based feedback to sharpen your idea and confidently take next steps. You’ll leave with practical tools\, new insights\, and a clearer path to move your idea forward — come ready to work\, learn\, and level up! \n\n\nWho should attend?\nThis workshop is for anyone — of any age or background — who’s passionate about solving problems or building something new. It’s perfect for: \n\nAspiring entrepreneurs\nSmall business owners\nTribal & community leaders\nTech\, product\, service\, or nonprofit builders\nStudents\, educators\, or teams with bold ideas\n\n\nReady to move your idea forward? \nRegister Here →
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/idea-accelerator-workshop/
LOCATION:Ecolibrium3\, 2014 W 3rd Street\, Duluth\, Minnesota\, 55806\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260924T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260924T170000
DTSTAMP:20260922T202657Z
CREATED:20260726T205855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T202657Z
UID:10000224-1790249400-1790269200@dawnmn.org
SUMMARY:DAWN Business Resource Summit & Pitch Competition
DESCRIPTION:You’re Invited \nJoin 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. \nRSVP to AttendApply to Pitch\n\n\n\nEvent 1 of 2 · In-Person \nBusiness Resource Summit\n\n\n📍 Giants Ridge Main Chalet📅 September 24⏰ 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM\, with lunch\nAttendees 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. \n\n\nPanels & Breakouts\nThree concurrent panel discussions\, each followed by dedicated breakout time for deeper conversation. \n\n\nPanel 1 \nRegional Access to Funding\n\nAmanda Vuicich\, Northland Foundation\nChad Ricord\, Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC)\nScott Sundvall\, Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (DIRRR)\nZack Filipovich\, Northspan Group\, Inc.\, East Range Join Powers Board Loan Fund\n\n\n\nPanel 2 \nStatewide Access to Funding\n\nRob Sjostrand\, Entrepreneur Fund\nChad Newman\, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development\nTerry Stein\, Midwest Business Finance Corp (MBFC)\nJennifer Clement\, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Duluth\n\n\n\nPanel 3 \nRegional & Statewide Technical Assistance\n\nMolly Solberg\, Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)\nNick Tietz\, ILT Academy\nSandi Larson\, Entrepreneur Fund\nKirsten Kennedy\, Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership (MN CEO)\nMamoun Alassouli\, LegalCorps\n\n\n\n\nBreakout Experience\nFollowing the panel discussions\, participants will move into smaller breakout conversations to: \n\n✓ Explore resources in greater depth \n✓ Ask questions directly to providers \n✓ Identify next steps and connections \n\n\nFollowing 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. \n\n\nEvent 2 of 2 · Same Day \nPitch Competition & Showcase\n\n\n📍 Maco Theater\, Downtown Virginia📅 September 24⏰ 2:45 PM to 5:00 PM\, with snacks and drinks\nThis 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. The Grand Prize pitch winner will receive a $5\,000 grant and the Runner Up will receive a $2\,500 grant. \n\n\nPitch Competition Schedule\n\n \n2:45 PM Doors Open \n\n \n2:55 PM Opening Remarks \n\n \n3:00 PM LIVE Pitches Begin \n\n \n4:00 PM Networking and Pitch Showcase Experience \nMeet the entrepreneurs\, explore their products\, and continue conversations \n\n \n4:55 PM Pitch Winner Announced \n\n \n5:00 PM Program Concludes \n\n\n\nWhether 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! \nPlease 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! \nRSVP to AttendApply to Pitch\n\n\nWith Support From Our Funders
URL:https://dawnmn.org/event/dawn-business-resource-summit-pitch-competition/
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