Twin Cities Startup Week (TCSW) starts today, and I couldn't be more excited and energized! Launch Minnesota and DEED are proud to be among the sponsors for this annual event that engages thousands of entrepreneurs.  These events shine a spotlight on Minnesota's innovators and vibrant startup ecosystem.

We're excited to host four events during TCSW 2022 that will help entrepreneurs and startups connect with the people and resources needed to grow their businesses. I invite you to select the links in the titles below to register for any or all these events – all of which are included in a TCSW ticket!

• Grants, Loans & Advice: State Supports for Startup Businesses & Entrepreneurs Monday, September 19, 2022, 9-11 a.m. in the Great Northern Building, 2nd Floor (Skyway) Conference Center, 180 East Fifth Street in downtown St. Paul: Meet with program staff to discover the ins and outs of Launch Minnesota Grants, the Angel Tax Credit Program, the Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (loan, loan guarantee, and equity investment programs), the Small Business Assistance Office, the Small Business Development Centers, the Minnesota Trade Office, and several other programs.
• Launch Minnesota Board AMA Monday, September 19, 2022, 11 a.m.-noon - virtual: Launch Minnesota's Board of Advisors includes successful entrepreneurs, corporate innovators, experienced investors, higher ed leaders and more. This is your time to ask them anything! Bring your questions about funding, corporate connections, innovation and more.
• Navigating Minnesota's Startup Resources Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 8:30-10 a.m. at the Innovation Lab for Economic Development, 400 N. Wabasha St., Space #430 in downtown St. Paul:  Minnesota's entrepreneurial support organizations have resources for startups from all industries and stages. This informal meet-and-greet session will allow attendees to explore available resources so they can connect with the right people at the right time for their business.
• Powering Your Startup with Government Funding Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 3:30-4:15 p.m. at the Science Museum of Minnesota in downtown St. Paul: Could a federal or state entity be your startup's next investor? Both national and local governments are supporting startups through grants, partnerships, education and more. Launch Minnesota will introduce you to a few of the many funding opportunities in this space and provide tips for making successful connections with government entities.

TCSW, hosted by BETA, elevates and celebrates innovation through panel discussions, meet and greets, pitch competitions, award shows and more. TCSW organizers reported that in 2021 the festivities attracted nearly 17,000 registered attendees to its 204 sessions, which featured 461 speakers from a wide range of industries and backgrounds.

To connect with Launch Minnesota and other entrepreneurial support organizations throughout the year, be sure to follow our Statewide Startup and Small Business Event Calendar.

Thank you to BETA for organizing a week that connects and celebrates startups and  entrepreneurs!

Find out more about TCSW.

Learn more about Launch Minnesota.

Download a DEED resource sheet for startups and small businesses.