An Impact Guide to Twin Cities Startup Week 2020
Twin Cities Startup Week is dedicated to showcasing the world of entrepreneurship and innovation happening in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. The 2020 events are now going virtual across the month of September!
Social Enterprise MSP has teamed up with many amazing partnership organizations with the goal to create a guide to TC Startup Week dedicated to impact entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, supporters, and the curious to connect and be inspired by local social businesses and organizations, using their work for the greater good.
When: Throughout the Month of September
Location: Virtual — View the full schedule or sign up for a free ticket here!
Organizations Leading Impact Events: Social Enterprise MSP, Impact Hub MSP, FINNOVATION LAB, SEED SPOT, Gener8tor, 20 Degrees, Ecotone Analytics, We Sparkle, MN B Local (B Labs)
This overview is meant to share events and other opportunities that are inspiring, connecting, and disrupting. The month includes events ranging from conversations on diversity and inclusion, workshops on learning how to scale and measure impact, and sessions on how to diversify your revenue to unlock innovation; all certain to create new connections, inspire conversations, and help you get forge ahead to scale your impact.
Tuesday, Sept. 8th
Launch Marketing for Purpose-Driven Founders — Hosted by Diamond + Branch
When: 11:15 am — 12:15 pm CDT
Why: In this session, you will learn about the MVPs of essential marketing assets and how to use them to create long-term success for your purpose-driven organization.
Social Enterprise Showcase Panel— Hosted by WeSparkle, Brio Marketing
When: 1 pm — 2 pm CDT
Why: Learn how to START + GROW a Social Enterprise and stay to attend a virtual popup market to shop with a purpose with local artists + vendors!
Using Data Visualization Tell Your Story and Grow Your Business — Hosted by Background Stories
When: 3 pm — 3:45 pm CDT
Why: Did you know 65% of people are visual learners, and only 17% are data literate? Learn how showing better data visualization of complex value chains can help an organization connect with customers, partners, and funders.
Thursday, Sept. 10th
Tales of the COVID-19 Pivot— Hosted by Brio Marketing, FINNovation Lab and Danger Boat Productions
Time: 10:15 am — 11 am CDT
Why: Three panelists from very different industries will share honest stories of creative problem solving, a misstep or two, and surprising discoveries that will inspire you to find and capitalize on the silver linings of the COVID-19 crisis.
Why Every Startup Needs To Think Like A Lobbyist — Even Yours — Hosted by Civic Eagle
Time: 10:45 pm — 11: 45 pm CDT
Why: Join a discussion about the core principles of building a public policy engagement strategy that empowers businesses to track, analyze, and influence the policies that matter most to their bottom line. No matter if it’s people, profit and/or planet.
Saturday, Sept. 12th
Code Switch
Time: 9:15 am — 10:15 am CDT
Why: Code Switch is in its fifth year as a civic hackathon where community members connect to co-create solutions that disrupt inequity.
Tuesday, Sept. 15th
Focusing on the KPIs that Actually Matter for Your Business — Hosted by Seed Spot
Time: 12 pm — 12:30 pm CDT
Why: This session will present the best practices for using KPIs at your organization and explore proven frameworks that can help you decide which metrics are right to track for your stage of venture.
Thursday, Sept. 17th
How Healthcare is Using Impact Measurement to Promote Equity and Better Outcomes For the Community — Hosted by Ecotone Analytics
Time: 1pm — 1:45 pm CDT
Why: Join us for a panel discussion to hear about strategies, challenges and innovations from policy, payor, provider, and community perspectives.
Tuesday, Sept. 22nd
Unlocking New Revenue for Social Innovation — Hosted by 20 Degrees
Time: 9:15–10 am CDT
Why: Join this workshop as experts from 20 Degrees provide a systematized approach to growing revenue and acquiring new impact capital.
Program-Related Investments: A Capital Tool for Social Enterprises — Hosted by VENN Foundation and ASIYA LLC
Time: 9:15 am — 9:45 am CDT
Why: Learn about Program-Related Investments (PRIs), what they are, how they fit with your fundraising plans, and what to expect when pursuing PRI capital.
Building a Social Impact Business: Lessons Learned from 4 Early-stage Founders — Hosted by FINNovation Lab
Time: 10:15 am — 11 am CDT
Why: Join us for a moderated panel of four early-stage social entrepreneurs (all alumni FINNOVATION Fellows) as they share their lessons learned from building a social impact business in Minnesota.
From Founder to Founder: Spotlight Series — Hosted by SEED SPOT
Time: 10:30–11 am CDT
Why: Get the real story behind an incredible Twin Cities-based venture, complete with advice from the founder, lessons in making social impact, and ways our community can continue to support their journey.
A Leader’s Framework for Racial Justice — Hosted by Catch Your Dream Consulting
Time: 11:15 am — 12 pm CDT
Why: This session will give participants the opportunity to reflect on how the dominant culture shows up in our work and will explore some tools and strategies to start your anti-racist journey as a founder or leader.
Opportunity in a Circular Economy: “reuse” as a new normal — Hosted by Forever Ware
Time: 11:30 pm — 12 pm CDT
Why: Explore how Circular Economy solutions are enhancing the customer experience and why a circular approach is an economic opportunity worth billions.
Turning Passion into Purpose: Becoming Social Entrepreneurs — Hosted by gener8tor
Time: 12:30–1:30 pm CDT
Why: This workshop will dispel the myths that you have to be a nonprofit to do good, outline what a social enterprise is, and provide a roadmap for anyone considering launching a social enterprise to get started.
Founders Panel: Lessons Learned in Growing Your Social Enterprise — Hosted by Ecotone Analytics
Time: 1 pm — 1:45 pm CDT
Why: Three entrepreneurs discuss how they operate, strategize, communicate, & raise money using proven outcomes-focused data viz, methodologies, & tools.
How to Incorporate the SDGs into your Startup — Hosted by Impact Hub MSP
Time: 1:45 pm — 2:45 pm CDT
Why: Hear from a panel of local social entrepreneurs and changemakers who are putting impact at the center of their business and learn how the SDGs can help you.
Disrupting the Status Quo in Your Organization and Community — Hosted by Beyond the Data and jomanity
Time: 2:30 pm — 3:15 pm CDT
Why: Join us for practical strategies on how to successfully move toward more innovation and more modernization. That is, how to disrupt without being disruptive.
ImpactSKU Showcase (on the main stage) — Hosted by FINNovation Lab
Time: 2:30 pm — 3:45 pm CDT
Why: Hear pitches from nine local purpose-driven CPG companies who have just completed a mini-ImpactSKU accelerator.
Kickstart your service-based business that makes a difference — Hosted by Genuine Impact and Social Motion
Time: 3 pm — 3:30 pm CDT
Why: Use this session to create a preliminary action plan that helps you quickly start earning revenue and making a difference.
Building a B Corp: A Panel Discussion — Hosted by MN B Local, B Labs
Time: 3:30 pm — 4:15 pm CDT
Why: Join us for a panel discussion with three Minnesota B Corp founders and hear about their journeys becoming B Corps, benefits and challenges, and their recommendations for businesses considering B Corp certification.
Thursday, Sept. 24th
The Role of Regenerative Ag in the Future of Food Production — Hosted by Ecotone Analytics
Time: 11:15 am-12 pm CDT
Why: Join us for a discussion on the impacts regenerative ag is already having, what can improve, positive environmental impacts, and opportunities for farmers and innovators.
Social Impact + Food: A Conversation with Social Impact Founders (on the main stage) — Hosted by FINNovation Lab and Grow North
Time: TBD
Why: Listen in as founders discuss what drove them to start a social impact venture, the systemic problems they are solving, the challenges they face scaling their business while also scaling impact, why consumers and Big Food should take note, and much more.
Looking for more ways to grow your network and your social impact organization? Look no further. Take advantage of these additional opportunities happening during TC Startup Month to get you and your team started!
Sign-up for open office hours with Social Impact Strategies Group (SISG) — SISG is a consulting firm, incubator and support organization for investors and entrepreneurs powering social impact and racial equity. The diverse team behind SISG brings invaluable amounts of knowledge and experience and can help you and your business flourish and grow.
Get 50% off local membership to Impact Hub during the month of September! — Receive support for your social enterprise with programs, mentorship, business advice, coaching and peer learning with support from the Impact Hub Global community and members from around the world.
Enjoy 40% off the Sparkle Assistant with coupon code “SPARKLE”— Say goodbye to sending multiple emails to schedule a meeting. Sparkle Assistant gives you a phone number that your contacts can text 24/7 to schedule calls, Zoom sessions, or other appointments with you. Get Sparkle Assistant here (or just text “hi” to 651.349.4918)
Seed Spot’s 2-Day Launch Camp: Innovation in Education
When: 9/17–9/18 from 10am-2pm each day
Use code “TCSW” for $25 off
This special edition of SEED SPOT’s most popular program, the 2-Day Launch Camp, will bring entrepreneurs focused on “Innovation in Education” together for a targeted growth experience with experts and mentors from the education field.
Seed Spot’s Pivot Camp
When: 9/24–9/25 from 10am-2pm each day
Use code “TCSW” for $25 off
This program is designed for founders looking to rapidly iterate their product or service, reach new customers, and explore additional revenue streams.
Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community and carry unique products and services that you won’t find anywhere else. By trying new brands and sharing their story you can encourage the “shop local” mantra to spread. Here’s an opportunity for you to support your small businesses and local entrepreneurs during Twin Cities Startup Month!
Shop the Virtual Marketplace: Social Enterprise Showcase
Date: September, 8th; 1:30 pm — 2:00 pm CDT
Location: Virtual on TCSW Platform— sign up for a free ticket here!
Meet social entrepreneurs and shop with purpose at the virtual Social Enterprise Showcase marketplace featuring dozens of local vendors and changemakers.
Stop by the Chameleon Shoppes in Downtown Minneapolis — You’ll discover a wide range of products and services by women- and minority-owned businesses. Find a sensational new outlook with a smashing new outfit. Spruce up your home with aromatic accessories and amazing art. View Chameleon Shoppes retailers here.
Pick up a gift box from Seasoned Speciality Foods — Seasoned is a producer-led marketplace hosting all local products, giving 100% of the retail sales proceeds back to the small producer. Stop by to explore the market or grab a gift box for pick up.
Where you spend your money matters and why not double the impact on your community? Eating local is a great place to start as money that is spent stays close to home and is reinvested with businesses and services in your community. So during this startup month try a new restaurant. “Eat out for lunch” or consider catering with these places for future business events, client meetings, and more. You’ll be eating better, have a great story to share, and will be supporting your local community. All around feel good.
All Square — a nonprofit social enterprise centered on a craft grilled cheese restaurant and professional development institute that invests in the minds and lives of formerly incarcerated individuals | 612–787–7164
Common Roots — an eco-friendly eatery using local, organic, and fair-trade ingredients | 612–353–4261
Eat for Equity — organic, locally sourced catering co. currently providing with a week’s worth of prepared meals and greengrocer boxes for pick up. Vegan and gluten-free options|612–470–4328
Birchwood — offers delicious seasonal breakfast items including quiches and pastries. Gluten-free and vegan friendly | 612–722–4474
Afro Deli — Delicious fusion of African, Mediterranean, and American flavors made fresh and prepared Halal | 612–584–4242
Soul Bowl — A BIPOC owned Mpls fast-casual soul food restaurant bringing flavor with a build-your-own-bowl concept | 612–567–7044
Midtown Global Market — An internationally-themed public market with great food, cultural experiences and unique gifts | 612–872–4041
Cookie Cart — Provides teens 15 to 18 years old with lasting and meaningful work, life and leadership skills through experience and training in urban nonprofit bakeries | 612–521–0855
Junita’s Jar — More than a delicious cookie, a portion of Junita’s Jar profits is donated to support education and awareness initiatives dedicated to ending relationship violence.
Peace Coffee — Organic, fair trade coffees from small-scale grower cooperatives that invest in their farmers to combat unstable markets and shifting climates | 612–870–3440
