Upsize Minnesota

Minnesota's startup ecosystem is at risk and we need your help. Despite a proven track record of driving innovation and economic growth, LaunchMN is not included in the Governor’s budget proposal, putting the program in jeopardy. Governor Walz released his budget recommendations in January. Because Launch Minnesota has not been part of the base budget and there is no new spending in this budget cycle, the program is not funded for the next biennium (starting July 2025). Since its inception, Launch Minnesota has awarded $9.1 million in Innovation Grants to 270 companies, with 64% of funds supporting women-owned, BIPOC-owned, veteran-owned, and Greater Minnesota-based startups. According to PitchBook, every $1 invested by the state has generated $26 in follow-on private sector investment. In 2024 alone, Launch Minnesota’s grant program helped leverage an additional $3 million+ to strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem, supporting over 1,000 entrepreneurs statewide. Without this critical program, Minnesota risks losing momentum in fostering innovation, supporting small businesses, and attracting private investment. Now more than ever, we need to advocate for our startup community. ?? Take action: Contact your state representatives and urge them to include Launch Minnesota in the budget. Let’s make sure our state continues to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs. #SupportMNStartups #LaunchMN #EconomicGrowth #Entrepreneurship

Fire the bully. The top producing employee that creates drama and division. The very profitable client that treats your employees like scum. The toxic company culture and leadership that is sucking your soul. "But it's going to leave a hole in my team / revenue / career." Yes. It will. But as Kim Scott reminded us at yesterday's Allied Executives Leader Day: "It's better to have a hole than an a**hole." I know this truth all too well. I left two companies - one that I loved dearly - because leaders refused to deal with the highly-productive bully who was wreaking havoc in my world and with my team, even though they were very well aware of the person's aggressive and inappropriate behavior. I should have left another company where the CEO himself was the bully - exploding in angry outbursts, throwing furniture, cursing out the leadership team, creating a divisive culture of "who's in" and "who's out". Instead, I was the lone voice to confront the dysfunction - and eventually I was walked out the door. (What a blessing that turned out to be!) Today, I am so grateful for the toxic experiences that have shaped who I am, how I choose to show up, and what I refuse to tolerate. Every "hole" created a new space to let the good in, to grow, to create healthy relationships - and to honor my own heart, soul, and energy. In addition to Authentic?'s core values, we've articulated 25 "Authentic Actions" that our entire team embraces. With one important "p.s." that underscores everything we believe in: p.s. No Jerks. Life is short. So we don’t hire jerks or partner with bullies. If you're reading this post, and there is a bully in your world, I hope you realize that you are empowered to FIRE them. Even if it means walking away from a job or relationship that you wished were different. I promise you - there is goodness on the other side!

KYMN Radio has served the City of Northfield since 1968. The station is having trouble with its tower and owner Rich Larson is hosting a community fundraiser to help cover the cost of fixing it. Local news and entertainment sources are struggling these days, but they're more important than ever. Consider attending and helping them out. More info here:

?? Calling all West Central entrepreneuers! Registration is now OPEN for Fastlane94's annual Trailblazer Challenge Pitch Competition. The competition is open to all West Central, MN residents and businesses with plans for a new idea, new company or with a business that has been started in the last 12 months. Selected participants will be invited to present to a panel of judges for the chance to advance in the MN Cup! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g3szJPk5 Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation

Hello -- this is a reminder to anyone who was planning to attend today's Upsize on Tap event that it has been canceled. Those who were registered should have received a refund of your ticket cost. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have had any issues. Thank you.

Sarah Waite from Second Harvest Heartland alerted me to a recent Korn Ferry study indicating two-thirds of employees would stick with a company if it offered opportunities for advancement and upskilling -- even if they don't particularly like their job. Sarah joins Kristin Nordling from Lakeside HR Group and David Lyman from Lyman Executive Search at our Feb. 4 Upsize on Tap discussion at Summit Brewing Company in St. Paul. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gCxBfQQS

Upsize Minnesota is hosting the second Upsize on Tap event at Summit Brewing in St. Paul. Make sure to attend it on Tuesday, February 4!

Save the date: A recent EY report indicates that more than one-third of employees will switch jobs in the next year. The next Upsize on Tap, Feb. 4 from 3-5, will include a discussion with Kristin Nordling at Lakeside HR Group and David Lyman from Lyman Executive Search around recruiting the right employees and keeping them on board.

As we approach the application deadline for the 10th annual #IgniteCup, we wanted to catch up with the 2023 winner, Richard Hinds - read our latest blog to learn more about Richard and the incredible work he does through QoL Devices Inc. https://lnkd.in/gsJgu9YK #MNCup #SEMinnesota #Entrepreneurs #PitchCompetition #MedTech #MedicalAlley #RespirationTherapy #Innovation #RochesterMN #MNTech

Please help me in congratulating the first Minnesota cohort on their graduation from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program! These amazing 32 business owners and entrepreneurs from across Minnesota invested in themselves and their businesses by actively participating in a rigorous and selective business education program over that past twelve weeks. New friendships and business partnerships have formed, new swag exchanged, new ice cream, donut, and kombucha flavors explored, and a whole new perspective on the competition of cup stacking was reached. 10,000 Small Businesses serves established small business owners across the United States - and right here in the Midwest - looking to grow their businesses and impact their communities through best-in-class business education at no cost to accepted business owners. I’d love to tell you more! A huge shout out to everyone who supported these Minnesota business owners while they stepped away to focus “on their businesses”, so they can make a bigger impact in their businesses, in their communities, and beyond. They are now joining an alumni network of over 16,000 business owners that have graduated from this program, providing an ongoing learning and support network for years to come! Cheers to their continued growth and success in the New Year and beyond ??! #10KSB