The 3rd biennial MNwest Entrepreneur Summit was to have been a hybrid event held in person at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) but with virtual attendance also available.
“As Covid case numbers equaled December 2020 and became the highest of 2021, the Summit convenor and hosts made the determination to have the event be only virtual,” explains Lois Josefson, Summit coordinator. “The Summit, with its internationally respected keynote speaker, presentations from two College Presidents and with regional entrepreneurs sharing their insights, was to also bring the public to the SMSU campus for the Open House of its new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. That part of the program will be postponed, but we will still hear student founder presentations!”
The opportunity to hold an early morning virtual “conference room” discussion with the leadership of Grand Farm became available with the fully virtual format. The discussion will encompass ‘talking tech,’ current projects, and learning how to engage with Grand Farm, which hosts entrepreneurs from across the globe at its agricultural technology testing & research facility.
“The Grand Farm discussion and other networking opportunities will take place on the Gather Town platform, which,” Josefson adds, “is fun, easy, and effective! “
The MNwest Entrepreneur Summit website and Eventbrite registration, as well as a practice night on Monday the 25th will prepare attendees for Gather Town networking.
Josefson confirmed that all other aspects of the Summit agenda will go forward and be offered over the common Zoom platform. Detailed guidance and registration links will be available at the Summit website: www.mnwestentrepreneurs.org
The Entrepreneur Summit provides the opportunity for policy makers: County Commissioners, City Council members and School Board members, to focus on pathways to future regional economic strength.
“The Entrepreneur Summit content has something for everyone,” states Dr. George Taylor, SMSU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director. “It will help students envision their futures in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship. This is so important as we, community stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and regional economic development professionals, work together to retain talented and motivated entrepreneurs right here in our region by providing resources and connections important to their success.”
