2025 CI Summit: Capital Readiness Inside + Out: Full Schedule

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1:20pm CDT

KEYNOTE: Get Ready, Stay Ready: How to ConnectUP!

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:20pm - 1:40pm CDT

Want to know how to make the most of your ConnectUP! experience? Learn from our esteemed alumni. They'll tell you tips on how to get what you need out of ConnectUP!

Speakers

Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Founder/CEO, ConnectUP! Institute

Y. Elaine Rasmussen is a B-Corp social entrepreneur mainstreaming impact investing and democratizing access to capital by and for Black and Brown womxn. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rasmussen has lived in St.Paul for the past 16 years. In 2015 Elaine founded Social Impact Strategies... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:20pm - 1:40pm CDT
Auditorium A/B

General Session

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

2:00pm CDT

Network is Net Worth: Make and Grow Connections

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 3:10pm CDT

Summit-University

We are shifting away from networking and toward connections. In this session, we will explore the difference between networking and connection, the benefits of building genuine relationships, how to create meaningful connections today, and how to nurture them over time.

Speakers

Marcus Styles

Business Connector, Heyven

I am a Business Connector and Brand Creator based in Minneapolis. My journey began with independently crafting branding for a variety of local businesses—from hairstylists to mortgage advisors—helping them establish a strong visual and strategic identity.In 2020, I expanded my... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 3:10pm CDT
Summit-University

General Session

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

3:30pm CDT

Leveraging the Power of Greater MN

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:30pm - 4:40pm CDT

Summit-University

Discover how to tap into the entrepreneurial ecosystem beyond the Twin Cities to build a more equitable, thriving statewide small business community. This panel explores the opportunities, resources, and collaborations driving Greater Minnesota’s economic growth. Hear from experts on how to bridge urban-rural divides, support diverse founders, and leverage regional strengths. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or ecosystem builder, learn how expanding beyond the metro can create lasting impact across the state.

Speakers

NeTia Bauman

CEO & President, Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation

NeTia joined the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation in July 2023 as the new CEO & President. In this role, she leads the organizations’ mission to provide inclusive and equitable economic development efforts throughout the greater St. Cloud region. She believes in fostering... Read More →

Mica L. Anders

Founder, Anders Genealogical Services

Mica is passionate about uncovering the rich, often overlooked stories of our past. With a focus on African American and Midwestern U.S. genealogy, she has worked with clients and organizations in the U.S., Canada, Jamaica, and the UK, bringing underrepresented stories to light. As... Read More →

Carl Crawford

Equity & Inclusion Specialist, St. Louis County

Scott Marquardt

President, Southwest Initiative Foundation

Scott’s professional career has been focused on rural community vitality and economic mobility. Since joining Southwest Initiative Foundation in 2007, he has managed the business finance, entrepreneurship, child care, career pathways and other economic development programs and... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:30pm - 4:40pm CDT
Summit-University

Ecosystem

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

3:30pm CDT

Aligning Values and Investments: A Roadmap to Meaningful Impact

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:30pm - 4:40pm CDT

Frogtown

This presentation delves into the intersection of personal values and financial investments, highlighting how individuals can align their investment strategies with their core beliefs. It will explore impact investing, socially responsible investments, and other methods to support causes that matter. Participants will learn how to make informed decisions that reflect their values, while also pursuing financial growth. Whether you're new to investing or looking to refine your strategy, this session will provide actionable insights to guide your choices.

Speakers

Cindy Willard

Senior Director Capital Activation, Impact Charitable

Cindy believes the power of relationships and the intentionality of capital will create a more equitable world. She has deep experience as a Colorado thought leader in philanthropic strategy, grantmaking and program development.She began her career in journalism and community relations... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 3:30pm - 4:40pm CDT
Frogtown

Investor/Source of Capital

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

5:00pm CDT

ConnectUP! Community Celebration & Reception

Thursday April 10, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT

Auditorium A/B

RSVP Required. Mark in your schedule if you are attending so we can be sure to order enough food and drinks!

Thursday April 10, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Auditorium A/B

General Session

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

2025 CI Summit: Capital Readiness Inside + Out

From $203.77