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

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8:30am CDT

WELCOME

Friday April 11, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am CDT

Auditorium A/B

Friday April 11, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am CDT
Auditorium A/B

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

9:20am CDT

Get Right: Empowering Entrepreneurs with Culturally Inspired Support

Friday April 11, 2025 9:20am - 10:45am CDT

Auditorium C

Unlock the power of culturally responsive support in empowering entrepreneurs! This session dives into how ESOs can prepare founders for capital through a culturally informed lens, exploring the 5Rs of rematriation and forging strategic partnerships with capital entrepreneurs. Gain insights on bridging cultural gaps and creating sustainable pathways for growth, ensuring that all entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved communities, have the tools they need to thrive in the business world.

Speakers

Jaime Gloshay

Managing Director of Impact Investments, Common Future

Jaime, a fierce advocate for economic justice, is the Managing Director of Impact Investments at Common Future, driving catalytic capital into community-rooted organizations.She co-developed the Justice Funders' Just Transition in Investment Framework and serves on the governing bodies... Read More →

Friday April 11, 2025 9:20am - 10:45am CDT
Auditorium C

Ecosystem, Investor/Capital Source

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

10:50am CDT

Scale Smart: Growing Your Business Without Losing Your Foundation

Friday April 11, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am CDT

Frogtown

Is your business ready to scale? Growth brings opportunities—but also challenges. This interactive session covers key strategies, common pitfalls, and real-world case studies to help you expand sustainably. Gain practical tools to navigate scaling, avoid costly mistakes, and seize the right opportunities. We’ll also discuss unique obstacles entrepreneurs may face and how to overcome them. Walk away with actionable insights to build a strong foundation for lasting success. Join us and get ready to grow!

Speakers

Sarah Sengupta

Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, St. Cloud State University

Friday April 11, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am CDT
Frogtown

Entrepreneur

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

10:50am CDT

Equity Under Fire: Navigating DEI Backlash in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Friday April 11, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am CDT

Auditorium C

As DEI initiatives face scrutiny and funding cuts, the impact on entrepreneurs—especially those from historically excluded communities—is undeniable. This session brings together thought leaders to discuss how these challenges affect Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) and the broader ecosystem. We’ll explore the risks of rolling back DEI, strategies for sustaining equitable access, and solutions to help diverse founders thrive. Join us for a candid conversation on pushing forward in the face of resistance.

Speakers

Ashley Oolman

Equity Director of Operations, Minnesota Department of Human Services

Ashley (Storm) Oolman, Equity Director of Operations for the Department of Human Services, provides advisement and strategic direction to DHS operations senior leadership, division directors and staff, and oversees the integration of equity tools and strategies within core functions... Read More →

Friday April 11, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am CDT
Auditorium C

General Session, Ecosystem

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Investors, Entrepreneurs

1:00pm CDT

Getting on Track: Building Business Credit

Friday April 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Auditorium C

Strong business credit is key to unlocking funding and growth opportunities. In this session, you’ll learn the essential steps to establish, improve, and leverage business credit. Discover practical strategies to separate personal and business finances, build a solid credit profile, and access the resources you need to scale your business with confidence.

Speakers

Tawonda Burks

Owner, Elocina, LLC

Tawonda is the Owner and Publisher of RWM and leader of ELOCINA. Her personal mission is to spread financial literacy, empowering individuals with knowledge to make informed economic decisions.

Friday April 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Auditorium C

Entrepreneur

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

2:45pm CDT

Determining Your Investor Pathway

Friday April 11, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT

Summit-University

Determining the right investment pathway can be overwhelming for new investors. This session will guide you through the various models of investment, from angel investing to venture capital and beyond. We’ll explore the key differences, risks, and rewards of each approach, helping you assess which model aligns with your goals and resources. Whether you're looking to start small or dive into larger opportunities, this session will provide clarity to help you confidently navigate your investment journey.

Speakers

Ava Najafi

Product Operations Manager, Groove Capital

I currently work as a Product Operations Manager at Groove Capital where I work on developing systems and processes that enhance existing models and managing investor engagement and operations within the local ecosystem.I am passionate about creative problem-solving using critical... Read More →

Friday April 11, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Summit-University

Entrepreneur

Audience Investors

2:45pm CDT

State of the Ecosystem

Friday April 11, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT

Auditorium C

Join us for an insightful overview of today’s dynamic landscape. In this session, experts will unpack the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the ecosystem. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or community leader, you'll gain a clear understanding of where the ecosystem stands—and how to navigate its future developments.

Speakers

Meg Steuer

Executive Director, Minnestar

Meg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development... Read More →

Natalie Volin Lehr

Head of Government and Community Affairs, Carlson

Natalie Volin Lehr has extensive experience in government affairs, political campaigns, public policy, coalition building, corporate philanthropy, and community relations. In her current role at Carlson, Natalie leads the company’s community and government relations, as well as... Read More →

Cihan Behlivan

Executive Director, BETA MN

Kathy Tune

Managing Partner, CAPITA3

Co-Founder and Board Chair of Marani Health, Managing Partner at Capita3, a health care venture firm investing in women leading the next innovation super cycle at the intersection of Deep Tech and Health. Kathleen is a proven healthcare executive with over 25 years of investing and... Read More →

Friday April 11, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Auditorium C

General Session

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

4:10pm CDT

Innovations in Sustainability: The Impact of ConnectUP! Institute

Friday April 11, 2025 4:10pm - 4:45pm CDT

Auditorium A/B

Moderators

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 →

Speakers

MoonShine Stylist

Founder & CEO, MoonShine Stylist LLC

Makeisha Hall is a dynamic leader whose unique career blends over 20 years of strategic systems engagement with a lifelong passion for fashion.With extensive expertise in facilitation and relationship management, she has guided community change through her work with organizations... Read More →

Friday April 11, 2025 4:10pm - 4:45pm CDT
Auditorium A/B

Ecosystem, Investor/Capital Source

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

2025 CI Summit: Capital Readiness Inside + Out

From $203.77