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Friday, April 11
 

8:30am CDT

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

8:45am CDT

KEYNOTE: The Toxicity of Hustle Culture
Friday April 11, 2025 8:45am - 9:15am CDT
In recent years, hustle culture has become a popular mindset in the workplace and society. It promotes the idea of constantly being busy and working long hours as a way to achieve success and productivity. However, this mentality can have toxic effects on individuals and their mental health.
During this dynamic session, we will explore the harmful aspects of hustle culture and how it can lead to burnout, stress, and even physical health issues. We will also discuss the pressure to always be "on" and the negative impact it can have on work-life balance. Our panelists will share personal experiences with hustle culture and provide tips on how to set boundaries and prioritize self-care in a fast-paced environment. They will also offer insights on creating a healthier work culture that promotes productivity without sacrificing well-being.
Join us as we challenge the glorification of hustle culture and learn how to achieve success without compromising our mental and physical health.
Speakers
avatar for La Juana Whitmore

La Juana Whitmore

CEO, NextFemme Financial
La Juana is a Business Strategist and Accredited Small Business Consultant® who is passionate about helping businesses launch and grow! In addition to a 19-year career with Target in business analysis, architecture, and strategy consulting, she has advised hundreds of small firms... Read More →
avatar for Y. Elaine Rasmussen

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 →
Friday April 11, 2025 8:45am - 9:15am CDT
Auditorium A/B

9:20am CDT

Improving Capital Flows Empowering Community-Led ESOs to Drive Impact
Friday April 11, 2025 9:20am - 10:45am CDT
Join us for a candid discussion on the challenges facing the ESO community as funding sources shift away from support for organizations, particularly those led by Black and Brown leaders. As some ESOs face tough decisions, this fireside chat will explore how we can collaborate to sustain, scale, and grow these vital organizations. We’ll discuss strategies to maintain quality programming, identify new funding models, and share actionable solutions to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem statewide.
This session will explore how BIPOC-led Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) are creating equitable investment pathways for overlooked communities. Discover strategies to address systemic capital barriers and foster supportive ecosystems, empowering BIPOC entrepreneurs to sustainably grow, innovate, and impact their communities.  
Speakers
avatar for Rob Cimperman

Rob Cimperman

Director, Launch MN
Rob brings a passion for entrepreneurship and innovation to his role as Launch Minnesota Director. In this role, he works to further build the innovation ecosystem in Minnesota by supporting the growth and acceleration of startups throughout the state.He also serves as an adjunct... Read More →
avatar for Deldelp Medina

Deldelp Medina

I’m a Thinker, Leader, and Speaker. Not necessarily in that order. I have worked on creating systems for equity in the startup ecosystems for the last nine years.Yes, Deldelp is a unique name. I am the daughter of painter Delfina Bernal and writer/historian Alvaro Medina. My name... Read More →
avatar for Benjamin J. Vann

Benjamin J. Vann

Founder & CEO, Impact Ventures
Benjamin J. Vann (Ben), is an award-winning social entrepreneur, impact investor, public speaker, and economic justice advocate. He is the Founder and CEO of Impact Ventures, a 501c3 startup accelerator and integrated capital fund with a mission to empower talented, yet underestimated... Read More →
avatar for Allie Burns

Allie Burns

CEO, Village Capital
Inspired by the opportunity to reinvent the way we back new ideas and support entrepreneurs who are creating a more equitable and sustainable world, Allie joined Village Capital in 2016, and was named CEO in January of 2019. In her role at VilCap, she’s responsible for overseeing... Read More →
Friday April 11, 2025 9:20am - 10:45am CDT
Auditorium A/B

10:50am CDT

Money Talk: Pathways to Capital
Friday April 11, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am CDT
Join us for a dynamic discussion on the fundamentals of capital and how to effectively utilize each type in your business. We will discuss the various sub-names used for each. Understanding these concepts is crucial for any business owner or entrepreneur, as it can greatly impact the success and growth of your company.
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to start a new venture or a seasoned business owner seeking growth opportunities, this session is for you. Learn about the key differences between cash, debt, and equity and how to strategically use each one to achieve your financial goals. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to gain important knowledge and network with like-minded individuals.
Speakers
avatar for Y. Elaine Rasmussen

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 →
Friday April 11, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am CDT
Auditorium A/B

12:20pm CDT

KEYNOTE: Kitchens, Commerce, and Scaling: Commonwealth Kitchen A Case Study in Scaling Food Businesses
Friday April 11, 2025 12:20pm - 12:50pm CDT
In recent years, the food industry has seen a rise in new businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. However, many of these businesses struggle to grow and scale beyond their initial stages. Commonwealth Kitchen, a non-profit culinary incubator located in Boston, has been working to change this trend by providing resources and support for small food businesses to grow and thrive.

In this session, we will explore how Commonwealth Kitchen has successfully scaled multiple food businesses and helped them establish a strong presence in the market. We will hear from founders of these businesses as they share their journey of starting out as small local operations to now having a wider reach across the country.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the various resources offered by Commonwealth Kitchen such as kitchen space, business development, and more. 

Another session will follow-on how ConnectUP and CommonWealth Kitchen are working together to bring their model to Saint Paul.

Speakers
avatar for Jen Faigel

Jen Faigel

Executive Director, Commonwealth Kitchen
CommonWealth Kitchen is greater Boston's only non-profit food business incubator and contract manufacturing social enterprise. We promote small business, create jobs, and strengthen our regional food economy, with a focus on working with people who have been impacted by racial, social... Read More →
avatar for Y. Elaine Rasmussen

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 →
Friday April 11, 2025 12:20pm - 12:50pm CDT
Auditorium A/B

1:00pm CDT

Exploring Entrepreneurship through Acquisition
Friday April 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
As retiring baby boomers sell profitable businesses with $500K+ annual cashflows and no interested heirs, entrepreneurs can seize the opportunity to acquire and run these businesses. This wealth-building model, supported by social impact groups, offers underrepresented entrepreneurs a less risky path to ownership through cashflow-driven financing, along with demystified technical training and support. Hear from an entrepreneur who has navigated the acquisition process, sharing firsthand perspective on overcoming challenges and unlocking growth potential.
Speakers
avatar for Leah Goldsmith-Moses

Leah Goldsmith-Moses

Founder (retired), The Improve Group
Hi Entrepreneur: founded, built, and transitioned a successful consulting companyBusiness coach & facilitator: helping entrepreneurs and business leaders be at their best and build their businessesWriter: sharing stories of life and leadershipCreator: welcoming new adventures and... Read More →
avatar for Havell Rodrigues

Havell Rodrigues

CEO & Managing Partner, New Majority Capital
Havell Rodrigues is CEO and Managing Partner of New Majority Capital, where he leads deal structuring, financing and portfolio management.HavelI is a veteran of the asset management industry. He served as a Portfolio Manager for $50M in aum in internal hedge fund-of-funds at Venus... Read More →
avatar for Channon Lemon

Channon Lemon

Owner & Operator, Intent Energy
Channon has been driving innovation, spearheading organizational change, and leading economic development and new business development initiatives for over two decades. An accomplished business executive delivering profitable growth in challenging, competitive, and regulated environments... Read More →
Friday April 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Auditorium A/B

2:45pm CDT

Building Your Capital Readiness: From Inner Mastery to Investment Success
Friday April 11, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
In this session, we would tackle both the inner and outer strategy of raising outside investment such as angel funding or venture capital. We'll talk about things like should you raise capital, what type of options are there for investment capital and how do you best prepare yourself psychologically and tactically for success.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Rich

Stephanie Rich

Head of Platform, Bread & Butter Ventures
Stephanie Rich is Partner, Platform at B&B where she works to add continuous value to portfolio companies and founders. She is the former Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator in partnership with Cargill and Ecolab. Steph has worked with numerous early stage... Read More →
Friday April 11, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Auditorium A/B

4:10pm CDT

Innovations in Sustainability: The Impact of ConnectUP! Institute
Friday April 11, 2025 4:10pm - 4:45pm CDT


Moderators
avatar for Y. Elaine Rasmussen

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
avatar for MoonShine Stylist

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

4:45pm CDT

CLOSING REMARKS
Friday April 11, 2025 4:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Friday April 11, 2025 4:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Auditorium A/B
 
2025 CI Summit: Capital Readiness Inside + Out
From $203.77
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