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Type: Entrepreneur clear filter
Thursday, April 10
 

2:00pm CDT

Building a Business with AI: A Smarter Strategy for Entrepreneurs and Investors
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 3:10pm CDT
Every business faces uncertainty, but not all risks are equal. This session introduces a framework to help entrepreneurs prioritize the right challenges. Entrepreneurs and ESOs will gain a strategy for de-risking their businesses, while investors will learn how to apply these principles to evaluate new ventures and strengthen portfolios. We’ll also explore how AI-powered tools can simplify risk assessment and decision-making, providing actionable insights to navigate business uncertainties with confidence.
Speakers
avatar for Justin Kaster

Justin Kaster

Co Founder, Future North
Justin is a seasoned innovator and advisor with over 25 years of experience driving growth across corporate, startup, and investment landscapes. His passion lies in developing new products, businesses, and experiences that positively impact people's lives. Throughout his career, Justin... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 3:10pm CDT
Auditorium A/B
 
Friday, April 11
 

9:20am CDT

Werk It: Perfecting Your Pitch
Friday April 11, 2025 9:20am - 10:45pm CDT
As an entrepreneur, one of the most important skills you need to master is perfecting your pitch to potential investors. Whether you're seeking funding for your startup or looking to secure additional investments for growth, being able to effectively communicate your business or business idea and its potential is key.
In this session, we will discuss the key components of a successful pitch and how to tailor it to different types of investors. We will cover tips on crafting a compelling elevator pitch, creating a strong value proposition, and using data and storytelling techniques to make your pitch more engaging.
Additionally, we will dive into the mindset of investors and what they are looking for in a pitch. Understanding their perspective can help you better prepare and present your ideas in a way that resonates with them.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Berg

Jessica Berg

Director of Business, Authentic
Friday April 11, 2025 9:20am - 10:45pm CDT
Frogtown

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

10:50am CDT

Scale Smart: Growing Your Business Without Losing Your Foundation
Friday April 11, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am CDT
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
avatar for Sarah Sengupta

Sarah Sengupta

Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, St. Cloud State University
Friday April 11, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am CDT
Frogtown

1:00pm CDT

Getting on Track: Building Business Credit
Friday April 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
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
avatar for Tawonda Burks

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

1:00pm CDT

Mission Possible: Legal Challenges You Can Navigate Without a Lawyer
Friday April 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Early-stage entrepreneurs face a myriad of legal challenges as they build their businesses, but financial constraints largely preclude them from seeking costly legal advice. Through an examination of common legal pitfalls and best practices, participants will be equipped with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to identify and address the legal issues present in their businesses. Participants will leave feeling more confident in their ability to navigate potential risks, safeguard their interests, and lay a solid foundation for future growth and investment opportunities.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Zechmann

Andrea Zechmann

CEO/Founder, Levelrie
Andrea is the founder of Levelrie, the Spotify of Fashion. She holds a JD from Hamline Law and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Before starting Levelrie, Andrea worked in International GTM at Tesla and Rivian.  
avatar for Ann Vanga

Ann Vanga

General Counsel, Yardstik
Ann Vanga is a seasoned legal executive with 15 years of experience helping businesses navigate complex legal and compliance challenges. Throughout her career, she has been a strategic business partner, delivering practical, solution-oriented legal advice to drive growth, mitigate... Read More →
Friday April 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Frogtown

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

2:45pm CDT

Determining Your Investor Pathway
Friday April 11, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
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
avatar for Ava Najafi

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
 
Saturday, April 12
 

10:00am CDT

Glow Up: Knowing Your Numbers
Saturday April 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Numbers matter in your business, but some are more meaningful than others, just ask any lender or investor. Profit and loss, income statement, cash flows, forecasting? Some of these numbers might seem intimidating, but they are essential to growing your business. These 'numbers' tell you about your business, help you make decisions, determine how to grow, and so much more. Master your business numbers and bring your questions on your financials. It will be helpful if you bring your Income Statement/Profit and Loss Statement, or Balance Sheet.
Speakers
avatar for Lonnia Jefferson

Lonnia Jefferson

Owner/CEO, Noir Arise Accounting LLC
 
Saturday April 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Auditorium A/B
 
2025 CI Summit: Capital Readiness Inside + Out
From $203.77
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