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

2:00pm CDT

Unlock Your Mind to Accelerate Business Growth

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

What’s the #1 thought holding you back right now?
Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about mindset. Are you leading from Fear—doubt, pressure, and survival? Or are you stepping into Soul Power—clarity, alignment, and purpose?
In this powerful session, Tess Vergara, creator of Soul Powered Leaders, will help you break free from fear-driven limitations and realign with the unshakable power of your soul.
You’ll walk away with a champion’s mindset, ready to lead your business with courage, authenticity, and unstoppable momentum.
Come ready to challenge your thinking and step into your next level of leadership—it all begins with the mind. Powered by Soul.

Speakers

Tess Vergara

Soul Powered Executive Coach, Soul Powered Leaders

Tess Vergara is the creator of Soul Powered Executive Coaching, helping executives and changemakers resolve the inner conflicts between mind and heart, soul and ego. She guides leaders toward unshakable confidence and a rock-solid foundation so they can fully step into Soul-Powered... Read More →

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

General Session

Audience Entrepreneurs

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

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

Getting the Most of Your Coach or Mentor

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

Auditorium C

A great mentor or coach can be a game-changer—but only if you know how to maximize the relationship. In this session, you'll learn how to set clear goals, communicate effectively, and take actionable steps to get the most value from your mentor or coach. Whether you're seeking guidance or already working with a mentor, this session will help you turn insights into impact.

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 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Auditorium C

General Session

Audience Entrepreneurs

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

10:00am CDT

Guided Networking Session: Invite Only

Saturday April 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

Auditorium C

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 →

Saturday April 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Auditorium C

12:30pm CDT

Cultivating Joy

Saturday April 12, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT

Auditorium C

Using practical tools and tangible concepts, Cultivating Joy helps participants to better understand themselves and show up more present in the communities they serve, including their workplace. Through mindfulness techniques, movement and community building dialogue, this workshop is sure to equip and entertain.

Speakers

Nakara Forjé White

Founder, SWAGG (Super Women Achieving Great Goals)

I am an artist, entrepreneur and community organizer who centers wellness and Black girl joy in everything that I do. Through initiatives like the Healing for Hip Hop Lovers workshops and books, the #deependchallenge swim retreat, and the Black Girl Joy brand, my goal is to cultivate... Read More →

Saturday April 12, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
Auditorium C

General Session

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

2025 CI Summit: Capital Readiness Inside + Out

From $203.77