Red Wing Ignite

THIS EDA INVESTMENT FUNDS THE ACCELERATING RURAL ENTREPRENEURS IN SE MINNESOTA PROJECT, TO FUND THE EXPANSION OF RED WING IGNITE (RWI) START-UP AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAM. RED WING IGNITE WILL FOCUS ON THREE MAIN ACTIVITIES: PRIORITIZING REGIONAL COORDINATION AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO STARTUP PROGRAMS FOR RURAL AND DIVERSE FOUNDERS; LAUNCHING AN ACCELERATOR TO EXPEDITE GROWTH OF SCALABLE TECH STARTUPS; AND BUILDING A ROBUST AND DIVERSE NETWORK OF SUPPORTERS. THE GOAL OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO ADVANCE THE TRAJECTORY OF MORE THAN 400 ENTREPRENEURS, OF WHICH 25% WILL BE FROM THE TARGETED DEMOGRAPHIC GROUPS OVER THE GRANT TERM. WHILE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES WILL BE OPEN TO ANY ENTREPRENEURS INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING IDEAS INTO A BUSINESS, TARGETED OUTREACH WILL BE MADE TO BLACK, INDIGENOUS AND PEOPLE OF COLOR (BIPOC) COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING TRIBAL MEMBERS AFFILIATED WITH THE PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY AND STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE EIGHT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE REGION.

IGNITING INNOVATION IN RURAL MINNESOTA