Events

If you're an entrepreneur raising capital from Angel Investors don't miss this event which will demystify the process to apply for the MN Angel Tax Credit Certification, which you must have in order for your Angel Investors to get the tax credit. Minnesota’s Angel Tax Credit stimulates private investment in emerging businesses. It provides tax incentives to investors or funds that invest in start-up businesses that are researching or developing a proprietary product, process or service in the fields of agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, manufacturing (CPG), transportation or businesses focused on high technology. During this session, Stephen Wolff from DEED will walk us through the steps and answer questions to ensure you have peace of mind when applying. Additionally, we will hear from John Waller, CEO of Humble Nut Butter, who recently received the certification to talk about his experience applying for it as a CPG company.

Raising capital means speaking the language of investors, framing your business opportunity in a different way than you would to a consumer or retail buyer, having a grasp on your business drivers and risks that gives an investor confidence you will be a good steward of their capital, and much more. In this Grow North education session Michael Movitz and Tom Malengo, Co-Founders of Brandjectory, will review key capital raise preparation best practices, and the art and science behind investor criteria.

Food, Ag, Ideas Week will be coming back both virtually and in-person this year – hybrid model here we come!  Mark your calendars for October 1st – 7th for a week of innovative conversations, networking, and fun events! This year we will be keeping all of the panels and speakers virtual to maximize accessibility - with folks attending from 3 countries and over 20 states last year, we want to ensure everyone can tune in for great content! In order to deliver the convening, connecting, and networking you’ve come to expect and enjoy at FAI, we will have multiple opportunities to meet in person both on track days and at larger events. To register, click here!

As part of TCSW, Aeterna Media, in partnership with Grow North and Chef Justin Sutherland, is excited to bring MSP "Chopped" to TCSW 2021. Closing out the Food/Ag track of Startup Week on September 24th, we will be hosting a cooking competition featuring up-and-coming MSP Chefs. The ingredients for the dishes will be sourced from local CPG entrepreneurs who will be highlighted throughout the event. The competition will be curated by Chef Justin Sutherland and judged by Justin and a panel of local celebrities and award-winning chefs! The winning Chef and accompanying CPG product will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to attend a mentoring session with one of our judges. 

As part of Grow North's commitment to creating a more equitable Food and Ag startup ecosystem, we are excited to partner with Target for the second year in a row to offer this opportunity to women-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses. This event is an opportunity for these entrepreneurs to pitch to various local, regional, and national grocers and retailers, broker those relationships, and expand and grow their business! Be sure to keep an eye out for the Trade Show on October 1st during FAI week.

Attention Members! Join us for the next Monday Mingle on Monday, June 21st from 10 - 11 am.  These networking “coffee”  meetings are held on the third Monday of each month and are an opportunity to expand connections and keep communication alive even during the pandemic. There will be 2-3 breakout sessions where you will be able to meet the amazing people making up your ecosystem along with a larger group discussion. Make sure you are a member to attend this great event!