NORTHERN TODAY 13 WINTER 2024 NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | News EA SMITH is ready to infuse the community and region with innovative technology ideas and comprehensive support. Smith, the newly appointed Director of the Northern Innovation and Startup Center, has been busy taking the reins on an ambitious fall schedule of events. The Startup Center opened fall 2022 and already hosted several key events, including the first annual Technology & Entrepreneurship Summit. Smith stressed that entrepreneurship is for everyone, and the Innovation and Startup Center is here to encourage the region to take that first step in realizing their ideas. “Entrepreneurship is not just for businessminded people,” said Smith. “Sometimes the best entrepreneurial idea is something simple that makes your life easier.” The entrepreneurial mindset was reflected in the speaker lineup at the Technology & Entrepreneurship Summit, which showcased artists, entrepreneurs, and AI experts. The summit was a resounding success, with over 300 people attending to see the nearly 20 speakers, including several notable people speaking in-person at the event, such as Dr. Radhika Dirks. “Entrepreneurship has always been the life blood of our community, and it’s time we celebrate that,” Smith said. “Countless businesses have started here and then flourished beyond the region, growing into national and international companies.” As Director of the Startup Center, Smith is intentional about connecting long-standing entrepreneurs with the next generation of innovators to inspire people to do amazing things right here in northeast South Dakota. “People don’t have to move to Sioux Falls or to Silicon Valley to do cool tech things,” Smith said. “We have the resources and the mentorship opportunities right here.” Smith is excited for the Northern Innovation and Startup Center to set a positive, creative, tech-forward tone for the community. “Technology is in everything we do. When small businesses embrace technology, New Director ready for more innovation they can take their business to the next level,” Smith said. “We bring in experts to provide education via HyFlex which means people have the flexibility to attend in-person, online synchronously, or online asynchronously.” Smith is working to expand two more programs. One is the Community Champion’s Network, a collaboration of entrepreneurial cheerleaders and champions to celebrate the innovative and entrepreneurial efforts happening in our region. In addition, Smith is launching a mentorship program. By building mentorship relationships, we can combine relevant knowledge and support founders build and scale their startups. Smith said the Startup Center’s value to the community comes from its established connections. Instead of an individual trying to search for mentors and resources themselves, they can rely on the Startup Center to have already curated those connections in the community, the region and across the state. The Startup Center works with other community organizations to build our supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, Smith said. “The goal of the Northern Innovation and Startup Center is to serve the Aberdeen community and region; making it a place where technology is embraced, innovation is celebrated, and a fail forward culture of entrepreneurship is shared broadly.” Smith said. What is the Northern Innovation and Startup Center All programs offered by the Startup Center are open to Northern students, community members and individuals from the region at large. In addition, most of the programs are free to attend and offered in HyFlex, which gives individuals the flexibility to attend virtually. The Northern Innovation and Startup Center has two flagship programs: Ideation and Incubation. The Ideation program helps participants generate creative ideas and solutions. The eightweek Incubation program nurtures the growth and development of ideas so aspiring entrepreneurs walk away with a feasible business model. Bea Smith, Director of the Northern Innovation and Startup Center AND EVENTS WORKSHOPS NORTHERN INNOVATION AND STARTUP CENTER SPRING 2024 JAN. 9 4 – 5 P.M. HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR BUSINESS Location: K.O. Lee Library JAN. 11 3:30 – 5 P.M. THE IDEA WORKSHOP Location: NVC JAN. 18 – MARCH 7 EVERY THURSDAY | 3:30 – 5 P.M. IDEA TO MARKET: 8-WEEK PROGRAM Over 8 weeks, participants will gain valuable insights to e ectively launch a startup business from scratch as they refine their ideas. Location: NVC JAN. 30 3:30 – 4:30 P.M. CHATGPT 101 FOR STARTUPS: WHAT IS IT? HOW DO I USE IT? Location: Beulah Williams Library, NSU FEB. 13 4 – 5 P.M. I OUTGREW MY GARAGE, NOW WHAT? Location: K.O. Lee Library FEB. 27 4 – 6 P.M. COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS NETWORK Location: Engels Event Company MARCH 19 3:30 – 5 P.M. STARTUP FUNDING: LOANS, STATE PROGRAMS AND MORE! Location: K.O. Lee Library MARCH 28 THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS CONFERENCE SD CEO West Women's Business Center Location: Dakota Event Center APRIL 9 1 – 2 P.M. BIOTECH ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY Location: Jewett Science Center, NSU Campus APRIL 23 1 – 2 P.M. THE HEART OF MARKETING FOR STARTUPS Location: K.O. Lee Library northernstartupcenter.com startup@northern.edu INNOVATION AND STARTUP CENTER B
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