Startup Sioux Falls Enhances Member Support with Entrepreneur in Residence Program
Sioux Falls, SD (June , ) – Startup Sioux Falls is totally upping its game with a revamped program designed to give its members and program peeps some seriously expert guidance and mentorship. We’re talking about the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program, which connects seasoned entrepreneurs with founders who are like, “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope!” (But like, for business stuff, not Jedi mind tricks.)
Bridging the Gap with Experienced Mentorship
Startup Sioux Falls knows that being an entrepreneur can sometimes feel like you’re trying to navigate a maze while blindfolded… and riding a unicycle… and on fire. (Okay, maybe not that bad, but you get the idea.) That’s why they created the EIR program—to give founders a direct line to folks who’ve already conquered the entrepreneurial obstacle course (and lived to tell the tale!).
This program, which was first tested out within the Growco program, has been crazy helpful. It’s given participants encouragement, industry-specific wisdom (like, “Don’t launch your swimwear line in Antarctica in January”), and guidance on all the personal and professional curveballs that come with being your own boss.
Structured Engagement for Maximum Impact
Listen, nobody’s got time for wishy-washy meetings that end with vague promises and zero follow-through. That’s why Startup Sioux Falls has implemented a super-structured approach for members to connect with the EIRs:
- Scheduled Meetings: Members can book a certain number of meetings each month with the EIR of their choice, because sometimes you just need to pick an expert’s brain.
- Agenda-Driven Consultations: Founders have to come prepared with a clear agenda for each meeting, outlining specific challenges or areas where they need some guidance. This ain’t your mama’s casual coffee chat, people!
- Actionable Outcomes: After each meeting, founders are responsible for writing down key takeaways and action steps. Because accountability is key, yo!
Introducing the Startup Sioux Falls EIRs:
Get ready to meet the all-star lineup of EIRs! This crew brings a diverse range of expertise to the table, making them a valuable resource for founders across various industries and stages of growth.
1. Peter Burghardt (Founder, StringTree)
Peter’s basically been there, done that, and got the entrepreneurial t-shirt. His expertise spans a whole bunch of areas:
- Administration
- Organizational structures
- Branding
- Business development
- E-commerce
- Entrepreneurship (duh!)
- Financial modeling
- Intellectual property
- Leadership development
- Market research
- Marketing
- Networking
- Product development
- Fundraising
- Startups
- Technology
- Vision
- Strategy
- Scaling
Peter’s Focus: This guy’s all about sharing his decade of experience with early-stage ventures to help the Sioux Falls entrepreneurial ecosystem thrive. He’s like the cool older sibling who’s already aced college and is now giving you all the best study tips (but for business, not calculus… unless you’re into that kind of thing).
2. Bobby George (Founder, Apprentice Ventures)
Bobby’s the creative genius you want on your side. He’s got mad skills in:
- Branding
- Content creation
- Design
- User experience
- Entrepreneurship
- Product development
- Software development
- Startups
- Technology
- Vision
- Strategy
- Scaling
Bobby’s Focus: Bobby’s all about understanding your dreams, your people, and your business needs. He’s like that friend who always gives the best pep talks and helps you see the potential in everything (even when you’re convinced your business idea is going nowhere fast).
3. Melissa Johnson (Founder, Oh My Cupcakes!)
Melissa’s not just a baking whiz; she’s a total boss when it comes to:
- Branding
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership development
- Marketing
- Networking
- Vision
- Strategy
- Scaling
Melissa’s Focus: Melissa will help you figure out what makes you awesome, understand your “why” (you know, the deep, meaningful reason you drag yourself out of bed every morning), and turn your vision into a reality. She’s like the wise aunt who always gives the best advice (and probably has a secret stash of cookies somewhere).
4. Patrick McGowan (Founder, Punch’n)
Patrick’s the guy who gets things done. His areas of expertise include:
- Administration
- Branding
- Business development
- Content creation
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial modeling
- Leadership development
- Management
- Marketing
- Sales
- Networking
- Product development
- Startups
- Vision
- Strategy
- Scaling
Patrick’s Focus: Patrick’s all about empowering founders and helping them grow, using his own experiences and passion for Startup Sioux Falls’ mission as fuel. He’s like that friend who’s always down for an adventure and never lets you give up on your dreams (even when you’re tempted to throw in the towel and open a lemonade stand instead).
5. Paul Tschetter (Partner, Boyce Law Firm)
Paul’s the legal eagle you need to make sure your business is legit. He’s an expert in:
- Intellectual property
- Legal compliance
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Startups
Paul’s Focus: Paul’s here to support current and future business leaders by providing legal expertise and guidance for sustainable growth. He’s like that super-smart friend who can explain complex legal jargon in plain English (and probably knows a few lawyer jokes, too).
Accessing the EIR Program
If you’re a Startup Sioux Falls member, booking time with an EIR is easier than ordering a pizza. Seriously, you can do it all online!
A heads-up, though: this program is mainly for founders who are actively working on their startups. If you’re still in the brainstorming phase, Startup Sioux Falls has other awesome programs to help you get ready for an EIR consultation. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t ask Gordon Ramsay to taste-test your instant ramen, would you? (Okay, bad example—Gordon Ramsay would probably find a way to make instant ramen taste amazing. But you get the point.)
Expanding Reach and Impact
Startup Sioux Falls isn’t stopping at individual member meetings. They’re planning to incorporate EIRs into all sorts of programs and events, giving even more people access to their incredible expertise through public engagements and virtual sessions. Because sharing is caring, right?
A Commitment to Fostering Growth
The EIR program shows just how dedicated Startup Sioux Falls is to helping entrepreneurs succeed. By giving founders access to experienced mentors and a structured framework for engagement, the program is creating a breeding ground for startup success in Sioux Falls.
Connect with Startup Sioux Falls:
Swing by their headquarters in downtown Sioux Falls at 100 E. Sixth St., or check out their website to learn more about the EIR program and all the other cool stuff they offer entrepreneurs. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!