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Thursday, August 27
 

8:30am CDT

Breakfast
Thursday August 27, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Enjoy a delicious breakfast

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- Buttered Croissants
- Fresh Fruit
- Coffee
- Water
- Juice
Thursday August 27, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Resource Training & Solutions

8:30am CDT

Registration
Thursday August 27, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am CDT

Thursday August 27, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Resource Training & Solutions

9:00am CDT

Welcome + Opening Remarks
Thursday August 27, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am CDT
Thursday August 27, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am CDT
Auditorium

9:15am CDT

State of Social Entrepreneurship
Thursday August 27, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am CDT
 Join us for an insightful overview of today’s dynamic landscape. In this session, experts will unpack the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping social entrepreneurship. You'll gain a clear understanding of the ecosystem—and how to navigate its future developments.
Thursday August 27, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am CDT
Auditorium

10:00am CDT

Credit Opens Doors: Debt as a Pathway to Growth Panel
Thursday August 27, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Debt is more than an obligation—it’s a tool for growth. This panel explores different types of credit, how to use them strategically, and why borrowing can strengthen financial stability. Experts will break down business lines of credit, personal loans, and common myths, offering actionable insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you're scaling, investing, or navigating...
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Thursday August 27, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Auditorium

10:45am CDT

Alumni Panel: Capitalization Journeys: Lived Experiences in Securing Funding Panel
Thursday August 27, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am CDT
Thursday August 27, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am CDT
Auditorium

11:30am CDT

Exhibitors
Thursday August 27, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Attendees can get the conversation started by proposing a topic on a table card or jumping into an existing discussion on a subject that sparks their interest. It’s a casual, engaging space to share ideas and explore new perspectives in a relaxed setting.
Thursday August 27, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Resource Training & Solutions

12:00pm CDT

Lunch
Thursday August 27, 2026 12:00pm - 12:15pm CDT
Lunch catered by Graze & Go.

Chicken & Steak Kabobs
Roasted Veggies
Spiced potatoes
Elote Corn
Garden Salad

Jerk Chicken Sauce
Pineapple Chutney side for dipping
gluten free and dairy free options
Thursday August 27, 2026 12:00pm - 12:15pm CDT
Auditorium

12:15pm CDT

Transitional Remarks
Thursday August 27, 2026 12:15pm - 12:30pm CDT

Speakers
avatar for Christine Metzo

Christine Metzo

Co-Director, Initiators Fellowship, Initiative Foundation
avatar for Elaine Rasmussen

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 →
Thursday August 27, 2026 12:15pm - 12:30pm CDT
Auditorium

12:35pm CDT

Keynote Speaker
Thursday August 27, 2026 12:35pm - 12:55pm CDT
Thursday August 27, 2026 12:35pm - 12:55pm CDT
Auditorium

1:00pm CDT

Getting on Track: Building Business Credit
Thursday August 27, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
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.
Thursday August 27, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Resource Training & Solutions

1:00pm CDT

Network is Net Worth: Make and Grow Connections
Thursday August 27, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Discover the art of building connections to fuel your business growth. This session will guide you through effective research techniques and strategies to confidently put yourself out there, helping you create meaningful relationships that drive success. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your networking skills!
Speakers
avatar for Elaine Rasmussen

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 →
Thursday August 27, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Auditorium

1:45pm CDT

Snack Break
Thursday August 27, 2026 1:45pm - 2:00pm CDT
Charcuterie catered by The Fig and Beyond.
Thursday August 27, 2026 1:45pm - 2:00pm CDT
Resource Training & Solutions

1:45pm CDT

Table Talks
Thursday August 27, 2026 1:45pm - 2:00pm CDT
Attendees can get the conversation started by proposing a topic on a table card or jumping into an existing discussion on a subject that sparks their interest. It’s a casual, engaging space to share ideas and explore new perspectives in a relaxed setting.
Thursday August 27, 2026 1:45pm - 2:00pm CDT
Resource Training & Solutions

2:00pm CDT

Leveraging the Power of Greater MN
Thursday August 27, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Discover how to tap into the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greater Minnesota building a more equitable, thriving statewide small business community. This panel explores the opportunities, resources, and collaborations driving Greater Minnesota’s economic growth. Hear from experts on how to bridge urban-rural divides, support diverse founders, and leverage regional strengths. Whether you're an...
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Thursday August 27, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Auditorium

2:00pm CDT

Scale Smart: Growing Your Business Without Losing Your Foundation
Thursday August 27, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Is your business ready to scale? Growth brings opportunities—but also challenges. This interactive session covers key strategies, common pitfalls, and real-world case studies to help you expand sustainably. Gain practical tools to navigate scaling, avoid costly mistakes, and seize the right opportunities. We’ll also discuss unique obstacles entrepreneurs may face and how to overcome them. Walk...
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Thursday August 27, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Resource Training & Solutions

3:00pm CDT

Closing Remarks
Thursday August 27, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Thursday August 27, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Auditorium

4:30pm CDT

Reception
Thursday August 27, 2026 4:30pm - 6:00pm CDT

Thursday August 27, 2026 4:30pm - 6:00pm CDT
St. Joseph - Bad Habit/Krewe
 
Do Business with Purpose
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