Inspiration & Resources

There are numerous websites, podcasts, books, competitions, and funding dedicated to entrepreneurship. Here are a few basics to get you started.

Sites

• Entrepreneur.com
• Inc.com
• TechCrunch.com
• FastCompany.com
• SteveBlank.com - Lean Startup and related topics

Podcasts

Forbes has collected a list of the top entrepreneurship podcasts.

Books

• “The Startup Owners Manual” by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf
• “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
• “The Cold Start Program – How to Start and Scale Network Effects” by Andrew Chen
• “Think Again” by Adam Grant
• “Think Wrong – How to Conquer the Status Quo and Do Work That Matters” by John Bielenberg & others
• “Factfulness” by Hans Rosling

Pitch Competitions & Funding

These organizations support early-stage entrepreneurs across SE MN through pitch competitions and funding opportunities.

• Southern MN Initiative Foundation (SMIF) - Entrepreneurial Bridge Competition and early-stage startup loans
• Red Wing Ignite -  E1 Ignite Cup Competition and Technical Assistance Fund
• University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management - Minnesota Cup (MN Cup) Competition
• Rochester Area Economic Development Inc. (RAEDI) - Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program
• Launch Minnesota Innovation Grant Program