Greater Bemidjis Launchpad

Greater Bemidjis LaunchpadBorder-to-Border Broadband ConferenceNovember, 2015

Good Life by the Lake

Beyond your expectationsRegional center with over 100,000 people in the region

Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene

Gigabit broadband and one of the nations largest gigabit fiber optic networks

Gigabit broadband

More companies in INC 5000 fastest growing small companies than anyone outside the twin cities.

States Emerging Start-Up Community

The LaunchPad is.Greater Bemidjis initiative to support its entrepreneursOne-stop-shop for start-upsProvide the resources they need to succeed:SpaceNetworking and ConnectionsSupport and Mentoring

The MayflowerBuilt in 1901 in downtown Bemidji22,000 sq. ft. on 3 levelsOriginally a grocery warehouseGreater Bemidji purchased and renovated it for $1.4 millionRibbon cut in May, 2015Current tenants:Bemidji State UniversityEXB SolutionsTeam IndustriesCo-Workers

Cool spaces

State-of-the-Art technology

Connections and NetworkingWeekly Entrepreneur Meet-UpsTraining SessionsSocial Events

Support and MentoringHouse Small Business Development Center ServicesOffice Hours Retired Executive MentoringBSU Marketing Assistance and Research SolutionsIDEA Competition

Our Coworkers16 LaunchPad MembersPhotographer/videographer2 web designers/developers2 Start-up businessesEngineerCorporate recruiterNational marketing consultantPresentation designerTechnology trainer

Lessons learnedConcept of co-working is still in the early adoption phase in greater MinnesotaSpace is only a small part of co-workingBroadband is a game-changerCreate events and spaces that support interactionAllow entrepreneurs to lead

Dave HengelGreater Bemidjiwww.launchpadbemidji.comFacebook and Twitterdhengel@greaterbemidji.com(218) 444-5758