Submit your application today for the Driving Access to Networks and Wealth (DAWN) program’s DAWNtrepreneur Showcases and Pitch Competitions on April 11 & October 16, 2024!
DAWN is the northeast regional hub for Launch Minnesota, a statewide collaborative effort to help entrepreneurs start or accelerate the growth of their business.
The DAWNtrepreneur Showcase and Pitch Competition is a premiere event celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in northeastern Minnesota. Learn more about DAWN and the DAWNtrepreneur Showcase and Pitch Competition here:
https://dawnmn.org/.
There are two tiers to these events as described below:
The DAWNtrepreneur Showcase: Selected applicants will be invited to demonstrate and share their unique business idea at their own booth during the event. All showcase participants will receive a $500 grant award in addition to the chance to network with potential funders and receive expert feedback to elevate their business.
The Pitch Competition (optional): Entrepreneurs looking to take their showcase experience to the next level can also choose to opt in for the exciting pitch competition portion of the event. A select number of showcase participants will have the opportunity to present their business idea in a dynamic, 5-minute live pitch. The grand prize for the top pitch presenter is an additional grant award of $2,500 and the top three presenters will have a chance to work with a professional videographer to create promotional videos to be featured in DAWN’s upcoming Engage an Angel event on December 12, 2024.
This application is open to entrepreneurs in the DAWN service area of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Pine, and St. Louis Counties and the Native Nations of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and Red Lake Nation.
Special consideration will be given to entrepreneurs who meet Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) characteristics, including members and descendants of Native Nations, the Black community, women, and veterans. However, all entrepreneurs are welcome and encouraged to apply.
By submitting this application, you are agreeing that all information provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge, AND if selected, you are available to attend the
DAWNtrepreneur Showcase and Pitch Competition on April 11th, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at The Forge in Grand Rapids, MN (
https://theforgeitasca.com) or the
DAWNtrepreneur Showcase and Pitch Competition on October 16, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the Braham Event Center in Braham, MN (
https://brahamcenter.org).
We are accepting applications for both events now.
The application deadline for the event at The Forge is March 14 and applicants will be notified by the organizer on March 25. If you choose to apply
for the Braham event, the application deadline is September 18 and applicants will be notified by the organizer on October 2.
* Required questions
