Rochester, MN — IgniteMN is proud to host the 2025 Entrepreneurs First (E¹) Summit & Expo on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Rochester Campus.
The E¹ Summit is Southeast Minnesota’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs, innovators, and community partners. This free, full-day event offers inspiration, networking, and resources for entrepreneurs at every stage—from idea to scale.
Event Highlights
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Keynote Address: Tawonda Burks — “The Audacity to Build Tomorrow”
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Breakout Sessions (Food & Ag, Retail & Service, Manufacturing & Product)
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Lunch, Resource Expo & Entrepreneurial Job Fair
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Food & Ag Pitch Competition
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Dessert, Raffle & Closing Partner Recognition
Additional On-Site Resources: Free Legal Coaching (LegalCORPS), Quiet Space/Prayer Room, Mother’s Area.
Why Attend?
Attendees will:
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Gain insights from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts.
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Connect with mentors, investors, and peers across the region.
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Explore tools and resources through the E¹ Collaborative, a network of 17 organizations supporting Southeast Minnesota entrepreneurs.
Event Details
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Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
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Location: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Rochester Campus
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Cost: Free (registration required)
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Register: entrepreneursfirst.org/e1-summit
About IgniteMN
IgniteMN empowers entrepreneurs across Southeast Minnesota through mentorship, events, and education. As the lead of the E¹ Collaborative, IgniteMN works alongside 17 other regional partners to streamline resources and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
