About
Mission
Startup Sioux Falls empowers founders to Start, Scale and Sustain.
We are an ecosystem organization that empowers founders to Start, Scale, and Sustain businesses via innovative programs and peer support—making Sioux Falls stronger.
If you have ever aspired to launch something of your own, we want you to join our community. Start with Startup Sioux Falls.
Values
Vision
300 by '31
By September 30, 2031 we will have measurably supported 300 resilient Sioux Falls businesses to have sustaining revenue and which are making a community investment.
History
Like all good stories, ours began with an idea. What could happen if a city in the heart of the Great Plains decided to chart its own course into the future? In 1999, it was this idea that led Forward Sioux Falls to form a committee focused on tech-based economic development in the city of Sioux Falls. Just three years later, the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and Development Foundation opened the doors to the South Dakota Technology Business Center (SDTBC). A bold vision for the future of our state, the SDTBC offered programming and physical space to incubate and accelerate high-growth tech businesses in South Dakota’s largest city.
We didn’t stop there. In 2016, we asked ourselves what more we could do. We realized innovation isn’t exclusive to tech. Inspiration isn’t exclusive to high-growth businesses. We were here to support entrepreneurs at all stages. We needed to be more. With that, we evolved to become the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship—the physical hub for Sioux Falls’ budding startup scene.
In 2019, the Zeal Center merged with Startup Sioux Falls, a startup community organization founded by Matt Paulson. This merger created the organization we know as Startup Sioux falls today, which provides real resources to those who dare to chart their own course. We empower founders in our community as they work diligently to launch and grow their ventures. We are more than a building; we are an ecosystem organization. We are a collective of doers, thinkers, and innovators working tirelessly to support those who dare to dream.
The Rest of the Story
In the exciting world of startups, founders exemplify adaptability, innovation, and resilience. They deserve an ecosystem that not only recognizes but actively supports their journey of bringing ideas to life.
At Startup Sioux Falls, we're deeply connected to our community. Our mission is to empower founders and ignite innovation, making entrepreneurship accessible to everyone who dreams of launching something. As we move forward, we aim to grow our community, have programming for the entire founder's journey, and become the go-to connector of the regional startup scene—a dream envisioned by our community's leaders nearly two decades ago.
Just like the resilient founders we support, our community is always changing. We actively engage in the changes shaping our city's future. Being in downtown Sioux Falls shows our commitment to working with others toward the common goal of shaping our city's future.
We're your partners in building a strong foundation for your venture. Will you join us in this exciting journey?
Start with Startup Sioux Falls.
Rebrand and Move Downtown
Where we are now
Startup Sioux Falls Staff
Startup Sioux Falls Board of Directors
Community Builders
Startup Sioux Falls is strengthened by the community builders who share their time, energy, and expertise in both volunteer and contracted roles. Their commitment and talent play a meaningful role in shaping our community and supporting the founders we serve!
Learn more in our Annual Report
Startup Sioux Falls Sponsors
These organizations provide financial support for Startup Sioux falls
