About

Mission

Startup Sioux Falls empowers founders and ignites innovation.

We are an ecosystem organization that empowers founders by offering resources to network, launch, and grow their ventures. We ignite innovation by being a thought leader in the state to bring new ideas to life and offer better support for founders.

If you have ever aspired to launch something of your own, we want you to join our community. Start with Startup Sioux Falls.

START HERE

Values

Inclusive

We welcome all entrepreneurs.

Innovative

We solve problems through testing and collaboration.

Collaborative

We work with our community and bring people together.

Authentic

We are honest, even when it is hard.

Curious

We make the possible probable by stepping into the unknown.

Vision

We will serve 100,000 people and help 100 businesses grow by 2034.

Serving 100,000 People
Our vision extends beyond individual startups. We aspire to serve 100,000 people by creating a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our commitment to this ambitious goal is reflected in every interaction we have: from our dynamic programs and events to the meaningful connections we facilitate. Whether it’s through educational programs, networking opportunities, or community-building initiatives, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations alike. Helping 100 Businesses Grow
Our commitment to fostering growth is measured by tangible success metrics. We define “growth” as a year-over-year increase in a business’ revenue, profit, or employee count. By providing targeted programs and resources, we aim to propel 100 businesses towards significant growth milestones, ensuring they not only thrive but also contribute positively to the economy of the Sioux Falls area.

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

BRIENNE MANER, President

(605) 275-8012
[email protected]

ADYN HEINRICY, Program Coordinator

(605) 275-8022
[email protected]

JEFF HAYWARD, Director of Programming

(605) 271-3502
[email protected]

NATHALIA SILVA,
MVP Intern

[email protected]

KATELYN MUSICK, Admin Specialist

(605) 275-8014
[email protected]

ALIVIA TINDALL,
MVP Intern

[email protected]

Startup Sioux Falls Board of Directors

JOHN MEYER
Chair

Founder
Leadmore

CINDY PETERSON
Vice Chair

Founder & CEO
Maximizing Excellence, LLC

PAUL TSCHETTER
Past Chair

Partner
Boyce Law Firm, LLP

KARLA SANTI
Past Chair

CEO & Founding Partner
Blend Interactive

ARIN GONSETH
Treasurer

VP Finance
MarketBeat

CHEZ TSCHETTER
Secretary

CIO, CTO
Solarity

JEFF GRIFFIN

President & CEO
Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

KEITH SEVERSON

Board Member

Development Foundation

SCOTT PETERSEN

CoFounder
HIRECLICK

BOB MUNDT

CEO
Sioux Falls Development Foundation

JAEL THORPE

Founder & CEO
Gameday Social

KIM BURMA

Senior Advertising Agency Account Executive
Midco

ALISSA MATT

Assistant Vice President for External Relations
University of South Dakota

FAITH LARSON

Vice President Renewables & Legal Counsel
Mickelson & Company

CHRIS DAUGAARD

Partner
Ernst Capital Group

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!