Posts by Andrea Van Essen
Tenant Feature: Alternative HRD provides expertise to help small companies stay competitive
The way Dan Oakland sees it, human resource development and management is something every company deals with, but not everyone has the time or money necessary to invest in. Oakland is the founder of Alternative HRD, a firm that provides outsourced HR solutions for businesses and nonprofits, with a special focus on small businesses. “I…
Read MoreMeet the 5 Zeal ecosystem members joining Leadership Sioux Falls’ 35th class
As the Evan C. Nolte Leadership Sioux Falls (LSF) program launches its 35th class, we at Zeal feel privileged to call five of the participants our own. Including tenants, sponsors, board members and even one of our own staff members, these individuals represent the community-minded, entrepreneurial spirit of our Zeal ecosystem. “I think it’s a…
Read MoreBiotech entrepreneur from Chicago finds coworking community in Sioux Falls
At the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship, a physical workspace for business owners and startups is just the beginning of the support they receive within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. “In our physical space, Zeal provides collaboration with like minded entrepreneurs in an organic fashion,” said Brienne Maner, the facility’s executive director. “The Zeal community offers many levels…
Read MoreFrom ‘Suits to Shirts,’ Innovation Expo offers something for everyone
Sioux Falls’ annual Innovation Expo will ring in its seventeenth year on October 22, albeit with new precautions in place thanks to COVID-19. The one-day event, which typically draws a crowd of 250 to 300 people, will be limited to 125 in-person attendees. However, it will also be streamed online with an unlimited amount of…
Read MoreBoyce Law Firm provides entrepreneurs with crucial legal guidance at flexible rates
Boyce Law Firm is a premier sponsor of Startup Sioux Falls. With a history dating back to 1878, it may come as a surprise that the city’s oldest law firm is also one of its most progressive, particularly when it comes to working with entrepreneurs and business owners. In fact, Boyce Law Firm is not…
Read MoreMeet Sara Lum, Zeal’s new operations intern
The Zeal team recently welcomed Sara Lum as an operations intern. Sara sought out this internship to gain experience with a local non-profit organization as part of her MBA program at the University of South Dakota. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Design-Architectural Studies as well as a Master of Architecture, and she currently…
Read MoreFalls Fintech welcomes diverse second cohort
After the onset of COVID-19 sent Falls Fintech’s first cohort packing, just days after arriving in Sioux Falls, it was unclear how the pandemic would affect the program going forward. Though the team had hoped for an entirely in-person program the second time around, health and safety took priority and they designed a hybrid experience. …
Read MoreGet to know Julie Johnson, SCORE’s new District Director
If you’re not familiar with SCORE yet, it’s time to check out this free, accessible resource for business owners. SCORE, which stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives, is a national nonprofit organization that provides guidance and mentoring to entrepreneurs and businesses at any stage of growth. The organization boasts over 10,000 volunteers representing 62…
Read MoreYoung entrepreneur awarded $100,000 grant to pursue automated cattle feeding system
On Sept. 1, Henry Wegehaupt will begin the first phase of government-funded research on a project he dreamed up while in college. At 26, Wegehaupt is the youngest person to receive a Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, grant in South Dakota. After earning his degree in electrical engineering in 2017 from the South Dakota…
Read MoreOrganization Focus: McGowan Capital Group
Established in 2003, McGowan Capital Group is a local firm dedicated to making an impact on growing companies in eastern South Dakota. They achieve this through careful risk analysis and a commitment to their clients for the long haul. Founder and CEO, Gene McGowan, brings a broad range of expertise to the table, including 20…
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