News
Meet 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…
Read MoreMaximizing Excellence marks 10 years of business success
Only about one in three businesses achieve the milestone that Cindy Elifrits Peterson just marked: one decade as a small-business owner. Elifrits Peterson celebrated the 10-year anniversary of her business, Maximizing Excellence, on July 15. It’s the latest chapter in a success story built on the passion and drive she brings to her work that started…
Read MoreSioux Falls businesses make efforts to uplift diversity in the workplace
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, the Black Lives Matter movement has been a critical topic of discussion across the country—in homes, on college campuses, in the media and, of course, in the workplace. The movement has sparked conversations about racism, privilege and bias, and it has compelled groups and individuals to…
Read MoreOrganization Focus: Dakota Business Finance
Business owners seeking long-term, low interest financing for hard costs such as land, buildings, or equipment can benefit from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 loan program. The 504 program was designed to provide another lending avenue for small businesses that would promote growth and advancement. Because assets like land or equipment act as collateral…
Read MoreRe:Boot Sioux Falls seeks technology donations for nonprofit organizations
When you consider donating to local nonprofits, gifts of money, time, or products related to the organization’s mission often come to mind first. However, for many organizations, basic operating tools and resources can be difficult to source or fund. Technology is often critical for an organization to run efficiently, and local biotech consulting firm, DRACO,…
Read MoreZeal facility reopens, debuts new partnership with NAI
Zeal has long provided a physical space for connection and collaboration within the startup community—a role that required some shifting after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sioux Falls. In order to serve the many tenants who rely on a physical workspace, the facility never closed down completely. However, restrictions and safety measures were…
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