Join us at Startup Sunrise, where early risers in the startup world come together to network and ignite their entrepreneurial journey!

WHEN: Every first Wednesday of the month, 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM

WHERE: Startup Sioux Falls, 100 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Startup Sioux Falls invites you to a morning of inspiration and connection at our monthly event, Startup Sunrise. Each month, two startup founders or business leaders will briefly share their journey, followed by a facilitated conversation. Startup Sunrise transforms early mornings into a vibrant environment to connect, learn, share ideas, and problem solve with the brightest minds in our community!

THIS MONTH’S TOPIC & SPEAKERS
In November, we’re excited to feature Blake Thompson and Derek Fernholz, the local co-founders and CEOs of Fernson Brewing Co. Joining them is Beau Vondra, Director of Food and Beverage at Totally Rad Eats (located in Fernson Downtown). Together, they’ll offer a behind-the-scenes look at building authentic, community-driven brands in the culinary world.

SCHEDULE
8:00 AM: Coffee – Connect over coffee by The Source.
8:30 AM: Welcome performance by the featured artist.
8:35 AM: Founder Stories – Hear 3-minute presentations from two founders or business leaders, followed by a conversation.
9:15 AM: Event concludes, but FREE coworking begins (8AM – 5PM)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Founders, innovators, community leaders, and creatives who want to support each other and network
• Community builders who want to be involved in contributing to the startup community
• Individuals that have experience in the industry or topic of the month

WHY ATTEND?
Startup Sunrise is your opportunity to kick-start your day with a punch of inspiration and a side of connection. A little bit of what you can expect:

• Be inspired by the stories of startup founders and engage in conversations that move our community forward.
• Face-to-face networking with like-minded people
• A supportive environment willing to help you take your next step as a founder

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Blake Thompson & Derek Fernholz, Fernson
Derek Fernholz and Blake Thompson are the co-founders and co-CEOs of Fernson Brewing Company in Sioux Falls. Derek, a former software engineer and fly-fishing enthusiast, brings a community-minded spirit to the brewery—whether curling at the local iceplex or showcasing their innovative crowler machine. Blake, who began his career in winemaking and holds a Master Brewers Certificate from UC Davis, fuels Fernson’s creativity with his passion for experimental brews and small-batch innovation.

Beau Vondra, Totally Rad Eats
Beau Vondra is the Chef/Co-owner of Dagger and Arrow, the Chef/Creator of Totally Rad concepts and the Director of Food and Berverage operations for Fernson Brewing Company. He has been a winner on Guy’s Grocery Games, appeared on Diner’s Drive-in’s and Dives, and has won a Good Food Award for his hot sauce Dagger and Arrow Diablo Verde. He is a Sioux Falls native, a husband, and a father of two with deep roots in the community. He is passionate about food, the culture surrounding it, and the quest for knowledge. He strives to continue to grow the food community in Sioux Falls to become more collaborative and forward thinking.

ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
Please enter the building from on the east side of the building, directly adjacent to the parking lot.

If an ADA accommodation is needed, please contact the Startup Sioux Falls office at 605-275-8000.

PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
Free and paid parking is available throughout the area. Please refer to this parking guide.

SPONSORS
We’d like to thank our Startup Sunrise Sponsor, First National Bank in Sioux Falls, for making this event possible.

CONTACT
[email protected]