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Startup Sunrise – Nonprofits
Join us for one of the best monthly entrepreneurial gatherings in Sioux Falls.
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!
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
Learn more about Startup Sunrise here.
This Month’s Topic and Speakers:
In June, we look forward to hosting Nonprofit Founders with facilitator Amy Pokela, founder and owner of AMPO, and featured speakers Travis Entenman, Executive Director of Friends of the Big Sioux River, and Angela Kennecke, founder and owner of Emily’s Hope.
Schedule
8:00 AM: Coffee – Connect over a cup of coffee from 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 facilitated conversation and audience Q&A.
9:15 AM: Event concludes, but FREE coworking begins (8am-5pm)
Ticket Information
Tickets are free, but space is limited. Grab your free ticket on Eventbrite here. Hurry, they go fast!
Who should attend?
- Founders, innovators, community leaders, and creatives.
- Community builders who want to contribute to the startup community.
- Individuals who have experience in the industry or topic of the month
Why Attend?
Startup Sunrise is your opportunity to kick-start your day with inspiration and connection. A little bit of what you can expect:
- Inspiration from the stories of startup founders and engaging conversation.
- Face-to-face networking with like-minded people.
- A supportive environment willing to help you take your next step as a founder.
About Amy Pokela and AMPO
Amy Pokela is a nonprofit strategist, educator, and fundraising expert. As founder of AMPO, she helps organizations build sustainable fundraising systems rooted in strategy, storytelling, and donor trust. Her work combines data-driven insights with authentic connection, helping nonprofits grow predictable revenue and deepen mission impact. Amy is known for turning complex challenges into clear, actionable plans that inspire generosity, build capacity, and ensure long-term organizational success.
About Travis Entenman and Friends of the Big Sioux River
Travis Entenman, Executive Director of Friends of the Big Sioux River, has been deeply connected to nature from a young age. Growing up exploring the forests of northern Idaho and the grasslands of South Dakota is the main reason for that. His passion for conserving native prairies, improving water quality, and inspiring community action drives his mission to leave the earth better than we found it, challenging the status quo and proving what’s possible when we care deeply for our environment.
About Angela Kennecke and Emily’s Hope
Angela Kennecke, an Emmy-winning journalist and South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, founded Emily’s Hope to combat the stigma of addiction and the fentanyl crisis after losing her daughter, Emily, to fentanyl poisoning. Through treatment scholarships, prevention programs, family support groups, and advocacy, Angela transforms personal tragedy into impactful action, saving lives and spreading hope.
Entry Instructions
Please enter from 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.
Sponsor
This event is made possible thanks to a sponsorship from The First National Bank in Sioux Falls.
Questions? Contact:
Jeff or Adyn
