Startup Sioux Falls

Artist Speaker Series: Erin Castle, Curator, Washington Pavilion
2026-02-10 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | The Underground by Rehfeld’s, 431 N Phillips, Sioux Falls, SD
What a great time to hone your skills and start building momentum in your art business. Come be surrounded by a supportive community of peers and professionals!
February features Erin Castle, Curator for the Washington Pavilion. Get the DL on what it takes to get your work into a gallery.
Upfront and Professional with an Art Curator
• Is your work ready for a gallery
• Leaving a positive impression
• Art consulting by the Pavilion
About Erin:
Erin Castle is a dedicated arts advocate, curator, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the Sioux Falls creative community. Born in Aberdeen, SD and raised in Brandon, SD, she graduated from Augustana University with a BFA in painting and has built her career at the intersection of artistic vision and community connection—working in small, arts-based businesses, custom framing and both corporate and residential art consulting. Formerly the General Manager of Rehfeld’s Art & Framing, she now serves as a Curator at the Washington Pavilion’s Visual Arts Center and an Art Consultant for WPMI.
Castle is deeply committed to cultivating meaningful relationships with artists, organizations, and the public. She has played an active role in bringing large-scale public art installations to life across Sioux Falls and serves on the board of the Sioux Falls Arts Council and in several public arts committees across the city. In addition to her curatorial work, she continues her creative practice as an artist and musician with bands The Clover Fold and Sinking Steps Rising Eyes, and is a dedicated wife and mother of two.
The Speaker Series: Business Insights to Set You Apart is held at The Underground, and streamed via facebook live, every second Tuesday of the month, from 6:30-8:00 PM.
FREE. No registration necessary.

Business Owner Moms Meetup
2026-02-05 09:00 - 10:00 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
Sign up HERE.
This group is for existing mom business owners at any stage in business.
The purpose of the group is to provide both emotional and business support for each other, because growing a business while being a mom can be overwhelming and lonely… BUT it can also be extremely fulfilling and a great example for our families.
Please come and encourage each other forward!
SCHEDULE
9-9:15 – Intros & wins
9:15-9:25 – Brain dump biggest challenges
9:25-10:00 – Work through each challenge or most important ones first
Startup Sioux Falls members who are business owner moms will be helping run this group at the Startup space downtown.
ENTRY
Please enter the building from Door 1, which is located on Phillips Avenue. ADA accessibility is available at Door 2 on the east side of the building, but please call 605-275-8000 if you need further assistance.
PARKING
Free and paid parking is available throughout the area. Please refer to this parking guide.
Sign up HERE.

Coffee N Connections
2026-02-05 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-01-22 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-01-08 08:00 - 09:30, 2025-12-25 08:00 - 09:30, 2025-12-11 08:00 - 09:30 | Jones421, 421 North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls
What is Coffee N Connections?
If you are a woman, you are invited to join us for coffee and connections. Coffee N Connections is a bi-weekly gathering designed to create a nurturing and empowering environment for women entrepreneurs and business owners.
This event allows like-minded women to connect, collaborate, and foster professional and personal relationships. It is dedicated to providing support, encouragement, and empowerment, aiming to facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences, and opportunities amongst women in business. Please join us at Jones421 (421 N Phillips Ave) any time between 8 and 9:30.Up-to-date event information can be found on theFresh Impact Facebook page.

Free Coworking for Remote Workers & Entrepreneurs
2026-02-04 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-07 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-17 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
Event Announcement: Free Coworking for Remote Workers & Entrepreneurs
Event Details:

What: Free Coworking Day
Who: Remote Workers & Entrepreneurs
When:

First Wednesday of the month
Third Wednesday of the month
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Startup Sioux Falls Coworking Space @ 100 E 6th St.
Why You Should Attend: Join us for a productive day of coworking at no cost! This is your opportunity to experience our dynamic coworking environment, connect with like-minded professionals, and explore the resources we offer to help you thrive.
Parking Guide
How to Join: Simply show up, bring your laptop, and get ready to work in an inspiring and collaborative space. No prior registration required.
At Startup Sioux Falls, we believe in the power of community and innovation. Our free coworking days are designed to support remote workers and entrepreneurs by providing a welcoming space to collaborate, innovate, and grow.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Startup Sunrise: Behind the Headlines
2026-02-04 08:00 - 09:15 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
Join us Feb. 4 at Startup Sunrise for coffee, networking, and insights from Jodi Schwan, Megan Raposa, and Joseph Sneve.
Details & Free Registration Here!

AI For Everyone Meetup
2026-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
Sign up HERE.
A hands-on meetup where business leaders and professionals turn AI concepts into actual business impact. Whether you’re technical or non-technical, you’ll leave with working AI implementations that solve real problems. Bring your laptop – this isn’t a lecture. We focus on actionable takeaways that you can immediately apply to drive business outcomes. Each session combines practical learning with building actual AI tools, automations, or workflows that make a difference in your work. No prior AI experience required, just curiosity and willingness to build. Join entrepreneurs and business leaders who are serious about leveraging AI for measurable results, not just keeping up with trends.
Entry Instructions:
Please enter the building from Door 1, which is located on Phillips Avenue. ADA accessibility is available at Door 2 on the east side of the building, but please call 605-275-8000 if you need further assistance.
Parking Instructions:
Free and paid parking is available throughout the area. Please refer to this parking guide.
Sign up HERE.

Formatting and Readability Tips for SBIR/STTR Proposals
2026-01-22 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom, SD, United States
If you’re pursuing SBIR/STTR funding, be sure to join this virtual workshop to learn how to make your SBIR/STTR proposal infinitely better by writing and formatting that enhances readability and showcases your technology.
After a brief review of the program’s eligibility requirements, we’ll dive into improving the competitiveness of your proposal with tips and best practices for making it look good and read well.
You’ll learn
• How different agencies manage the review process
• How to be kind to reviewers with formatting
• Grantsmanship tips for success
Sign up here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f-KIPBsRT6aBaeVy6eZy5A

Founders Meetup (For anyone who has started a business!)
2026-01-21 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
This gathering is exclusively for entrepreneurs and creatives who have founded a business or organization. It’s an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and support one another on our entrepreneurial journeys. Founding a business can be challenging, but together, we can navigate the ups and downs with authenticity and collaboration. Let’s make the possible probable by stepping into the unknown, together.
DETAILS:
We will meet every month, alternating morning and late afternoon/early evening.
To get the location and time of each upcoming founders meetup, SIGN UP through our Meetup Interest Form.
Our standards are clear: attendees must be founders, and this isn’t about pitching or exchanging business cards. Instead, we’re here for open and honest conversations.
Feel free to invite other founders to join us as we meet every month!

Neurodivergent Meetup
2026-01-14 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Startup Sioux Falls (The Depot), 100 E 6th St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, United States
Sign up HERE.
About:
The Neurodivergent Meetup aims to build a supportive, empowering community for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. This group will foster genuine connections, shared learning experiences, and collaborative problem-solving. It provides a safe, inclusive space for members to embrace their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and grow thriving businesses.
Who it’s for:
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creatives who identify as neurodivergent or are exploring their neurodivergent identity. Open to all industries and business stages, the group values inclusivity, innovation, and community.
Unmet needs addressed:
This group addresses the lack of resources and opportunities specifically tailored to neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Unique challenges like executive functioning struggles, sensory sensitivities, and unconventional communication styles often go unsupported. The Neurodivergent Meetup fills this gap by offering:

Practical tools and strategies.
Peer support and shared experiences.
Methods to leverage neurodivergent traits as business strengths.

Entry Instructions:
Please enter the building from Door 1, which is located on Phillips Avenue. ADA accessibility is available at Door 2 on the east side of the building, but please call 605-275-8000 if you need further assistance.
Parking Instructions:
Free and paid parking is available throughout the area. Please refer to this parking guide.
Sign up HERE.

Community Conversations: Public Service Leadership Voices
2026-01-14 11:30 - 13:30 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
SDSU Extension and the SDSU Ness School of Management & Economics will host Public Service Leadership Voices a conversation designed to listen, learn, and collaborate, on January 14 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location
Startup Sioux Falls – Arc of Dreams Conference Room
100 E 6th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Contact
Paul Rann, SDSU Extension Program Manager for Urban Economic Development
As the Ness School of Management & Economics at SDSU deepens its presence in the Sioux Falls region, we’re turning outward – listening first to the community to guide what comes next. This event is part of a multi-session Listening Tour focused on hearing from small businesses, startups, educators, nonprofits, and other local partners who help drive regional growth.
Join us for Public Service Leadership Voices, a conversation designed to listen, learn, and collaborate – think of it as a focus group meets community roundtable. The public sector is at the core of planning for the region’s continued and future success, and so are the people and partners who support it. If that’s you, this session is for you!
We’ll discuss challenges, explore opportunities, and uncover ways the Ness School can plug in to help move the Sioux Falls Region forward. Your experiences, insights and ideas will help shape the programs, workshops, and collaborations developed through the Ness School’s outpost at Startup Sioux Falls.
Registration
Attendance is capped at 10 to keep the dialogue personal and meaningful. A free meal will be served at 11:30 a.m., with discussion beginning promptly at noon. Register now to share your story, connect with other leaders, and help guide the Ness Schools work to impact the region. Because the best ideas don’t start in a boardroom — they start in conversations like this one.
Registration can be completed using the link. If all spots have been taken, be sure to join the waitlist to be notified when the second session is scheduled.

Artist Speaker Series: Mel Cotton, Rose and Eugene
2026-01-13 18:30 - 20:00 | The Underground by Rehfeld’s, 431 N Phillips, Sioux Falls, SD
Happy New Year! What a great time to hone your skills and start building momentum in your art business. Come be surrounded by a supportive community of peers and professionals!
January features Mel Cotton, the owner of Rose and Eugene Presents. She will impart wisdom on the balance between passion and profit when it comes to pricing work.
Pricing for Artists – Finding the Balance between Passion & Profit
• Practical Tools
• Navigating the tricky spot between creativity and sustainability
About Mel:
Before dedicating her efforts to Rose and Eugene Presents, Mel Cotton played a pivotal, nearly decade-long role in managing, marketing, and purchasing for a distinguished American craft gallery, collaborating with high-craft artisans from the United States, Canada, and Europe. With a background in studio arts and an emphasis in printmaking, Mel’s academic journey at SDSU laid the foundation for her passion for the arts. Beyond her professional pursuits, Mel enjoys relaxed moments at home, snuggling with her husband and furry companions, and cultivating a domestic jungle.
Find Rose and Eugene:
Facebook – @roseandeugene
Insta – @roseandeugene
Web – https://roseandeugenepresents.com/
The Speaker Series: Business Insights to Set You Apart is held at The Underground, and streamed via facebook live, every second Tuesday of the month, from 6:30-8:00 PM.
FREE. No registration necessary.

Community Conversations: High School Counselors & DECA Leader Voices
2026-01-08 11:30 - 13:30 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
As the Ness School of Management & Economics at SDSU deepens its presence in the Sioux Falls region, we’re turning outward – listening first to the community to guide what comes next. This event is part of a multi-session Listening Tour focused on hearing from small businesses, startups, educators, nonprofits, and other local partners who help drive regional growth.
Join us for High School Counselors & DECA Leader Voices, a conversation designed to listen, learn, and collaborate – think of it as a focus group meets community roundtable. Students will fuel our future and so are the people and partners who support them. If that’s you, this session is for you!
We’ll discuss challenges, explore opportunities, and uncover ways the Ness School can plug in to help move the Sioux Falls Region forward. Your experiences, insights and ideas will help shape the programs, workshops, and collaborations developed through the Ness School’s outpost at Startup Sioux Falls.
They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch – except on Thursday, January 8. Lunch will be served at 11:30 AM, with discussion beginning promptly at noon.
Attendance is capped at 10 to keep the dialogue personal and meaningful. Register now to share your story, connect with other leaders, and help guide the Ness Schools work to impact the region.
Because the best ideas don’t start in a boardroom — they start in conversations like this one.

Community Conversations: Non-Profit Voices
2026-01-06 11:30 - 13:30 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
As the Ness School of Management & Economics at SDSU deepens its presence in the Sioux Falls region, we’re turning outward – listening first to the community to guide what comes next. This event is part of a multi-session Listening Tour focused on hearing from small businesses, startups, educators, nonprofits, and other local partners who help drive regional growth.
Join us for Non-Profit Voices, a conversation designed to listen, learn, and collaborate – think of it as a focus group meets community roundtable. Non-profits are vital for the continued success of the region and so are the people and partners who support them. If that’s you, this session is for you!
We’ll discuss challenges, explore opportunities, and uncover ways the Ness School can plug in to help move the Sioux Falls Region forward. Your experiences, insights and ideas will help shape the programs, workshops, and collaborations developed through the Ness School’s outpost at Startup Sioux Falls.
Registration
Attendance is capped at 10 to keep the dialogue personal and meaningful. A free meal will be served at 11:30 a.m., with discussion beginning promptly at noon. Register now to share your story, connect with other leaders, and help guide the Ness Schools work to impact the region. Because the best ideas don’t start in a boardroom — they start in conversations like this one.
Registration can be completed following the event link below. If all spots have been taken, be sure to join the waitlist to be notified when the second session is scheduled.
https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/community-conversation-non-profit-voices

Founders Meetup (For anyone who has started a business!)
2025-12-17 16:00 - 17:00 | SD

AI for Customer Engagement: A Hands-On Workshop
2025-12-05 11:30 - 13:30 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
Join us for an engaging, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn:
-How AI chatbots and analytics tools personalize customer experiences
-How to identify where AI can save your business time and money
-Step-by-step demo: Build your first AI-powered chatbot in minutes
-Framework: “Should I Automate This?” — make smart AI adoption decisions
-More about the Consulting Club at SDSU and opportunities to engage them on future projects
The event is free, but space is limited – register now to secure your spot!

AI For Everyone
2025-12-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
Sign up HERE.
A hands-on meetup where business leaders and professionals turn AI concepts into actual business impact. Whether you’re technical or non-technical, you’ll leave with working AI implementations that solve real problems.Bring your laptop – this isn’t a lecture. We focus on actionable takeaways that you can immediately apply to drive business outcomes. Each session combines practical learning with building actual AI tools, automations, or workflows that make a difference in your work.No prior AI experience required, just curiosity and willingness to build. Join entrepreneurs and business leaders who are serious about leveraging AI for measurable results, not just keeping up with trends.
Entry Instructions:
Please enter the building from Door 1, which is located on Phillips Avenue. ADA accessibility is available at Door 2 on the east side of the building, but please call 605-275-8000 if you need further assistance.
Parking Instructions:
Free and paid parking is available throughout the area. Please refer to this parking guide.
Sign up HERE.

Business Owner Moms Meetup
2025-12-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
Sign up HERE.
This group is for existing mom business owners at any stage in business.
The purpose of the group is to provide both emotional and business support for each other, because growing a business while being a mom can be overwhelming and lonely… BUT it can also be extremely fulfilling and a great example for our families.
Please come and encourage each other forward!
General Schedule
__________________
9-9:15 – Intros & wins
9:15-9:25 – Brain dump biggest challenges
9:25-10:00 – Work through each challenge or most important ones first
A couple Startup Sioux Falls members who are business owner moms will be helping run this group at the Startup space downtown.
Directions:
Please enter in Door 1 off of Phillips Ave. and a staff member can direct you to the correct room.
Parking:
There is limited free parking behind the building and 2 hour parking in front of the Jones building on Phillips Ave.
See you there!
Sign up HERE.

Startup Sunrise: Design & Build
2025-12-03 08:00 - 09:15 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
EVENT OVERVIEW
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 December, we’re sitting down with Tom Hurlbert of CO-OP Architecture and Kyle Cosand & Tracy Kerkhove of Cosand Construction to explore the design and build industry, with Nate Boscaljon of Boscaljon Design Co. joining us as the emcee.
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM: Coffee – Connect over coffee & pastries.
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
Tom Hurlbert, CO-OP Architecture
Raised and back practicing in South Dakota, Tom Hurlbert has forged an architectural model focused on building community vitality in rural Midwestern towns and as the visionary co-founder of a growing firm, he’s opened doors for countless young designers to do the same.
Kyle Cosand & Tracy Kerkhove, Cosand Construction
Joining us from Cosand Construction are Kyle Cosand, CEO & Founder, and Tracy Kerkhove, Sales & Marketing Manager.
Kyle founded Cosand Construction in 2013 after gaining well-rounded experience across multiple divisions at Sioux Falls Construction. What began as a one-person operation quickly grew into a team completing residential remodels, home builds, and commercial projects of all sizes. Today, Cosand is recognized for its craftsmanship, strong relationships with trade partners, and a commitment to growing skilled professionals within the industry.
Tracy was born and raised in Baltic, SD, and is now raising her family there. A 2013 graduate of the University of Sioux Falls with a degree in Business, she has spent 16 years in the construction industry, 12 of them in sales. Tracy brings a people-first approach to her work, guiding clients through the process with clarity and care so they feel confident and supported from start to finish.
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
Metered street parking is available nearby, or you can use the Steel District parking ramp, which is just a short walk from our building.
SPONSOR
We’d like to thank our Startup Sunrise Sponsor, First National Bank in Sioux Falls, for making this event possible.
CONTACT
adyn@startupsiouxfalls.com

IDEA JAM
2025-12-02 17:30 - 20:30 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
SIGN UP HERE!
EVENT OVERVIEW
At Startup Sioux Falls’ Idea Jam, an interactive event designed to spark collaboration and creativity, a local business shares a real challenge they’re facing. Together, our community of professionals, creatives, and problem-solvers from all industries break into small groups to brainstorm fresh, practical solutions.
This session combines networking, creative thinking, and teamwork, helping the featured business gain new perspectives while participants build connections, stretch their problem-solving skills, and explore innovative ways of thinking.
To keep ideas unbiased and organic, the featured business will be revealed at the event. Afterward, all ideas will be collected, synthesized, and shared back with the business to help them take meaningful next steps, and to celebrate the power of our community coming together to solve real challenges.
SCHEDULE
5:30 PM: Connect over FREE food & beer!
6:00 PM: Featured business introduction
6:30 PM: Brainstorm session #1
7:15 PM: Brainstorm session #2
8:00 PM: Attendees present top ideas
8:30 PM: Conclude
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Anyone who enjoys brainstorming, problem-solving, or collaborating with others! Idea Jam welcomes community members from all industries and backgrounds, from educators and healthcare workers to designers, engineers, students, and business professionals.
If you’re curious, creative, and want to contribute your perspective to help a local business tackle a real challenge, this event is for you. No experience or business background required, just an open mind and a willingness to share ideas.

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 front desk at 605-275-8000.
PARKING
You’re welcome to park in any of the open spots labeled Startup Sioux Falls. If those are full, metered street parking is available nearby, or you can use the Steel District parking ramp, which is just a short walk from our building.
SPONSORS
We’d like to thank Josh Broton & Don Feige for making this event possible and for providing the FREE food & beer!
CONTACT
jeff@startupsiouxfalls.com

Startup Skills Workshop: Smart Marketing for Small Businesses
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Startup Sioux Falls, 100 East 6th Street, Sioux falls, SD, 57104, United States
RSVP Here!
Session Description:
Discover how to make social media work for your small business in this practical session led by Tanna Soukup and Sara Lum of Strategie. Learn how to choose the right platforms, use AI the right way, and keep your brand consistent with tools like Canva. Walk away with actionable tips to boost your online presence, no big budget required!
Who Should Attend:
If you’re the one posting, planning, or promoting your business online, this session is for you. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to tighten up your brand across platforms, you’ll walk away with tips to help your social media feel more consistent and intentional.
About the Facilitators:
Tanna Soukup & Sara Lum, Co-Owners of Strategie LLC
Tanna, Founder of Strategie, is a seasoned marketing professional who built a successful women’s boutique and mastered brand and customer engagement for nearly a decade. She later applied her expertise in healthcare as a Project Manager and Marketing Director, where she drove growth through strategic initiatives. Today, she leads Strategie with a focus on delivering thoughtful, high-impact marketing solutions while cultivating genuine connections with clients.
Sara, Creative Partner, brings a unique blend of design expertise, marketing strategy, and architectural training to her work. Formerly Vice President at Startup Sioux Falls, she is known for her ability to align creative vision with business objectives while fostering authentic relationships and team culture. She now applies her cross-disciplinary background to help businesses develop creative strategies that balance strong design with measurable business outcomes.
Together, Tanna and Sara combine their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for excellence to provide personalized marketing strategies that empower clients and strengthen communities.
Lunch:
Free, limited lunches will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Spots fill quickly—don’t miss out on this opportunity to align your brand voice and visuals for more confident content.
