Startup Sioux Falls welcomes first cohort of 2023 in new downtown space
On Tuesday, February 7, 16 aspiring entrepreneurs will gather in Startup Sioux Falls’ brand new, downtown coworking space to embark on a 10-week CO.STARTERS program together.
This will mark not only the first CO.STARTERS cohort of 2023, but also the first program of any kind hosted in the new building.
“I couldn't be more excited to kick off our programming with our business accelerator,” said Jeff Hayward, Startup Sioux Falls’ program manager.
Diving in with CO.STARTERS just one week after the space opens to the public offers a testament to the energy and enthusiasm the Startup Sioux Falls team and community has for this ecosystem.
“I came on board right as plans for the new building and move were announced. It's been a big project that has taken so much work by Sara Lum, Brienne Maner, our incredible board, community and political leaders and other stakeholders and supporters,” said Hayward.
“To be standing in the building now, feeling the growing excitement as our doors open, I can't wait for programming to begin and set the tone for what the community can expect from Startup Sioux Falls in our new location.”
This cohort will be led by Chris Hintz, founder of Pinnacle Productions and a graduate of the inaugural CO.STARTERS cohort back in 2021.
With his personal experience in the program, Hintz offers a unique perspective to participants.
“You only get out of the program what you're committed to putting into it. By being present, doing your due diligence, being a good listener and taking action, you can move mountains,” he said.
“You'll have a brand new group of cheerleaders that you may never have been exposed to. Giving your ideas a full flush-through and hearing feedback that is meant to make you and your venture better — it's a beautiful thing.”
Hintz further emphasizes the value of bringing a diverse group of entrepreneurs together under one roof.
“They have different stories and backgrounds, but they are all united by the passion to take their dream and build something they can be proud of. They are dreamers in various stages who share a common goal to give back to the community and have them embrace their services and, most importantly, themselves in the process,” he said.
Meet the founders
Ready to meet this next class of starters? Scroll through our Participant Q&A below to learn more about each of the entrepreneurs and their ventures.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Jump to:
- April Smith, Heart of the City Gluten Free Bakery
- Melanie Cotton, Rose & Eugene Presents
- Quinn Kathner-Tucker, Queen On The Scene
- Sara Gillis, What Sara Reads
- Tagg’d Vinyl Company
- Brad Edwards, ParaUX
- Kelly Bunde, Outpost Adventures
- Scott Stubbe, Granary Woodcrafts
- Audra Johnson Janke
- Caitlin Moen, Midnight Spark
- Cham Phan
- Lyndsey Kastein, LK Design Co.
- Shannon Ward, Thrive605
- Brian Bieber, Ghosts & Horses
- Matt Boos, Growth Mindset Coaching and Consulting
- Adam Ellsworth, Molten Audio
Founder: April Smith
Business Name: Heart of the City Gluten Free Bakery
Tell us about your venture.
We are a completely gluten and peanut-free bakery catering to a variety of allergies. Our products are made from scratch and provide a tasty option to bring joy to our customers and make it easier for our customers to care for themselves and their loved ones.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I need a better sense of direction. I am personally stretched too far and wide and need support in fine-tuning my income stream as well as business operations, including costs, concept and distribution.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
Heart of the City exists to better serve and strengthen our community. We are here to help people take charge of their lives and health and be included in the joy around them. With a better personal direction and stronger sense of purpose, we will be better focused to serve this community to our fullest potential.
Founder: Melanie Cotton
Business Name: Rose & Eugene Presents
Tell us about your venture.
Rose and Euguene Presents is a hybrid gallery and retailer focused on enriching the community by expanding and educating the current pool of art collectors while offering Great Plains, Midwest, and Tribal Nations-based emerging artists with the tools to thrive in their trade.
The dream is that anyone in our community interested in beautifying a space, adding to their art collection or investing in art thinks locally; not only to support the local ecosystem, but because they are aware of our community’s diverse, creative talent and appreciate the work that’s being produced. The only way to make that happen is to support our regional artists through education and strong representation to help them realize their trade is sustainable.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I feel comfortable managing a business, but starting from the ground up is completely unknown, so I’m hoping for clarity. There are so many directions I want to take this business, and I’d love guidance on what needs to be weeded out or tabled for later development. And then there’s more detailed curiosities; I have questions about internal structures, finances, insurance, copyrights and licensing.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I think Rose and Eugene Presents is just what our community needs to keep our strongest creative talents in the area, enriching our community and adding to the city's truly amazing cultural draw. Our food, drink and music scene is ever growing. It’s time for another visual arts addition to downtown.
Founder: Quinn Kathner-Tucker
Business Name: Queen On The Scene
Tell us about your venture.
I'm currently in the process of scaling out my business and building upon its growth. The business is within the LGBTQIA community, providing custom products such as enamel pins, apparel, and stickers. We're primarily focused upon pride festival vendor sales, retail and internet sales.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
As I transition this into my full-time business, I want to ensure its success by crafting plans for business growth and marketing.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I feel like this would be a great fit as I journey into the full-time sector of my business and need the skills to be set up for success. I'm also excited to be part of the experience and someday hope to be a mentor myself!
Founder: Sara Gillis
Business Name: What Sara Reads
Tell us about your venture.
I want to launch a mobile bookstore housed in a beautifully wrapped/decaled commercial box truck. I'd sell new books that I curate for an audience of creative and inspired women. It'd be a new take on the bookmobile of my childhood. The interior of the box truck would be high-end in finishes and aesthetic (think stained wood library shelves with a library ladder, "real" floors, etc.) and would offer a unique client experience for women who are seeking inspiration.
By offering books by the likes of Glennon Doyle and Amanda Frances to Austin Kleon, Brene Brown, Elizabeth Gilbert and more (including local authors!), I'd offer a beautiful and curated pop-up-like experience to customers at festivals, events and neighborhoods around Sioux Falls. Based on my research, no such business exists in the state of South Dakota, despite the fact that similar businesses exist in Cincinnati (Cincy Book Bus) and Nevada (Golden Owl Bookshop).
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I currently own and run a successful copywriting business called What Sara Said. It's a service-based business with little overhead, which is one major reason that I am seeking out CO.STARTERS to support me as I launch What Sara Reads. While I know what it takes to build a service-based business to near six-figures (in the midst of a pandemic, no less), I am quite green when it comes to owning and operating a product-based business. From obtaining capital support and leasing a commercial truck to purchasing and managing product inventory, I hope that CO.STARTERS can help me level up my skill set in these areas.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
What Sara Said (my copywriting business) is at a stable place, and to be frank, the entrepreneurial part of me won't be quiet. I believe in this venture and want to do my due diligence to pursue it.
Business Name: Tagg’d Vinyl Company
Tell us about your venture.
Tagg’d Vinyl Company, today, is nowhere near its original idea or concept, but it has grown and molded into a full-service, one-stop-shop for any and all of a company’s graphic signage needs. We thrive on customer service and strive to build relationships with our clients. Our target market is those companies needing signage or company logo wear, however, we won’t turn away anyone who has a message they want to get noticed.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I’m hoping to gain knowledge and insights on growing our company. I want to get connected and build strong relationships with people who are where we are and people who can offer guidance.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I have been building, or attempting to build, this company since 2016. I’ve come a long way from where I started, but I still need much help and guidance. I believe this program and several others provided by Startup Sioux Falls, can and will be a valuable opportunity to help us grow and thrive, in turn, allowing us to give back to our community.
Founder: Brad Edwards
Business Name: ParaUX
Tell us about your venture.
I support clients through consulting and building websites and custom web applications. Almost all of my non-profit clients struggle with the ability to effectively manage and communicate with their constituents. I plan to build a CRM to serve the needs of small to medium sized non-profit organizations looking to grow their constituent list and overall budget by increasing donations.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
This is the first product I'm building, as I've only provided professional design, development and consulting services thus far. I'm looking to better understand and organize a smart product and go-to-market strategy by going through the CO.STARTERS program.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
Small and medium sized non-profits are struggling to find an affordable and simple way to manage and grow their constituents. I can help serve their needs.
Founder: Kelly Bunde
Business Name: Outpost Adventures
Tell us about your venture.
My husband and I started a tiny cabin manufacturing company, Outpost 1875, and have grown the business to expand into a short-term vacation rental property in the Black Hills called Outpost Adventures. We're currently in seed fundraising efforts, along with site development and marketing efforts to support the next phase of our business launching.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I am looking for a community of like-minded individuals to help me with being accountable, create actionable steps to achieve our vision for Outpost and to contribute to our community as a business owner. I am familiar with so many others in our community who have shared in their journeys through Startup Sioux Falls and know this program would provide value.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
My husband and I bootstrapped the first launch of Outpost 1875 and are positioning ourselves to grow into this next chapter. I believe my experience and knowledge would benefit my peers, plus I recognize that I have a lot of areas that could be improved. I would come with an open mind, an upbeat attitude and a desire to participate.
Founder: Scott Stubbe
Business Name: Granary Woodcrafts
Tell us about your venture.
I want to start a business doing wood crafting, primarily using barn wood and wood from storm-damaged trees. The name of the company, Granary Woodcrafts, and its logo come from an old wooden granary that I will be harvesting wood from (as well as several other buildings on our family's farm).
Invoking the spirit of an entrepreneurial meme, "Being an entrepreneur gives you the freedom to work whichever 80 hours of the week that you want." It is my hope that I can ultimately balance my time between the job that I love and work that I love to do.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I’m hoping to connect my products with customers, market and distribute my products to create that basic revenue stream, establish a reputation so that people and businesses want to commission high-end custom products from me, and find out where the gaps in the market are that are not being served by other creatives in the region.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
It has been almost a year since I decided I wanted to do this. Originally, I wanted to start last summer, but due to an unexpected crisis at the family farm, I was unable to do so. I have been a “wantrepreneur” long enough, it is time to dive in and get something meaningful accomplished.
Founder: Audra Johnson Janke
Business Name TBD
Tell us about your venture.
I want to provide a safe space for front-line workers to inventory their wellbeing and any needed follow-up resources. COVID-19 highlighted the importance of people on the front lines: nurses, firefighters, police and other support staff. My customers will be the non-profit organizations that employ these societal caretakers. The products I'm selling are coaching, counseling, training/education and wellness consulting.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I am in dire need of help with branding, marketing and the essentials of business finance. Selling myself and meeting expectations is something I've struggled with in the past, and my hope is that I can develop the skills to know what to do, so I can act, not freeze, when my business requires me to step into these areas.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
This venture has been a passion project for the last eight years, providing in-person services for Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and virtual services for front-line healthcare workers. Many of these caretakers are burnt out and forced to choose between their work and their wellbeing. My venture will provide a space for them to process their experiences before that choice is forced on them. Because this venture is for the public good, I am more than ready to receive tough feedback about the business model and integrate suggested changes. This business needs to work because our guardians need space and resources to recover after their shift.
Founder: Caitlin Moen
Business Name: Midnight Spark
Tell us about your venture.
I own a permanent jewelry business called Midnight Spark. Permanent jewelry is welded together on the spot, creating a unique design and a custom fit. I have been running my business through vendor shows, private parties and pop-ups, and my target customers are women in the Sioux Falls area.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I would love to gain connections with other business owners, as part of my business includes partnering with salons, boutiques and coffee shops. I also want to nail down my systems for inventory and finances. It would be great to learn more about commercial real estate and if it would be feasible to take my business to a store front location.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have recently taken the plunge to start my own business. I have a passion for Sioux Falls and would love to be a member of the business community for the rest of my life.
Founder: Cham Phan
Business name TBD
Tell us about your venture.
Currently, I’m planning on selling infrared photos, 3D animations and custom wood moth pieces for a niche product. I need help figuring out the best approach.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I want to figure out how to organize my business, meet fellow startups and maybe find a business partner if necessary.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I have been building my skills for 15 years, and I finally feel ready.
Founder: Lyndsey Kastein
Business Name: LK Design Co.
Tell us about your venture.
I've been a graphic designer for over a decade, but I decided to start my own business a couple of years ago. I have a small customer base but am looking to grow my business and formalize things.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I am good at design, but business isn't my forte. I would like to learn what I could or should be doing that I'm not already, and this seems like a perfect space to do that.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I want to have a really solid groundwork before expanding my business or growing beyond its current state. I also hope to gain confidence in what I'm doing.
Founder: Shannon Ward
Business Name: Thrive605
Tell us about your venture.
Thrive605 is a holistic wellness center featuring activities for those in the recovery community or those who haven't quite found it yet. I envision a brick and mortar location where people can hang out without alcohol, that is also family-friendly.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I would love some help fleshing out the details, learning about funding and finding others in the community who are driven to support wellness.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I see a gaping hole in the resources available to this section of the community, and I know that through this intentional program, I can find the right information and motivation to take this idea from the drawing board to reality.
Founder: Brian Bieber
Business Name: Ghosts & Horses
Tell us about your venture.
I am a copywriter and creative director who is going solo. I would like to work with companies, organizations and individuals on a contract or freelance basis to provide creative direction, branding and copywriting services.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
Freelancing has always been an occasional hobby, but now that I'm interested in going full-time, I need to learn how to make it my livelihood. I need help with everything from bookkeeping to project and time management. Being part of a community of people in similar situations would be extremely helpful.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I think that I might be further along my business journey than I think I am, but I don't yet know what I don't know about running a business. I've always said that I'd never abandon a day job for entrepreneurship, but over the past year I've started to change my mind. I've realized that I'm tired of limiting myself by working for other people. I want to take control of my professional destiny.
Founder: Matt Boos
Business Name: Growth Mindset Coaching and Consulting
Tell us about your venture.
My customers are large farmers located throughout the United States who have grown businesses through hard work and determination. They are seeking personal development and strategic vision for their operations. I am providing a yearly group mastermind program, as well as one-on-one coaching. The group mastermind will focus on eight to ten farmers from various geographic regions, and I will be introducing business development concepts that are tailored to farmers' unique and seasonable businesses.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I want to develop relationships throughout the Sioux Falls startup community. I have worked from home throughout my career in various locations in the Midwest, and not being a native of Sioux Falls has made it more difficult to develop business relationships.
I am also looking to be held responsible for continuing to work on my business every week. I am transitioning from my current full-time job into this business idea, and it is very easy for me to put my business concept on the back burner.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
With the work and capital I have invested so far, this is far more than a fleeting concept. I need the energy and expertise of others to push me to the finish line. I have a specific timeline when I want to quit my current job and transition, and this program will be key to attaining my specific goals.
Founder: Adam Ellsworth
Business Name: Molten Audio
Tell us about your venture.
Molten Audio provides equipment and expertise for concerts, meetings and special events. I've been in business as a serious hobby for almost 18 years but made the jump to full-time in 2021.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
While I've figured out enough business logistics to function, I have huge blind spots when it comes to marketing, HR and goal-setting. I am tired of treading water and ready to be serious about growth.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I feel like I'm at a critical growth point. I've made a big investment in equipment over the years and have enough business to keep me and a few part-time people busy but not enough to sustain them full-time year-round, so I train people and lose them to competitors. I've obviously been "in business" a long time but I'm long overdue for acceleration.
Interested in CO.STARTERS?
Inspired by the stories shared above? Ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey? Fill out an interest form for CO.STARTERS today, and be the first to hear when our next accelerator begins!