Founder Q&A: Startup Sioux Falls introduces Fall 2023 CO.STARTERS cohort
This project is made possible through a partnership with Startup Sioux Falls and grant funding provided through the Community Navigator Pilot Program, powered by the SBA. More information can be found here.
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Today, Wednesday, August 9th, 16 founders will gather at Startup Sioux Falls for the first meeting of the fall CO.STARTERS accelerator program.
The cohort will be facilitated by Erin Bosch, a talent and leadership consultant with over 12 years of experience across various nonprofits. She brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to benefit the participants in their journeys.
“I am a conduit, and connections are my passion,” she said. “Being of service to others fills my cup. I am a ‘has been’ entrepreneur, and I am happy to share all the good and the bad.”
At the end of the 10-week program, participants should gain clarity and direction, walking away with an actionable roadmap for their business venture.
Meet the founders
Ready to meet this next class of starters? Scroll through our Founder Q&As below to learn more about the entrepreneurs and their business ventures.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Jump to:
- Sara Lum, Palette Creative Co.
- Lynsey Prosser, Lynsey Prosser Photography
- Jessica McEntaffer, Bright Nests
- Local Lou, Local Lou podcast
- Tye Dybedahl, Dakota Hydroponics
- Manyang Gak, Loyal Leaf Tax, LLC
- Zane Schumacher, myfinancialpal
- Lisa Coder, Home Vet PC
- Austin Klueber, 605 Snacks
- Mary Spargur, The Effortless Bow
- Amanda Viau Hopkins, Prep U
- Dana Wohlwend, Sioux Falls Food Tours
- Shane Fischer, Ink Knell
- Jason Raether
- Rachel Dewey
- Michael Winkleman, Sauce Junkie
Founder: Sara Lum
Business Name: Palette Creative Co.
Tell us about your venture.
My venture is a company that provides marketing tools, education, research, and services to AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) firms.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I have a business idea I want to test, and participating in CO.STARTERS is the perfect way to validate if there is a market alongside a supportive community.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
When I joined the Startup Sioux Falls team in 2020, I was responsible for launching and managing CO.STARTERS. I have seen the impact of the program on others firsthand, and I believe in the programs we offer. I knew when I had this idea that CO.STARTERS would be the perfect first step to take.
Founder: Lynsey Prosser
Business Name: Lynsey Prosser Photography
Tell us about your venture.
I started my wedding and portrait photography business back in 2019, and over the last few years, I've become really passionate and excited about brand photography. I officially began implementing brand photography as a main service in my business earlier this year and am looking forward to expanding it even further.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I've met with several fellow business owners who have been through the program and have a lot of positive things to say about it.
My hope is that this program will help me better strategize and implement a growth plan for my business and provide me with tools to market my business better. I'm looking forward to building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and being inspired by others who are on similar journeys. I hope to leave the program energized, encouraged and with a tangible plan to tackle my business goals.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
The thing that makes me most excited about running my business and diving deeper into brand photography is connecting with other entrepreneurs. Sioux Falls has such a great community of business owners, and I'm excited to bring my ideas to the table and play a part in creating an even better place for business.
Founder: Jessica McEntaffer
Business Name: Bright Nests
Tell us about your venture.
Bright Nests, an interior design studio located in Sioux Falls, wants you to love where you land. We specialize in tailoring bespoke interiors for those seeking functional yet radiant living and working spaces.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
As a recent transplant to the area, joining CO.STARTERS felt like the best way to jumpstart new connections in the community. I sought inspiration from the collective creativity and innovative spirit of the area's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As with any startup, we have big plans. I hope for guidance and benchmarks for when to "level up" and take the next calculated risk to grow our business and provide exceptional client service.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
We harness our expertise and resources to transform our client's visions into tangible realities, consistently surpassing their expectations in service, value, functionality and aesthetics. At the core of our approach lies a commitment to transparency in our practice and to creating healthy and sustainable spaces.
Together with my co-founder, Alisha Bohdan, we are equally impassioned by our dedication to the community. Embracing our social responsibility, a portion of our profits is dedicated to giving back and actively participating in positive endeavors within the area. Through our design work and community involvement, we aim to leave a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those we serve and the places we touch.
Founder: Local Lou
Business Name: Local Lou Podcast
Tell us about your venture.
The Local Lou Podcast is dedicated to exploring local history, with a focus on the Sioux Falls area. Lou begins her journey by reading historical markers or plaques. She then hits the library, historical society, museum archives or the internet for her research to gain a deeper understanding of the story being told and shares her findings with listeners. Local Lou is committed to uncovering the rich history of Sioux Falls that we just might be walking by every day.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I have attended a CO.STARTERS pitch night, and have talked with a few people who completed a previous cycle. Seeing their achievements and what the program can do, or inspire and encourage you to do for yourself, was the inspiration I needed to toss my hat in the ring and commit to seeing what the future of Local Lou looks like through the eyes of others.
I am excited to focus on and harness some of the excitement and attention I have received for the Local Lou Podcast. I have hopes, dreams and ideas, but no real plan for what direction I would like to take this.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
Most people care about history in some way shape or form. I am here to get a new generation excited about our past (yup, even the ugly stuff). Let’s toss out meaningless small talk at business get-togethers and bring in tidbits of local history. Listening to the Local Lou Podcast is a great way to learn a little about the area.
Founder: Tye Dybedahl
Business Name: Dakota Hydroponics
Tell us about your venture.
Dakota Hydroponics is a sustainable farm that combines new-age hydroponic growing with regenerative farming practices to bring high-quality produce to the Sioux Falls area.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I hope to accelerate my business, learn new and useful information and make valuable connections.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
Nearly all of the food that we see in our markets was not produced anywhere close to where we live and therefore must be shipped in on refrigerated trucks over hundreds or thousands of miles, usually weeks or even months after harvest.
This model aims to reduce the number of miles traveled, reduce the time that produce sits after harvest, and increase the amount of nutrients customers obtain from the food that they eat while keeping more money in our local economy.
Founder: Manyang Gak
Business Name: Loyal Leaf Tax, LLC
Tell us about your venture.
Loyal Leaf Tax LLC is the premier tax preparation service for individuals and small businesses. The firm’s mission is to provide the highest standard of excellence in delivering tax preparation, tax planning and tax consulting services.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
As an aspiring entrepreneur, I want to join a community of like-minded individuals and learn from other experienced entrepreneurs. I have been reading about Startup Sioux Falls’ programs since last year, and I believe joining CO.STARTERS will give me valuable insights.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I am looking for a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, and joining the CO.STARTERS will enable me to learn more on the startup know-how side. I have been working on my startup since 2014 and have gained skills in income tax matters, but now I want to take the business to the next level.
Founder: Zane Schumacher
Business Name: myfinancialpal
Tell us about your venture.
Myfinancialpal was started because we believe everyone deserves to live their best financial life. We’re creating an easy way to meet with a financial expert to get the help you need when you need it. Our vision is to help as many people as possible get out of debt, build wealth and feel confident about their financial position. We offer affordable, on-demand, no-judgment meetings with a financial expert.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
To be surrounded by other founders and take the next step with my business. I've never created a company before so I'm hoping to learn how to properly build, grow and scale my business. I’m interested in growth and marketing strategies as well.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I believe I can help many people with their financial lives, and I also believe that it can be scalable as well with the technology I plan on building on the backend to automate the processes.
Founder: Lisa Coder
Business Name: Home Vet, PC
Tell us about your venture.
We currently work as an integrative practice, providing traditional care as well as holistic alternative therapies to our patients. We believe in whole pet health, and our goal is to make every pet as healthy and happy as possible.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I love learning, and always love making connections and meeting new people. I thought this was a great opportunity to expand my skills and get an insight into other businesses.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
We put our employees and clients first. We believe in kindness, teamwork and innovation in medicine to offer the best care for our patients. We want to be active in our community and believe everyone has something to offer.
Founder: Austin Klueber
Business Name: 605 Snacks
Tell us about your venture.
605 Snacks is a local food and beverage vending company.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
Networking and gaining knowledge on how to scale my business. I want to learn the best way to grow the business and increase profits.
Founder: Mary Spargur
Business Name: The Effortless Bow
Tell us about your venture.
The Effortless Bow is an inclusive studio in Sioux Falls making and selling modern, handmade hair bows and hair accessories. Over half of the team at The Effortless Bow has intellectual or developmental disabilities. Our goal is to produce quality products in an inclusive environment bringing positivity and support to disability inclusion.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I've heard others who have been through the program and the empowerment that comes with it. It’s amazing what you can do when you are equipped with knowledge and encouragement.
I would like to check my systems and establish systems where there are none. I want to be able to scale my business to a place where I can afford to hire an office manager or virtual assistant.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I'm driven by my heart. I do need to make money to make bills, but my small business is really about the people and the team we've created. I want to see it grow to support and impact more people.
Founder: Amanda Viau Hopkins
Business Name: Prep U
Tell us about your venture.
Prep U is a food service operation that lets our guests choose what model works best for them — customized meal kits that you cook at home, prepping on-site with the help of a chef, or ready-to-heat meals — all while feeling good about being able to be part of a community initiative to provide meals to those lacking support or facing food insecurity.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I’m hoping to figure out the best path to take with all of the ideas I have for this business.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
It's a dream from my heart, and my brain is excited to get rolling.
Founder: Dana Wohlwend
Business Name: Sioux Falls Food Tours
Tell us about your venture.
Sioux Falls Food Tours introduces participants to local history while showing off the amazing culinary culture that is found in Sioux Falls.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I hope to learn what I don't know that I don't know. I want to achieve a great network of individuals that can help me move forward and, in turn, provide my knowledge to help others.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I am ready to move into a full-time venture and need the structure to do so. I love what I do, and I want to share my passion with others.
Founder: Shane Fischer
Business Name: Ink Knell
Tell us about your venture.
Ink Knell is a personalized writing and poetry service. We express the unique and special stories of clients.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I need solidarity with other entrepreneurs, accountability and all-around help. I want to set and achieve goals, become proficient at marketing and make positive friendships.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I love to collaborate, I love to learn, and I love conversation.
Founder: Jason Raether
Business Name: TBD
Tell us about your venture.
Not sharing info at this time.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
My goal is to create a more formal business model for the services I provide.
Founder: Rachel Dewey
Business Name: TBD
Tell us about your venture.
My business is focused on podcast production, editing and content strategy. From developing your show idea and finding your target audience, to figuring out what you need to grow your show to the next level — I'm in your corner helping you create content that resonates.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
A friend encouraged me to apply after she was part of an EmBe cohort earlier this year. The community of the cohort is what I'm most excited about. Starting a business can be challenging, especially when it's just you. Getting to share this experience with others who are doing the same thing, and to learn from, encourage and grow with others through this experience is invaluable.
I also want to find my specific niche in the podcasting world and start to build a client list of people who are underrepresented in the industry. Even though my background is in marketing, I'm more comfortable helping others promote their work than I am sharing my own. I want to become more comfortable with that and build an online presence that reflects what I have to offer potential clients.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I'm new to small business, but I have a vast well of experience to offer. If you have a podcast idea or even an existing show, I'd love to connect with you. And if you're further along in the small business journey than I am, I have plenty of questions I'd love to ask you, too.
Founder: Michael Winkleman
Business Name: Sauce Junkie
Tell us about your venture.
Sauce Junkie sauces and rubs can take your barbecue game to the next level. From classic flavors to unique combinations, Sauce Junkie has it all.
What are you hoping to get out of this program?
I want to elevate my business game, see what new networking opportunities are out there and sharpen my skills in operations and business growth. I hope to gain additional knowledge on how to grow my business operationally and financially in the future.
Why are you and your venture a good fit for CO.STARTERS?
I own several businesses, but specifically, I want to grow this business into a machine that is a national brand. Sauce Junkie is an online business where we sell our sauces and rubs and other great pit-master sauces online, both individually and through a monthly subscription service. Sauce Junkie has been created, but we are working on the website and finalizing labels now. I am also looking for opportunities to outsource manufacturing.
