Resource Organizations

Community State and Federal Venture Capital Economic Development Associations Media More

Community

Community Organizations

Startup Sioux Falls is a community organization that connects small business owners and entrepreneurs to one another and to the startup ecosystem in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota metro. Our mission is to create a movement of small business owners and startup founders working to create and grow businesses for the betterment of themselves, their families, and their communities. Learn more at startupsiouxfalls.com.

The Sioux Falls Developers Group is a community of software developers and technology entrepreneurs in the Sioux Falls area. Each month they bring in speakers to present on a wide variety of software development topics. Learn more at SFDevs.com.

Business Woman Sioux Falls is a group that aims is to provide supportive, uplifting encouragement for the wealth of women in business, from small business owners to company CEOs, to the entrepreneurial woman just getting started on her business journey.
businesswomansiouxfalls.com

State and Federal

State and Federally-Funded Agencies

The South Dakota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps new entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership and assists existing businesses in their efforts to remain competitive. Learn more at sdbusinesshelp.com or read our article.

The Enterprise Institute is a private, non-profit corporation that provides customized business development and commercialization services to entrepreneurs, inventors, and start-up companies in South Dakota. Learn more at sdei.org or read our article.

The Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) works to retain and expand existing businesses, foster new businesses, facilitate business succession and recruit out-of-state businesses. GOED also administers a variety of financing opportunities available to businesses. Learn more at sdgoed.com.

Sioux Falls SCORE provides free and confidential one-on-one business counseling by phone, email, and in-person in South Dakota. They also conduct workshops for both start-up entrepreneurs and seasoned small business owners. Learn more at southdakota.score.org or read our article.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a United States government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The SBA connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business. Learn more at www.sba.gov or read our article.

The South Dakota Manufacturing and Technology Solutions’ (SDMTS) mission is to provide solutions which will assist all of South Dakota manufacturers to prosper and grow”. They support industry and business in the workplace—whether that's in the office, on the factory floor, at a hospital, in a bank, or on the job site. Learn more at sdmanufacturing.com or read our article.

The Small Business Innovation Research program is a United States Government program, coordinated by the Small Business Administration, intended to help certain small businesses conduct research and development. Learn more at sbir.gov or read our article.

Focused on empowering women and entrepreneurship across South Dakota, SD CEO, partially grant funded by the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), provides those interested in starting or already owning their own businesses with the resources they need to succeed. Along with free and confidential business consultation, SD CEO offers in-person workshops, online training courses, educational seminars, and networking opportunities.

South Dakota EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) supports research, education, and workforce development in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across South Dakota. The program fosters collaboration between universities, industry, and government to drive innovation, expand research capacity, and strengthen the state's STEM ecosystem. Learn more at SDEPSCoR.org

South Dakota Trade is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping South Dakota businesses navigate international trade. They provide education, resources, and connections to support importers and exporters in expanding their global reach. Through trade missions, expert guidance, and networking opportunities, South Dakota Trade empowers businesses to grow and compete in the international marketplace. Learn more at SouthDakotaTrade.com

Venture Capital

Venture Capital Resources

Read our venture capital guide: How to Raise Money for Your Business in the Great Plains or the Midwest

Falls Angel Fund is a Sioux Falls-based community angel investment fund that invests in early-stage, high-growth companies in South Dakota and surrounding states. Learn more about Falls Angel Fund at www.sdei.org or read our article.

The Enterprise Institute operates a network of community-based angel investment funds in South Dakota. This network includes Falls Angel Fund (Sioux Falls), Black Hills Regional Angel Fund (Rapid City), Hub City Capital (Aberdeen), Park Capital Fund 1 (Brookings) and Kampeska Capital (Watertown). Learn more at www.sdei.org or read our article.

Bluestem Capital is a mid-west private equity company based in Sioux Falls, SD. The officers of Bluestem have over 85 years of collective business and private equity experience. Learn more about Bluestem at www.bluestemcapital.com or read our article.

Homegrown Capital is a South Dakota-based venture capital company that invests in early-stage, technology-driven companies in the Northern Plains. Learn more at homegrown.capital.

Cresten Capital Holdings is a venture capital firm based out of Sioux Falls led by Kevin Tupy. Partnering with talented entrepreneurs and executive teams, Cresten takes a hands-on approach to unlock underlying value, enhance profitability, and scale businesses. Learn more at CrescentPE.com or read our article.

South Dakota Equity Partners is a public-private partnership that aims to invest up to $30 million into early and growth-stage companies in South Dakota. The partnership aims to invest in a variety of projects, primarily research commercialization and knowledge-based companies. You can learn more by reading our article or by contacting Blaine Crissman at bcrissman@southdakotaequity.com.

Dakota Business Finance is a SBA 504 lending program to finance land, buildings, and long-term equipment. Learn more at dakotabusinessfinance.com or read our article.

Bird Dog Equity Partners holds true to a disciplined investment philosophy that is focused on the people behind the investment. Their funds are characterized by a relatively small number of diligently-selected investments that meet all of our long-established criteria. Learn more at BirdDogEquity.com or read our article.

McGowan Capital provides select investors with exceptional private equity and income opportunities and to bring creative financing solutions to business owners. They invest in promising companies with strong management and solid business models. Learn more at McGowanCapitalGroup.com.

South Dakota Innovation Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm is focused on science and technology-based business ventures, providing qualified partners with seed capital and world-class business development, and providing a return on investment to each of our partners. Learn more at southdakotainnovation.com or read our article.

Great North Ventures is an early-stage venture fund for the upper Midwest that is actively looking to do make venture investments in South Dakota companies. They apply capital, operating experience, relationships, and market intelligence to cultivate the next generation of leading tech companies across the upper Midwest. Learn more or read our article.

The South Dakota Development Corporation was formed in 1983 to help South Dakota businesses access loans from the SBA 504 loan program. Through the program, business owners can borrow between $100,000 to $5.5 million with 10, 20 or 25 year repayment periods if eligible. Learn more at thinksddc.com or read our article.

Falls Fintech is a custom, 10-week program designed to accelerate market readiness for early-stage financial technology startups. Learn more at fallsfintech.com or read our article.

Expansion Capital Group is a revenue-based lender that offers short-term financing to small businesses and growing companies. Learn more at ecg.com or read our article.

South Dakota First is the state’s economic development organization, dedicated to helping businesses start, expand, or relocate in South Dakota. They provide resources, funding opportunities, and strategic support to drive economic growth and innovation across the state. Learn more at SouthDakotaFirst.com

Economic Development

Economic Development Organizations

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce aims to be the leading Sioux Falls area business advocate, with the mission of advancing and promoting the economic health and quality of life of the region. Learn more about the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at siouxfallschamber.com.

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is a non-profit development corporation that facilitates the attraction of new businesses, the retention, and expansion of existing firms and the formation of new companies. Learn more at siouxfallsdevelopment.com or read our article.

Forward Sioux Falls is a joint venture economic development partnership between the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Since 1987 it has raised more than $52 million to enhance economic development efforts and improve the quality of life of the region. Learn more at www.forwardsiouxfalls.com or read our article.

Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. provides leadership to the downtown business community by fostering diverse experiences, economic growth, and a healthy environment. Learn more at dtsf.com or read our article.

The Dakota Institute is a research and policy organization focused on advancing economic and policy solutions that drive growth and opportunity in the region. Through data-driven research, analysis, and advocacy, the institute helps inform decision-making and supports initiatives that strengthen South Dakota’s economy. Learn more.

Dakota Resources helps rural communities help themselves through innovative processes, tools, training and resources. Their ambitious initiatives are designed to enhance rural entrepreneur and business development, rural housing development, community and leadership development and financial development!! Learn more.

The South Dakota Black Chamber of Commerce (SDBCC) is dedicated to empowering Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across the state. Through advocacy, networking, and business development resources, SDBCC works to create economic growth, equity, and opportunities within South Dakota’s Black business community. Learn more.

The Economic Development Professionals Association of South Dakota (EDPA) is a network of economic development professionals dedicated to fostering growth and collaboration across the state. EDPA provides education, resources, and advocacy to support economic development initiatives and strengthen South Dakota’s business environment. Learn more.

The South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SDHCC) supports and empowers Hispanic entrepreneurs and businesses across the state. Through advocacy, networking, and business resources, SDHCC fosters economic growth and opportunities within South Dakota’s Hispanic community. Learn more.

Associations

Professional Associations

AIGA, the professional association for design, advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. AIGA SD is one of 70+ chapters advocating for design's value in the community through monthly speakers, workshops, social events, community projects, and grant programs. Read our article or Follow along at with AIGA.

The South Dakota Nonprofit Network (SDNN) is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening the nonprofit sector. SDNN provides resources, education, and advocacy to help nonprofits thrive and make a greater impact in their communities. Learn more at SDNonprofitNetwork.org

South Dakota Biotech is the state affiliate of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). This non-profit organization is dedicated to developing biotechnology through expanding research, advocacy, funding, education, infrastructure development, and promotion. Learn more at sdbio.org or read our article.

The American Advertising Federation of South Dakota (AAF-SD) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the advertising and marketing industry in the state. AAF-SD provides networking opportunities, industry insights, and professional development for marketers, creatives, and advertisers. Learn more at AAF-SD.org

It takes hard work, persistence, and determination for a family business to succeed. Owners have the unique challenge of overlapping family and business systems, resulting in dynamics unlike any other type of organization. Prairie Family Business Association, the center for family business education in the Midwest, exists to help family businesses succeed for generations through quality education and networking. Learn more at fambus.org or read our article.

Media

Media Outlets

The Sioux Falls Business Journal (SFBJ) is a weekly news magazine published by Argus Leader Media. Read the latest stories from SFBJ at argusleader.com.

SiouxFalls.Business is a digital media outlet published by Jodi Schwan that covers startup and business news in the Sioux Falls metro area. Learn more at siouxfalls.business.

Chamber News is the monthly publication of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. It covers news and trends related to the Sioux Falls Business Community. Learn more at chambernews.com.

Silicon Prairie News is a regional publication that aims to grow, connect and inspire the tech innovation communities in the Great Plains and the Midwest. Learn more at siliconprairienews.com.

The Dakota Scout is an independent news outlet providing in-depth coverage of politics, business, and community issues in South Dakota. With a focus on investigative journalism and local reporting, The Dakota Scout delivers news that keeps residents informed and engaged. Learn more.

Prairie Business Magazine is a regional publication that covers business news and events in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Learn more at prairiebusinessmagazine.com.

Sioux Falls Simplified is a digital news platform that delivers clear, concise, and locally focused journalism. With a commitment to making news easy to understand, they provide in-depth coverage of business, government, and community stories in Sioux Falls. Learn more at SFSimplified.com

Research Parks, Universities, & Incubation Facilities

The USD Discovery District is an 80-acre contemporary corporate and academic research park under development in Sioux Falls. It is a resource to help grow companies in South Dakota and connect universities with innovation-driven businesses. Learn more at usddiscovery.com.

The USD GEAR Center provides a physical location for both private sector and university research activities, including USD’s Biomedical Engineering Program. USD GEAR’s specialized research suites, equipment, and technical staff are available to support public and private sector research activities. Learn more at USDDiscovery.com or read our article.

The NSU Startup Center, based at Northern State University, supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, mentorship, and resources. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the center helps startups grow and succeed in South Dakota’s business landscape. Learn more at Northern.edu/StartupCenter

The Dakota State Applied Research Corporation (DARC) is a research entity advancing cutting-edge solutions in cybersecurity, technology, and digital innovation. Leveraging the expertise of skilled researchers and industry professionals, DARC engages in collaborative projects, applied research, and technology development initiatives to address real-world challenges faced by businesses, government entities, and communities. Learn more.

Sioux Falls Business Resource Network (SFBRN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting local businesses in employing people with disabilities. Read our article.

The Dakota Research and Consulting Organization (DRACO) is a graduate student-run biotechnology consulting group. Their board of directors guides our consultants in the completion of projects for regional biotechnology firms. Read our article.

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