WHAT WE DO

Collider activates, connects, and empowers Rochester’s early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses with 1:1 ecosystem navigation, education, space, and storytelling to help foster an inclusive, diverse, and healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We believe that entrepreneurship should be accessible to EVERYONE in Rochester.

OUR MISSION

Collider activates, connects, and empowers our local early-stage entrepreneurs.

OUR VISION

We believe there should be zero barriers to entrepreneurship for everyone in Rochester with a great idea and a passion to see it grow.

We are proud to be named the KIMT3 nonprofit of the month for October 2023. Learn more about our work through this video by the KIMT3 team.

Our Team

AMANDA LEIGHTNER
Executive Director

Amanda Leightner is an entrepreneur and entrepreneurial ecosystem builder. She is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and has lived in Rochester since 2007. In 2016, Amanda launched Rochester Rising, an online news site that amplifies the stories of Rochester entrepreneurs. Since that time, she’s told the stories of over 200 unique startups and innovative small businesses on Rochester Rising. Amanda is also the 2017 recipient of the R.A.V.E. Warrior Award from Rochester Economic Development, Inc. in recognition of her advocacy for Rochester’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. She also currently volunteers on the Rochester Public Library Foundation Board and enjoys reading, running, and baking in her spare time.

Corrie Strommen, Director of Communications

A member of the Rochester community since 2016, Corrie has served Rochester residents in many ways from their coffee consumption to photography needs and is excited to add community building with the Collider Team to her repertoire. She is passionate about the growing number of musicians, artists, and small businesses here in Rochester, and the vibrance these groups and individuals add to our city. Outside the office she enjoys reading, running, live music and time spent with friends, her husband, and their long eared dog, Lou.

Juliana Silva, Director of Navigation

Juliana began a new chapter of her life in Rochester in 2021. Originally from Colombia and thanks to her MBA and experience in marketing, she wants to promote the participation of minority groups in the business ecosystem, helping them navigate and consolidate their business ideas. Through her content on social networks, she wants to contribute to financial literacy among the Hispanic population so that they are more aware of the proper use of money. She loves to challenge herself by exercising and learning about cultures through cooking.

Sam Gill, Community Manager

Sam is passionate about small businesses. He grew up working for the family agricultural consulting business, and deeply values the strong work ethic, drive, and commitment to excellence he developed there. After graduating from college, Sam has worked at a variety of nonprofits and foundations throughout Minnesota focusing on strategic communications, grassroots advocacy, constituent relations, and general public affairs activities. Throughout his career, Sam has consistently supported entrepreneurs and small business owners while promoting their invaluable contributions to the local economy. Outside of work, you can find Sam golfing, fly fishing for elusive brook trout near Lanesboro, or walking his two dogs on the Great River Ridge State Trail.

Our Board

Annual Reports