Coffee with Creators
Join us for a morning of entrepreneurial energy as passionate creators and entrepreneurs share their stories and insights in short talks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Rochester's entrepreneurial community, network with other go-getters, and get inspired! This event offers more than just a caffeine kick—it's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forge valuable connections, and cultivate the seeds of collaboration. So, grab a cup, engage with the stories of our creators, and let the ideas percolate.
Sales & Branding Workshop
Incubator Workshops: Sales & Branding - Register Here
Learn how to find your first customers and grow your business through a powerful brand that resonates with your audience.
Bean Bag Shootout Tournament
Mark your calendars for Collider Foundation's second annual Bean Bag Shootout Tournament! Join us for an afternoon of fun and community, all while raising funds to support entrepreneurship in Rochester, MN.
Your $50 participation fee includes entry for your team of 2 into a bean bag tournament bracket, where you get to play at least three games, a free drink ticket, and snacks.
Don't have a team? No worries! You can register as well as an individual and we will pair you with another participant to enter into the tournament.
The winning team will receive a special, custom prize!
Food trucks will be available on site at Little Thistle for additional food purchases.
You don't have to enter the bean bag tournament to attend! Please select a free or donation provided ticket to join in and enjoy the day.
All funds from bean bag teams and donations raised will go directly to keep Collider Foundation's work free or very low cost to early stage entrepreneurs in this community.
A huge thank you to our host sponsor for this event, Little Thistle Brewing!
A big thank you to all of our tournament sponsors, including:
Bleu Duck Kitchen
Cafe Steam
Apex Insurance
Potbelly Rochester
Web Design Workshop
Incubator Workshops: Web Design - Register Here
Tips and good practices for creating a strong online presence, whether you're a brick-and-mortar shop or an online business.
Funding Workshop
Incubator Workshops: Funding - Register Here
Explore different funding options such as bank loans, SBA loans, equity loans, and give a basic introduction on how they work from a banker's perspective.
Finance Workshop
Community Incubator Workshop: Finance - Register Here
A practical session on understanding and managing your business finances, including key statements and tools for planning and sustainability.
Collider Community Incubator
Applications are open!
This 12-week, intensive program is designed to elevate your business from a solid model to a thriving enterprise within the Rochester community. Through this structured program, you will develop a minimal viable product or boost your sales, positioning your business for success.
The Collider Cup & Business Expo
Join us on March 25th for an evening of connection, community, and supporting emerging entrepreneurs in the community.
The Collider Cup is a business pitch competition, celebrating the graduation of our latest CO.STARTERS at Collider cohort. This group has spent the last 10 weeks thinking through their business ideas, narrowing their focus, and taking their business idea to the next stage. These business owners will be competing for cash prizes, with the winner taking home the coveted Collider Cup trophy!
Cash prizes for the event are generously supported by Minnwest Bank.
In addition to the pitch competition, this event will also include a Community Expo, where local entrepreneurs will showcase their products and services, which are being built right here in the community. This expo is supported by a grant from the City of Rochester’s Community Building Fund.
This event is free to attend. However, any ticket sale donations will be awarded to one of the graduating CO.STARTERS businesses to help with their startup costs.
Register here!
Agenda:
5:00 PM- Doors open, networking and expo
5:30 PM - Collier Cup pitch competition
7:00 PM - Networking and expo
7:30PM- CO.STARTERS graduation and winners announced
This year, the CO.STARTERS and the Collider Cup is supported by our partners Fredrikson & Byron Foundation, Mayo Clinic Department of Business Development, Otto Bremer Trust, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Small Business Technical Assistance Program, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), Think Bank, E1 Entrepreneurs First SE MN, Minnwest Bank, The City of Rochester, and the Small Business Development Center of SE MN.
Coffee with Creators
Join us for a morning of entrepreneurial energy as passionate creators and entrepreneurs share their stories and insights in short talks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Rochester's entrepreneurial community, network with other go-getters, and get inspired! This event offers more than just a caffeine kick—it's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forge valuable connections, and cultivate the seeds of collaboration. So, grab a cup, engage with the stories of our creators, and let the ideas percolate.
Free Day of Coworking
Join us for a free day of coworking at Collider!
Come in to our space at the Minnesota BioBusiness Center at any time from 8am to 4pm to work and experience the Collider coworking community! We have desks, wifi, and snacks available for you. Get out of your house, meet some new people, and have a productive workday with us here at Collider. All are welcome!
Free Day of Coworking
Join us for a free day of coworking at Collider!
Come in to our space at the Minnesota BioBusiness Center at any time from 8am to 4pm to work and experience the Collider coworking community! We have desks, wifi, and snacks available for you. Get out of your house, meet some new people, and have a productive workday with us here at Collider. All are welcome!
Coffee with Creators
Join us for a morning of entrepreneurial energy as passionate creators and entrepreneurs share their stories and insights in short talks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Rochester's entrepreneurial community, network with other go-getters, and get inspired! This event offers more than just a caffeine kick—it's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forge valuable connections, and cultivate the seeds of collaboration. So, grab a cup, engage with the stories of our creators, and let the ideas percolate.
Free Day of Coworking
Join us for a free day of coworking at Collider!
Come in to our space at the Minnesota BioBusiness Center at any time from 8am to 4pm to work and experience the Collider coworking community! We have desks, wifi, and snacks available for you. Get out of your house, meet some new people, and have a productive workday with us here at Collider. All are welcome!
Collider Community Incubator Demo Day
Celebrate the graduation of the second cohort of our Community Business Incubator Program!
Join us for a morning of innovation, as each entrepreneur pitches their unique product or service and offers a quick demonstration. It’s a chance to see firsthand the impact of our program and support local talent.
We’ll also have a fireside chat with Nate Nordstrom, our Entrepreneur in Residence. Nate’s entrepreneurial journey started with a curbside stand at age five and has grown into multiple ventures, including BrandHoot and New Spin Bicycle Shop. He’ll share the ups and downs of his career and inspire anyone with a passion for building something new.
Free to attend! Contributions are welcome to help us keep supporting our mission.
The Collider Community Incubator is supported by MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Altra Federal Credit Union, Southeast Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), First Alliance Credit Union, and Otto Bremer Trust.
Community Incubator Workshops: Branding & Web Design
In this workshop, you’ll discover the fundamentals of effective branding and web design, from defining your brand identity to creating user-friendly, visually compelling websites. Join our public workshop with Izzy Waite, an experienced web designer and solo entrepreneur, for a workshop designed to help startups build a brand that stands out.
Brand Foundations: Identify and solidify core brand values to guide your online presence.
Visual Storytelling: Learn to use images, typography, and layout to create an engaging and memorable digital experience.
User Experience Essentials: Understand how to design for intuitive navigation and maximize visitor engagement.
Startup-Focused Tips: Practical advice and common pitfalls to avoid as you build or refine your brand.
The Collider Community Incubator is supported by MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Altra Federal Credit Union, Southeast Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), and Otto Bremer Trust.
Registration is required for non-incubator companies.
Collider Happy Hour
We're bringing it back, people!
Join us for happy hour at Bleu Duck Kitchen every third Thursday of the month to enjoy a beverage, network, and unwind! Bleu Duck has great happy hour specials on beer, cocktails, and wine - so come on out and end your workday with us!
CO.STARTERS at Collider Application Process open for Winter 2025 cohort
CO.STARTERS helps communities build vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems by equipping them with the best tools and resources needed to support starters of all kinds. Building on initial grassroots efforts with starters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, CO.STARTERS now has a global reach with thousands participating in its programs annually. Collider Foundation is a member of the global CO.STARTERS network. Learn more about the CO.STARTERS network at costarters.co.
CO.STARTERS is a cohort-based program that helps you create the insights, relationships, and tools you need to turn your ideas ideas into action.
Our next 10 week cohort starts January 21st. Participants will be accepted through a competitive application process, linked below. Spots are limited, so we encourage interested entrepreneurs to take their time with the application and reach out to us with any questions.
Applications for our Winter 2024 cohort will close on December 9, 2024.
Access the application HERE.
Coffee with Creators
Join us for a morning of entrepreneurial energy as passionate creators and entrepreneurs share their stories and insights in short talks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Rochester's entrepreneurial community, network with other go-getters, and get inspired! This event offers more than just a caffeine kick—it's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forge valuable connections, and cultivate the seeds of collaboration. So, grab a cup, engage with the stories of our creators, and let the ideas percolate.
Free Day of Coworking
Join us for a free day of coworking at Collider! Come in to our space at the Minnesota BioBusiness Center at any time from 8am to 4pm to work and experience the Collider coworking community! We have desks, wifi, and snacks available for you. Get out of your house, meet some new people, and have a productive workday with us here at Collider!
All are welcome!
We are located at 221 1st Ave SW, Suite 610, which is most accessible via the elevators near Think Bank.
Collider Happy Hour
We're bringing it back, people!
Join us for happy hour at Bleu Duck Kitchen every third Thursday of the month to enjoy a beverage, network, and unwind! Bleu Duck has great happy hour specials on beer, cocktails, and wine - so come on out and end your workday with us!
Free Day of Coworking
Join us for a free day of coworking at Collider! Come in to our space at the Minnesota BioBusiness Center at any time from 8am to 4pm to work and experience the Collider coworking community! We have desks, wifi, and snacks available for you. Get out of your house, meet some new people, and have a productive workday with us here at Collider!
All are welcome!
We are located at 221 1st Ave SW, Suite 610, which is most accessible via the elevators near Think Bank.
Grassroots Growth: Exploring Rochester's Entrepreneurial Landscape
Please join us to connect, collide, and explore entrepreneurship within our community.
At this event, participants will learn key economic and community insights from local leaders and have the oppotunity to engage in exciting brainstorming activities around strengths and gaps in the local business ecosystem.
This is an night you won't want to miss to engage with your community and have the chance to make an impact on the future of entrepreneurship.
To end the evening, three individuals will be recognized for their local impact and dedication to this community.
Light food and drinks will be provided.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: Register now with discount code EARLYBIRD and receive $5 off your ticket price! Early bird lasts until 9AM on August 12, or for the first 25 tickets sold.
Register HERE on Eventbrite.
Click HERE for a recap.
Collider Happy Hour
We're bringing it back, people!
Join us for happy hour at Bleu Duck Kitchen every third Thursday of the month to enjoy a beverage, network, and unwind! Bleu Duck has great happy hour specials on beer, cocktails, and wine - so come on out and end your workday with us!
Coffee with Creators
Join us for a morning of entrepreneurial energy as passionate creators and entrepreneurs share their stories and insights in short talks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Rochester's entrepreneurial community, network with other go-getters, and get inspired! This event offers more than just a caffeine kick—it's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forge valuable connections, and cultivate the seeds of collaboration. So, grab a cup, engage with the stories of our creators, and let the ideas percolate.
Free Day of Coworking
Join us for a free day of coworking at Collider! Come in to our space at the Minnesota BioBusiness Center at any time from 8am to 4pm to work and experience the Collider coworking community! We have desks, wifi, and snacks available for you. Get out of your house, meet some new people, and have a productive workday with us here at Collider!
All are welcome!
We are located at 221 1st Ave SW, Suite 610, which is most accessible via the elevators near Think Bank.
Co.Starters - Bootcamp de Emprendimiento en Español
¿Tienes una idea de negocio pero no sabes por donde iniciar? De eso se trata el entrenamiento intensivo de Co.Starters, un programa corto en el que aprenderás un proceso de validación de ideas de negocio que te ayudará a evaluarlas, mejorarlas y determinar los siguientes pasos de tu emprendimiento.
Requisitos:
Tener una idea de negocio.
Estar dispuesto a hablar de ella, cuestionarla y retroalimentar a los demás.
¡Estar emocionado!
Celebremos el mes de la herencia hispana co-creando, solucionando problemas y aplicando conocimientos básicos en negocios para el emprendimento en este bootcamp que tendrá lugar en Collider.
El taller será dirigido por Juliana Silva, Directora de Startup Services en Collider. Ella es consultora en negocios y experta en marketing . MBA, Administradora de Empresas y una entusiasta por compartir lecciones de finanzas personales y emprendimiento con otros latinos. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjulianasilva/
Regístrate aquí: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/costarters-bootcamp-de-emprendimiento-en-espanol-tickets-991225531247?aff=oddtdtcreator
Free Day of Coworking
Join us for a free day of coworking at Collider! Come in to our space at the Minnesota BioBusiness Center at any time from 8am to 4pm to work and experience the Collider coworking community! We have desks, wifi, and snacks available for you. Get out of your house, meet some new people, and have a productive workday with us here at Collider!
All are welcome!
We are located at 221 1st Ave SW, Suite 610, which is most accessible via the elevators near Think Bank.
Collider Happy Hour
We're bringing it back, people!
Join us for happy hour at Bleu Duck Kitchen every third Thursday of the month to enjoy a beverage, network, and unwind! Bleu Duck has great happy hour specials on beer, cocktails, and wine - so come on out and end your workday with us!
All are welcome!
Walk in Wednesday
Have a business idea but you're not sure how to move forward or a problem that needs solving with your business? Our Director of Business Services can help! Drop by for Walk in Wednesday for an opportunity to share your business idea and seek assistance with any questions or problems you may be having getting started!
This service runs from 2-4pm on a first come, first serve basis.
CO.STARTERS at Collider
Are you ready to transform your innovative ideas into actionable business plans?
Get your business idea unstuck and moving forward with CO.STARTERS at Collider! Sessions will run each Tuesday evening from July 16th-September 10th from 5-8PM. The first and last sesssions must be attended in person. The other sessions can be attended in person or virtually. Participants must attend at least 7 sessions to successfully complete the program.
Participants can register up to the start of the session on July 30th, if space is still open.
Program Overview
Interactive Learning: Engage in a multi-session program led by experienced facilitators in a collaborative, small-group setting.
Flexibility and Focus: Choose from our flexible program options to fit your busy schedule. We offer 9 week cohorts to really dig into the material as well as intensive, quick bootcamps. Our next 9 week cohort will start on July 16th.
Community and Support: Tap into a rich network of fellow entrepreneurs and receive real-time feedback to refine your business strategies.
What You'll Gain
Deep Insights: Through a structured curriculum, explore every aspect of business creation from concept to customer.
Valuable Connections: Build lasting relationships with other entrepreneurs that enhance your learning and provide new opportunities.
Practical Tools: Leave with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business and the confidence to repeat the process with future endeavors.
All you need to have to join the program is:
An idea.
Openness to question, shape and fine-tune that idea.
Willingness to talk about your idea with others.
This program is a great fit for entrepreneurial starters with a business idea that they want to test out or people already with an operating business (that's 2 years old or less) who want to refine their business model. CO.STARTERS is also a great fit for intrapreneurs, working on concepts within their organization or community.
What to expect:
Each CO.STARTERS session is led by a local facilitator and is a collaborative process with a small and supportive group of 10-15 like-minded peers. Working together, you’ll develop and fine-tune your ideas, critically examining every part and determining next steps through real-time feedback from people in the community. This approach helps entrepreneurial starters like yourself to rapidly uncover flaws in your concepts and find viable models more quickly. You’ll leave the CO.STARTERS with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business and repeat the process with your next great idea.
What’s covered in CO.STARTERS?
Knowing Yourself: Introduction, Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles
Knowing your Customer: Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing
Finding the Right Solution: Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity
Getting the Relationship Right: Marketing & Message; Getting, Keeping, & Growing Customers
Building Blocks: Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price
Structures & Systems: Legal & Accounting Considerations
Discovering the Bottom Line: Staartup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point
Financial Modeling: Break-Even Points, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital
Planning for Growth: Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep
How much does CO.STARTERS cost?
Cost varies based on available funding. Enrollment into the program includes the curriculum, facilitation through Rochester-based certified CO.STARTERS facilitators, and access to a community of support. Program fees are nonrefundable.
The CO.STARTERS 9 week program is valued at over $2,000 per participant.
We are able to offer reduced registration fees based on financial need. To see if you qualify, please fill out this form.
Collider Foundation Bean Bag Shootout Tournament
Mark your calendars for Collider Foundation's first ever Bean Bag Shootout Tournament! Join us with our headline partners Little Thistle Brewing and Bleu Duck Kitchen for an afternoon of fun and community, all while raising funds to support entrepreneurship in Rochester, MN.
Your $50 participation fee includes entry for your team of 2 into a bean bag tournament bracket, where you get to play at least three games, a free drink ticket, and snacks.
Don't have a team. No worries! You can register as well as an individual and we will pair you with another participant to enter into the tournament.
The winning team will receive a special, custom prize!
Food trucks will be available on site at Little Thistle for additional food purchases.
Musical guest Sothea of local music group Push and Turn will be playing live music from 3-5PM!
You don't have to enter the bean bag tournament to attend! Please select a free or donation provided ticket to join in and enjoy the day.
All funds from bean bag teams and donations raised will go directly to keep Collider Foundation's work free or very low cost to early stage entrepreneurs in this community.
A huge thank you to our host sponsor for this event, Little Thistle Brewing, and our premier sponsor, Bleu Duck Kitchen.
A big thank you to all of our tournament sponsors, including:
Premier Sponsor: Bleu Duck Kitchen
Host sponsor: Little Thistle Brewing
Destination Medical Center
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Premier Banks
Bada Bing Signs
Potbelly Rochester
Benike Construction
Pure Rock Studios
My Town My Music
Collider Community Incubator Demo Day
Join us for the first ever Collider Community Incubator Demo Day! At this event, the five startups graduating from our 12 week incubator program will showcase their products or services and celebrate the end of their journey within the incubator.
Come and learn more about emerging entrepreneurship in our community and support these innovators as they take these important next steps.
This event is free to attend. If you are able, please consider purchasing a donation ticket to help keep programming such as the incubator no cost to entrepreneurs within the Rochester community.
Collider Community Incubator Workshop: Web Design and Branding
Explore principles of effective web design and branding to create a cohesive and compelling brand identity. Participants will develop practical skills in designing websites that effectively communicate their brand message and engage target audiences.
Learning objectives
Learn principles of effective web design and branding to create a cohesive and compelling brand identity.
Gain practical skills in designing that effectively communicates their brand message and engages target audiences.
The Collider Community Incubator Workshops are supported in part by DEED: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
1 Million Cups Rochester
Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups in 2012—a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. Through the power of volunteers, 1 Million Cups has grown to more than 160 communities. As a program of the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups works with entrepreneurs, empowering them with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses. Mr. Kauffman believed it was a fundamental right for anyone who had a big idea to be able to bring it to life—and we're here to fulfill that mission.