On Sept. 15, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) brought together 110 southern Minnesota business leaders at the Entrepreneurial Bridge conference at the Historic Hormel Home in Austin.

The event hoped to foster connections between high-potential companies. With about 70 companies attending the day of panels, peer networking sessions, and an evening banquet, many new connections were made and existing ones strengthened.

“Part of our role at SMIF is strengthening the regional economy. The Bridge event is a way of doing that by connecting local talent and building the capacity of existing high-growth companies,” SMIF VP of Economic Development Pam Bishop said in a press release. “We were very pleased with how engaged all participants were and look forward to more seeds from this event taking root.”

During the event, four panels spoke on topics including keeping money in one’s business, building a strong marketing presence, developing employee talent, and excelling at exports. The group also heard from other speakers.

A student business competition was also held. Seven student groups representing four schools presented business plans to SMIF’s Leadership Circle. Mankato Pediatric Respite and RED Food LLC were selected as the winners of the two $5,000 prizes.

The evening wrapped up with BizPitch, a new program of the Regional Center for Entrepreneurial Facilitation (RCEF) for entrepreneurs to present their business plans to a panel of local business experts.

This event was sponsored by Rosen’s Diversified Inc. in Fairmont.