St. Olaf College
St. Olaf College brings a history of engagement and support around entrepreneurship within the college and in the greater Northfield community. The college currently awards $40k+ to support student entrepreneurs through competitions and another $40k to fund student internships with local start-ups. Our faculty Entrepreneur-in-Residence and staff Associate Director of Entrepreneurship are backed by the considerable connections and resources of the college. We connect to the community though leadership on local board and commissions, and work to leverage existing and potential entrepreneurial resources in the region.
What St. Olaf Offers the Ecosystem:
Entrepreneurial faculty and staff who build an deliver programs, resources, partnerships,and connections as if they are building a venture
National and global connections with experienced and successful alumni entrepreneurs who have a 25+ year history of supporting entrepreneurship at the college
Competitive student entrepreneurial grants and the Ole Cup pitch competition, which serves as a feeder to SMIF Entrepreneurial Bridge, MN Cup, and other local and regional competitions, accelerators, and incubators, encouraging student entrepreneurs to stay in Minnesota
Funding for local start-ups to hire student interns over the summer months
Space and logistical resources to host college and community entrepreneurship meet events
Community connections to small business and local entrepreneurs through student consulting projects and internships; faculty and staff leadership with local boards and commissions (EDA, Northfield Enterprise Center, Northfield Arts Guild, Northfield/Dundas Makerspace Project)
St. Olaf's Contributions to the Launch Grant:
Ability to deliver educational programs locally with the technology to include others remotely
Expertise and space to host educational programs, meet-ups, and connection events
Access to the greater Northfield community and entrepreneurial ecosystem through current and growing partnerships
Long-standing relationships with local and regional alumni and corporate partners