So what is the GFMEDC doing to support entrepreneurism, and why is our organization involved in entrepreneurial efforts?

To answer that question, take a look at the following excerpts from an article done by Conner Scott, guest writer for Emerging Prairie.

(Jim) Gartin and the GFMEDC are also looking to build this region by establishing a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem through providing financial support, staffing, and even by keeping a few office spaces open in their building on Broadway. Once new start-ups are established, they will go on to feed themselves and the economy.

"Entrepreneurial development is basically the feeder system for the future," Gartin said. "The more robust and strong entrepreneurial environment one can have in the community, the stronger the future will be. Fargo-Moorhead is the perfect example of that."...

How can Emerging Prairie and the startup community help the GFMEDC with its mission to better Fargo-Moorhead?

Gartin's answer was simple:

"Keep doing what you're doing. Keep building a community that you want to live in. If you keep doing that, and other people grab on to that idea, you will be unstoppable."

Read the full article 

www.emergingprairie.com                            

What Fargo can teach you about community  Ben Hanten, Forbes. After visiting Fargo, Hanten focuses on five things he believes set Fargo apart as community builders create a startup culture.

The 6 best things to do in Fargo (not inspired by the movie) Downtown Traveler

7 life lessons we could all learn from the Midwest  Rob Fee, Thought Catalog.

Fargo ranked #10 on "10 Best Cities to Find a Job" by My Life.

1 Million Cups was started with a very simple concept. Gather the same day, same time each week, drink coffee and listen to, contribute to and learn from an entrepreneur.

Started and supported by the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, 1 Million Cups has spread to more than 36 cities including Fargo.

Every Wednesday morning at 9:00, folks gather to drink coffee and listen to a local entrepreneur. The weekly event has taken on a life of its own. Roughly twelve weeks in and the attendance has surpassed 100. People come early and stay late exchanging information and ideas and offering support. 

Everyone is welcome and the audience is diverse. You might sit next to a young entrepreneur or a college student, or you might sit next to a CEO or an investor.

Entrepreneur, Sarah English, Beach Interactive, presented at a recent 1 Million Cups Fargo event, pitching her interactive game that will teach students French.

http://myriadmobile.com/5-reasons-to-attend-the-2014-midwest-mobile-summit/

CULTIVATE.you is focused on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The two-hour event challenges participants to think about ways they can, both as individuals and as a community, start to solve global challenges through technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.

The second annual Cultivate.You will feature Endre Holen, McKinsey and Co., Clate Mask, Infusionsoft and Doug Burgum, Arthur Ventures.

CULTIVATE.You

Fargo Theatre

May 9

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

For more info and to get your ticket, go to http://arthurventures.com/cultivate/

To build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, a community needs a collaborative and inclusive support system that fosters the needs of innovators. GFMEDC is working hard to facilitate conversations and help build that system. 

By joining the efforts of several motivated Fargo Moorhead community members to help facilitate learning and networking opportunities, our region has gained significant momentum within the last year. 

The past few months alone, the GFMEDC has been involved in discussions regarding a co-working space, collaborative efforts with other organizations to better assist entrepreneurs, angel fund developments, financing programs and grant options. 

"A simple approach I have taken is to be active and visible to the entrepreneurial community whether to an entrepreneur or another supporter of the system. I meet people and listen as they tell me their story, their current stage and their needs. I will then see what our organization can do to facilitate any connections that may be helpful." said John Machacek, GFMEDC.

On top of these discussions, GFMEDC assisted numerous startup companies with resources, connections and guidance, as well as involvement in planning and/or attending Startup Weekend, 1 Million Cups, E-Commerce breakfast, Health Pitch and Startup Drinks.

"Starting a business is a challenging and stressful process unless you have someone with experience and resources to guide you through it. John Machacek has guided us through the entire process and shared his experience and knowledge to help us avoid the mistakes that most entrepreneurs might make. John helped us connect with the Incubator program at NDSU that proved to be one of the most important step for us while working towards our goal. We really appreciate his kindness and willingness to help," said Saurabh Tyagi, CEO Co-Founder, Medytex, Inc.

Each discussion and every event starts to build and develop an ecosystem that supports new businesses. 

Startup Weekend 2014 Highlight Video by GrassFire Studios

E-commerce Breakfast Gathering 

April 16 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Showcasing Innovation - Learning with Jim Ziolkowski 

April 26 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

1 Million Cups 

Every Wednesday morning, 9:15

Startup Drinks 

April 30 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Community, The Chamber

May 7