Oct. 10, 2019

The Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship is assuming operations of Startup Sioux Falls in the coming months.

By January, Zeal, the community entrepreneurship center founded by Forward Sioux Falls in 2004, will run Startup Sioux Falls, which was launched by MarketBeat founder Matt Paulson earlier this year.

“Zeal and Startup Sioux Falls are now a single organization, with two distinct brands, focused on the single mission of helping startup founders and small-business owners start and grow their businesses for the betterment of themselves, their families and their communities,” Zeal executive director Brienne Maner said.

Paulson, a Zeal board member, will continue to be actively involved in the work of both Startup Sioux Falls and Zeal.

“With Startup Sioux Falls’ vibrant community and Zeal’s world-class facility, close ties to the chamber and the Development Foundation and deep bench of entrepreneurial support agencies — SBA, SBDC, GOED, Enterprise Institute, SD Biotech, etc. — the combined organization will serve as a true ecosystem organization for Sioux Falls,” Paulson said.

Both Startup Sioux Falls and the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship brands will continue to exist, with a strong collaboration between the volunteer and freelance team that runs Startup Sioux Falls and the team that runs Zeal. Additionally:

• Both organizations will adopt consistent branding and marketing efforts.
• Day-to-day finances and business operations of both organizations will run through Zeal’s legal entity.
• Zeal will continue to operate as a 501(c)(4) corporation and Startup Sioux Falls will become a new 501(c)(3) which will allow the combined organization to accept charitable gifts and apply for ecosystem grants.
• Existing projects, events and programming of both organizations will continue forward in continued collaboration.

Zeal is the certified hub for entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial resources in the Sioux Falls area, with resources needed at every stage of business development. The center at 2329 N. Career Ave. offers professional services and business support through flexible and affordable incubation, co-working and meeting space, interactive programs and services, peer networking and mentorship.

Startup Sioux Falls aims to be a one-stop shop for startups and new businesses to learn about resources, news and events as well as a way to connect with others through a Facebook group and interactive events.