Nate Bostrom introduced Stacy Nimmo, the Executive Director of Red Wing Ignite. From their web page – “Red Wing Ignite fuels economic development by working with key sectors of the community to spur innovation by supporting entrepreneurs, businesses,
and students. The non-profit organization was founded by the community of Red Wing in 2013, with the support of local foundations and the City of Red Wing.”
Stacy explained that the road to success is very bumpy for entrepreneurs, with only 56% of them conducting business after five years. Rural areas such as southeast Minnesota may lack the resources and infrastructure to attain that continuity, so Red Wing Ignite tries to provide essential support.
External Barriers:
Access to funding and resources
Decreased density or lack of a startup community
Access to labor
Access to high-speed internet connectivity
Internal Barriers:
Mindset not open to taking risks
Insufficient amplification of successful rural entrepreneurs to
serve as inspiration
Lack of awareness of the possibilities and opportunities
Perception that rural America is not innovative
Stacy explained the various way her organization is addressing those gaps. A significant strategy is the collaboration of 16 partner organizations in the counties around Red Wing. Another is the partnership with Launch Minnesota, an initiative of the state’s Dept. of Employment and Economic Development. Ms. Nimmo shared data on her group’s activities and successes over the past three years.
An important event is scheduled for March 30 – the E1 Ignite Cup. This will be a “pitch” competition to attract entrepreneurs from South Minnesota and motivate them to solidify and present their ideas and business plans.
How can we help?
Provide investment capital.
Become a mentor.
Volunteer to help with programs.
Provide corporate sponsorship.
Contact information:
Stacy Nimmo, Executive Director
Email: stacy@redwingignite.org
Cell: 651.333.0293.
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