Leadership Academy is an 8-month cohort designed to give leaders next level skills. This customized program is built on investing in leaders with a leadership curriculum rooted in application and results. All sessions will be facilitated by Scott Morrell, EdD – President and Consultant with Rebar Leadership. The 2022 Leadership Academy will begin in May. Scholarships are available.

Click for more information and to register.

The City of Shakopee has free COVID-19 home test kits to distribute to residents and local businesses. Test kits can be picked up at Shakopee City Hall, 485 Gorman Street, during business hours Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Tests are free for residents and businesses while supplies last. A smart phone is required to take the test and read the results. (If you are a business in need of a larger quantity of tests, please email Chelsea Petersen, City of Shakopee.)

The SBA is offering a series of bi-weekly webinars to help you learn about programs and services that are available to help you grow your business.

Attend the 2022 National Small Business Week Summit to access critical federal resources, learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and chat with industry experts. This action-packed event will include educational sessions, online business resources, and exciting speakers. Free to attend. Register.

After several decades of declining business formation rates, the COVID-19 pandemic created a surprising surge in new business applications, and that surge is gaining momentum. While startup activity is at an inflection point, what lies around the corner is not clear. Notable challenges must be addressed to ensure we continue to propel our homegrown economy forward. On May 3rd, the Minnesota Chamber Foundation will release its analysis on entrepreneurship in Minnesota. This report will unpack some of the key trends shaping startup outcomes, how these outcomes vary across industry, demographic and geographic sectors, and recommend key strategies to ensure the next generation of entrepreneurs can start, invest, and grow in Minnesota. Click here for more info and to register.

The Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship is excited to announce their next Lunch & Learn! Join them to learn the secret to building an impactful brand. Open to all entrepreneurs and businesses! $20 per person. Register here.

The Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA), a new public-private co-sponsorship between the SBA and Business Forward, Inc., has published a comprehensive suite of free resources to help small businesses expand their customer base, manage their growth, find and retain talent, and enter new markets. These resources are being provided by some of America’s most respected leaders in business, government, and economic development, including Amazon, Comcast, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, PayPal, Principal Financial Group, Square, Venmo, Verizon, and Visa.

Take a look at training opportunities and business resources available through the SBA's Minnesota District Office and their partners.

MN Cup is a great first step for launching a new business. The competition is free to enter and participants have until April 15th to submit an application. Free education, mentorship, promotional opportunities, and seed funding is available for those that advance.

Support a great business and a great cause! O'Brien's Public House is a Dining Out For Life sponsor and they are donating 25% of all money received on April 28th to the Aliveness Project.

Shakopee Rotary Club is collecting donations of quality used furniture for Bridging, a local nonprofit that helps families in need. Click here for a complete list of acceptable furniture items. Donations can be brought on April 30th, 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, to Shakopee Public Works.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking applications for grant funding of projects that will build lasting capacity to support recycling markets in Minnesota. The application deadline is May 12th.

Now that the band lineup has been announced and the community is excited for our rockin’ concert series, why not sponsor the event! With more than 4,000 attendees expected nightly, this is THE event where you want your business to be seen. Find out more about sponsorship opportunities, then email Heather Proskey, Main Street & Special Events Director, to secure your sponsorship!

Help us welcome RAYUS Radiology to Shakopee, a leading national subspecialty provider for advanced diagnostic and interventional radiology services.

Mayor Bill Mars and Police Chief Jeff Tate will present about the "State of the City".

Join us in commemorating the opening of the new Saber Fields, followed by the renaming and dedication of the Shakopee West Middle School wrestling room.

Click here for past editions of The Biz Buzz!