Ignite Cup, a Southern Minnesota startup competition to connect and grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem will be held Tues., April 16, at Red Wing Ignite, 419 Bush Street, Red Wing, Minnesota.

Entrepreneurs, Investors and members of the community are invited.

Attendees will learn about innovative startups in these categories: energy, clean tech and water; food, ag and beverage; high tech; life science and health IT; social; student; and youth.

Startups will receive exposure, regional connections, feedback from investors and link to MN Cup, the largest statewide new venture program in the country. The Ignite Cup winner will be a semi-finalist at MN Cup.

Networking begins at 4 p.m., the program begins at 4:30 p.m., and award-winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Social gathering will begin at 6 p.m.

For questions, call 651-327-2154 or email info@redwingignite.org.

Ignite Cup is sponsored by DEED and hosted by the Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and Red Wing Ignite.

Behind the Spark

Hiawatha Broadband Communications nominated Red Wing to be a US Ignite community in 2012. A year later, Red Wing Ignite was created to leverage the gigabit technology, US Ignite partnership and local enthusiasm for technology and innovation.

Red Wing Ignite’s board of directors, community advisory panel, mentors and national connections support entrepreneurs by providing an innovative environment for businesses to thrive.

Red Wing Ignite has a business accelerator for early-stage businesses and hosts events to foster collaboration and innovation. The organization also hosted the first known rural hackathon in 2014.

Southern Minnesota Small Business Development Centers

The statewide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide the professional expertise and guidance that every small business owner needs to flourish in today's competitive business world. There are regional offices in southwest, south central and southeast. Find locations and contact information.

The SBDC annual report highlights the many ways the SBDCs are working to ensure the success of small businesses throughout Minnesota. The report is available by region, too.