ignighting innovation
Startup Sioux Falls
Along the streets of downtown Sioux Falls, a historic building has been transformed into a place to nurture new ideas. Last year Startup Sioux Falls moved into the downtown community with the intent of supporting entrepreneurs and founders, igniting innovation, and bolstering economic development in South Dakota’s largest city. Though Startup has been around for 21 years, the nonprofit has shifted names and identities as it has grown. Back in 2002, the organization opened under the name South Dakota Technology and Business Center , focusing on tech and business incubation. In 2016 it was rebranded to the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship , and in 2021 the organization made the shift from Zeal to Startup Sioux Falls.
As the isolating side effects of the pandemic marched on, creating community became nearly impossible. Startup’s 45,000-square- foot facility on the northwest side of town was spacious, but incongruent with the organization’s needs and goals.
To foster connectivity, a location change was inevitable.
“All signs pointed to downtown,” said president Brienne Maner .
Maner joined the team in 2019 after working at Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc . and other community and non-profit organizations for 15 years. As the team scouted for a new location downtown, they began to consider the city- owned Parks and Recreation building with encouragement from Mayor Paul TenHaken .
written by Greta Smith & photos by Cailyn Patterson
THE BUSINESS ISSUE february 2024
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