Posts by Andrea Van Essen

For better or worse, culture is a driving force in the workplace. Whether you’re a small startup or a massive corporation, if you have employees, you have a culture.  Think 3D Solutions is a Sioux Falls-based consulting firm specializing in leadership development and organizational culture. Vaney Hariri co-founded Think 3D four years ago with Tamien…

With a wealth of resources at its disposal, from financial assistance to city incentive programs and workforce development, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation (SFDF) is dedicated to the growth of new and existing companies in the city. The foundation’s responsibilities include recruiting new companies to Sioux Falls, assisting existing companies that are looking to expand…

When it comes to economic growth, manufacturing is a driving force that is often underappreciated.  According to the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, manufacturing jobs make up ten percent of the state’s workforce, and manufactured output accounts for more than nine percent of the state’s GDP. With a goal of growing and promoting…

An early-stage investment fund out of North Dakota is championing women entrepreneurs with dreams of growing their businesses. Founded by Kodee Furst with partners Chantel and Seth Murphy, Annie Capital launched in July 2018 in Dickinson, North Dakota. “We’re really focused on the regional effort,” Furst said. “Not only are North Dakota and South Dakota…

How often do you hear successful business owners saying they made it on their own? More often than not, it’s the opposite. The guidance and assistance of investors, mentors, peers and others are often hailed as key factors of a business’ success. Perhaps you’ve felt the urge to seek out mentoring on topics related to…

An equity fund focused on South Dakota is investing in early-stage companies who plan to develop and grow within the state. Plans for South Dakota Equity Partners (SDEP) began in October 2015 after former governor, Dennis Daugaard, encouraged one of the partners to pursue a state-focused equity fund. By 2016, the partners were actively pursuing…

For startups and small businesses in STEM fields, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a little-known funding resource with the power to propel early-stage research efforts to full potential. Formed in 1984 as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the purpose of the SBIR is job creation and commercialization. Around the time…

Things are heating up on the northeast edge of Sioux Falls. The USD Discovery District, a project that’s been in the works for more than 20 years, officially opened for business in 2017 when its first two streets, West Nobel Street and North Frances Avenue, were completed, creating access to the first building sites. West…

Kevin Tupy has been successful in the Sioux Falls business community for some time now, but his latest venture should have local business owners and startups pricking up their ears. Crescent Capital Holdings is an investment firm started by Tupy in 2016, with a focus on retail and real estate. “I really use it as…

The bioscience and technology industry in Sioux Falls is strong, and South Dakota Biotech exists to make it even stronger. As the state affiliate of the national non-profit, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, SD Biotech is a trade association formed in 2006 to support the state’s bioscience industry. Executive Director, Joni Johnson, says the primary responsibilities include…