The Entrepreneurial Accelerator: 

• Is one of the five integrated regional economic development strategies listed in the Minneapolis Saint Paul Metro Business Plan
• Will use our core strengths to stimulate the formation and growth of new businesses across industries
• Is still under development

The Entrepreneurial Accelerator Stakeholders: 

• Are a local group of entrepreneurs, investors and economic development professionals
• Will determine how the action plan will build on existing regional assets to increase economic activity, attract more outside capital and create new jobs

 
Entrepreneurial Accelerator Timing
A three phase plan is in place to bring the Entrepreneurial Accelerator to life over the next 18 to 24 months. The stakeholder group work will be accomplished in three phases. 

• Phase I (November 2010-January 2011): Evaluation and synthesis of research data and direct feedback from our entrepreneurial and investor community, by way of one-on-one interviews, focus groups and large community meetings.
• Phase II (January 2011-June 2011): Findings and feedback from Phase I will be incorporated into the Entrepreneurial Accelerator action plan. National and regional foundation support will be solicited to fund these strategies. Federal funding support will follow (May 2011-2012).
• Phase III (August 2011-July 2012): Execution of the action plan and monitoring and reporting of success metrics.

Entrepreneurial Accelerator Links
Read Accelerate MSP – a description of a new regional entrepreneurship accelerator.

Events
January 19 and 20, 2011: JumpStart Community Gathering - Group discussions to bring together people interested in entrepreneurship and starting or funding new businesses to determine how best to enhance our entrepreneurial environment.
Learn more and register here.