Young Entrepreneurs in Residence bring unique expertise to Sioux Falls business founders

June 18, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Startup Sioux Falls.

When you’re a business owner, it can be hard to connect with someone who’s “been there, done that.”

But Startup Sioux Falls has a new and improved way for members and program participants to build relationships and get advice from experts.

Think of them as consultants to entrepreneurs, called entrepreneurs in residence, or EIRs. These experts began working with participants in Startup Sioux Falls’ Growco program, where “they have brought tremendous value,” said Jeff Hayward, program manager for Startup Sioux Falls.

“Sometimes, they’re interactions where you need a little encouragement. Or it may be very focused on an industrial area. It can also be more general things you need to know as a founder – what to expect in terms of impact on your personal life or growth challenges. Each of our EIRs is highly experienced and committed to helping other founders.”

Now, fellow Startup Sioux Falls members will have the option to book a set number of meetings with EIRs each month. Founders will be expected to prepare an agenda for each meeting and follow up with notes and action steps.

“These have nothing to do with online chats. It’s about connecting with experts who can help in specific ways, being trained and taking some action on their advice,” Hayward said. “That’s when additional doors can open because you’ve made a commitment. “

Here’s a closer look at Startup Sioux Falls’ current EIRs:

Peter Burghardt: Founder, StringTree

Peter Burghardt is a forward-thinking investor and entrepreneur in the startup ecosystem. As the founder of StringTree and general partner at IA Seed Ventures, he specializes in seeding innovative software and technology ventures that increase sustainability in everyday life and business operations. He also served as CEO of The Batchery, guiding more than 200 startups to significant growth and facilitating over $100 million in seed funding. A co-founder of Nudge for Change, he has also demonstrated a commitment to social impact through technology.

Areas of expertise: Administrative and organizational structures; branding, people and culture; business development, e-commerce and digital growth; entrepreneurship; financial modeling, forecasting and valuations; intellectual property management; leadership development; management; market research and analysis; marketing, public relations and communication; networking and relationship building; product development; capital raising: financing, grants and loans; startups and early business planning; tech — like bio, ag, fin and ad — vision, strategy and scaling.

In his words: I’d like to better engage in the Sioux Falls entrepreneur community and share the knowledge I’ve gained over the past decade working in early-stage ventures.

Bobby George: Founder, Apprentice Ventures

Bobby George is a design-driven creative leader striving for social impact. As co-founder of Baan Dek, he helped run the state’s first accredited Montessori school, and as co-founder of Montessorium, he helped provide educational apps for children and parents. Most recently, he led design, strategy and product initiatives at Microsoft Flip. In 2023, he founded Apprentice Ventures, which partners with exceptional founders to build sustainable companies.

Areas of expertise: Brand, people and culture; content creation; design and user experience; entrepreneurship; product development; software and website development; startups and early business planning; tech — like bio, ag, fin and ad — vision, strategy and scaling.

In his words: I’m eager to hear from founders, understand their ambitions and communities, and see how I might be able to help. I would like to add value to your business in any way I can.

Melissa Johnson: Founder, Oh My Cupcakes!

Visionary entrepreneur and founder of multiple businesses, Melissa Johnson is the owner of Oh My Cupcakes!, Sweet Cream Candle Co. and Melissa J. Creative, with an ability to see potential in others.

Areas of expertise: Brand, people and culture; entrepreneurship; leadership development; marketing, public relations and communications; networking and relationship building; vision, strategy and scaling.

In her words: I am passionate about helping people grow into their greatest strengths and gifts, especially when it comes to understanding and operationalizing their WHY in their profession. Training people who want to train turns me on!

Patrick McGowan: Founder, Punch’n

An entrepreneur since starting a paper route and writing a short story at age 9, Patrick McGowan most recently led innovation and change management for leading integrated health systems. He launched Punch in May 2020 to address the need for people to appear on Zoom with power and integrity. Today, with the advancement of artificial intelligence, he is on a mission to empower more human connections across all technologies and digital boundaries.

Areas of expertise: Administrative and organizational structures; branding, people and culture; business development; content creation; entrepreneurship; financial modeling, forecasting and valuations; leadership development; management; marketing, public relations and communications; sales and operations; networking and relationship building; product development; startups and early business planning; vision, strategy and scaling.

In his words: I believe in Startup Sioux Falls and its mission: to empower founders. If I can support others the same way I’ve supported myself in the past, I’d call it a win.

Paul Tschetter: Partner, Boyce Law Firm

Paul Tschetter’s more than 15 years at Boyce Law Firm have focused on the practice of construction and real estate law in addition to serving many entrepreneurs. He is the chairman of the board of Startup Sioux Falls and has significant experience advising business owners on matters ranging from entity selection/formation to contract negotiations and from intellectual property protection to ownership transition planning.

Areas of expertise: Intellectual property management; laws, regulations and compliance; mergers and acquisitions; startups and early business planning.

In his words: I want to support current and future business leaders – people who are vital to the health and growth of our community.

Next steps

Startup Sioux Falls members can book time online directly with EIRs.

“Ideally, we want people who are actively working on their startup to connect with our EIRs,” Hayward said. “If you’re in the idea stage, that’s great, and we have great programs for you that will get you to the level where you’re ready to consult our EIRs.”

Members can book appointments with multiple EIRs in any given month to suit their needs.

Additionally, those connected to Startup Sioux Falls through other programs and special events will be able to tap into the expertise of the EIRs.

“We will bring them to various public events and potentially an ongoing virtual meeting, so there will be other opportunities to meet with them,” Hayward said. “But we really want to focus on the value and benefit this brings to our members and invest in those people who are committed to their business and joining our startup ecosystem.”

To connect with Startup Sioux Falls, stop by its headquarters at 100 E. Sixth St. or click here.