Momentum 2026: Southern Minnesota Startup and Small Business Summit

A practical summit helping startups and small businesses strengthen financial readiness, access resources, and drive sustainable growth.
About this Event

This event is the result of the shared leadership, collaboration, and commitment of partners and sponsors across the region.

Momentum 2026 brings together entrepreneurs, small-business owners, community leaders, resource providers, investors, and industry experts for a day focused on helping Southern Minnesota businesses start, strengthen, connect, and grow.

Designed around real challenges and opportunities facing business owners, the summit combines practical learning and direct access to people and resources that can help businesses move forward.

Agenda

🕑: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Momentum 2026: Southern Minnesota Startup and Small Business Summit
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration and Networking
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome and Agenda Setting
🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:45 AM
Small Businesses and the Minnesota Economy Keynote
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
What is capital?

Info: Speaker: Molly Bartels Roth, SMIF – Lending Director Partnerships & TA

🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Where do you find capital?

Info: Speakers:
• Sean Williams, OABDC – Executive Director
• Deb Goeldi, Minnwest Bank – Business Banker
• Marcia Haley, SMIF – Senior Lending Director
• Mara Schack, Tone Music – Owner

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Pitch Showcase
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch and Resource Expo
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Breakout sessions

Info: • Understanding and Managing Cash Flow for Small Business Owners
o Speaker: Jan Dégallier, Dégallier Leadership Solutions
• Considerations in Hiring
o Speaker: Stephanie Haedt, Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, LTD
• Using AI in Marketing
o Speaker: Val Lockhart, Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Closing Comments
🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:00 PM
Happy Hour