Northern Innovation and Startup Center

06/01/2026

🚨 The finalists for the 2026 Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition have officially been announced! 🚨

After reviewing applications from entrepreneurs across the region, four businesses have been selected to pitch live on June 29 for a chance to win the $10,000 cash prize sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.

🎤 2026 Finalists:
• Abode Chiropractic | Marquelle Reid
• CR8 Soda | Madi Jones
• Everlasting Bloom | Jessica Cihak
• Opus ABA LLC | David Jakubowicz

Join us for the live finalist event on Monday, June 29 at 5 PM and support entrepreneurship in our region. This event is free and open to the public!

🔗 Read the full press release and register for the finalist event here: https://northern.edu/news/northern-innovation-and-startup-center-announces-2026-aberdeen-business-pitch-competition

05/28/2026

Help us wish a very happy birthday to our Program Coordinator, Kendra Hinz! 🎉
Kendra is the organized force behind the scenes who keeps everything moving forward. From coordinating workshops and events to making sure every detail is covered, she’s the one making it all look effortless. Her organization, dedication, and calm approach are a huge part of what keeps our team running smoothly and we’re incredibly lucky to have her!
Help us celebrate Kendra today by dropping a birthday message below! 🎈

05/25/2026

A professional workspace, without the price tag!

Our coworking space is completely free and designed for founders, freelancers, remote professionals, and small teams who need a place to focus, collaborate, and grow.

No membership fees. No daily costs. Just a space built to support your work.

Learn more: https://www.northernstartupcenter.com/coworking

05/24/2026

The Northern Innovation and Startup Center will be closed on Monday, May 25, as we take time to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

05/22/2026

Founder Friday Feature! 📣
“People choose your restaurant for the food, but the service is what brings them back.”

🍕📈 From an unexpected opportunity to a local favorite, Nick Schaunaman built Nick's Pizza through hard work, high standards, and a passion for great service.

Check out Nick's feature here: https://www.northernstartupcenter.com/stories/nicks-pizza

05/22/2026

Thank you to Michael Bockorny, CEO of The 17-20 Group and Economic Development Professionals Association of South Dakota, for leading our last workshop of the spring "Pitching Your Business".

Participants learned how to structure their pitch, what to include (and what to leave out), and how to communicate their value clearly and confidently when pitching to investor, lenders or judges.

Missed it? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/HsbL7RLqG48?si=PgOhot4Yw-IWyVBc

What programming would you like to see this fall? Share your ideas with us here: https://forms.gle/dKpvrPTcySogjyLbA

05/21/2026

Resource Spotlight 💡

Looking to start, grow, or relocate a business in South Dakota?

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development supports business growth through funding opportunities, workforce initiatives, and strategic programs designed to strengthen communities and create long-term economic success across the state.

A key resource for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.

🔗 Learn more: sdgoed.com

05/20/2026

𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀. 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻! 💡

Join us on June 29th for the Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition Finalist Event as this year’s finalists pitch live for a chance to win $10,000 for their business.

This free community event is a chance to connect with entrepreneurs, hear innovative ideas, and support the growing startup ecosystem in Aberdeen and the surrounding region.

📅 Monday, June 29 | 4-7 PM
📍 Engels Event Company

Register here: https://www.northernstartupcenter.com/upcoming-events/finalist-event-2026

05/18/2026

⏰ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 TOMORROW!

Get ready to pitch with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re preparing for a competition or meeting with a lender or investor, this workshop will help you sharpen your message and communicate your value more effectively.

📅 Tuesday, May 19 | 3:30–5:00 PM
📍 Business & Health Innovation Center + Online

RSVP here: https://www.northernstartupcenter.com/upcoming-events/pitching

05/18/2026

Big congratulations to Caleb Hubert on being named South Dakota U.S. Small Business Administration's newest Young Entrepreneur of the Year! 👏

From Caleb's Aquatics to Heads To Tails, Caleb continues to make an impact through entrepreneurship right here in Northeastern South Dakota. If you haven’t met Caleb yet, stop in and see what he’s building in Aberdeen!
Congrats, Caleb! 🚀
Read more about his entrepreneurial journey here: https://www.northernstartupcenter.com/stories/calebhubert

Huge shout out to our very dedicated and hard working boss Caleb for being awarded 2026 South Dakota Young Entrepreneur of the Year !