Connect UP

Connect UP Bridging the 180 degrees of separation between entrepreneurs from under-resourced communities. ConnectUP! We’ve intentionally designed ConnectUp! ConnectUp!

Institute is an innovative and necessary solution to closing the capital demand gap for women, LGBTQ, people of color (POC) and rural entrepreneurs; as well as the ever-growing hunger of impact investors looking for direct investment opportunities. Institute to do three things:

-Create an infrastructure and pipeline for connecting investors and investees,

-Provide opportunities for investment f

or under-resourced and marginalized communities, and

-Cultivate peer networks for social entrepreneurs and investors in a supportive and equitable environment. disrupts the current ‘race to one’ competition model and puts a cooperative, sustainable model in its place.

Don’t just talk about it, be about it!This is your   for tickets to the hashtag  with AI Mini Summit.Today is the last d...
04/26/2026

Don’t just talk about it, be about it!

This is your for tickets to the hashtag with AI Mini Summit.

Today is the last day of our $99 sale. Grab a ticket on sale or buy it full price.

FLASH SALE: with A.I. Mini Summit
🗓️ April 29, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Wilder Foundation (Lexington)
🎟️ $99.00 Code “MAYFLOWERS25”
https://lnkd.in/gRqNKzgF

We’ll see you in the room.
hashtag

When your capacity is low, you don’t need more  , you need tools that expand it!If your team is working harder and still...
04/24/2026

When your capacity is low, you don’t need more , you need tools that expand it!

If your team is working harder and still falling behind… It's a sign your team needs to attend with A.I. Mini Summit.

This isn’t a Mini Summit where you sit and take notes. We’re equipping your team with the tools that help you move faster, make better , and actually grow without burning out.

Bring your team. Get everyone in the room. Tickets are on sale this weekend ONLY!

FLASH SALE: with A.I. Mini Summit
🗓️ April 29, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Wilder Foundation (Lexington)
🎟️ $99.00 FLASH SALE Use code “MAYFLOWERS25”
https://levelupwithai2026.sched.com/

👉 The ball is in your court
🚨 Don’t wait until your team is exhausted to make the move

Since the introduction of A.I., we’ve all been overwhelmed with tools AND YOU are in the best position to get value from...
04/23/2026

Since the introduction of A.I., we’ve all been overwhelmed with tools AND YOU are in the best position to get value from these platforms.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

✨Our featured speaker, Taqee Khalid, ✨ will lead a session that gives you the perspective needed to adopt a management style that amplifies your vision and confidence.

🎟️ Grab that ticket TODAY: https://levelupwithai2026.sched.com/

with A.I. Mini Summit
🗓️ April 29, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Wilder Foundation (Lexington)
🎟️ $125.00

Taqee Khalid, an expert in organizational management styles and the strategic mindsets required to see A.I. as a game-changing helper rather than a threat. He brings years of experience helping leaders move from survival mode into strategic CEO mindset.

This time next week, we’re hosting last set of breakout sessions for   with A.I. 🤩This round is all about innovation and...
04/22/2026

This time next week, we’re hosting last set of breakout sessions for with A.I. 🤩
This round is all about innovation and capital.

Leveling the Playing Field: Gen A.I. + Small Businesses = Innovate Like the Big Biz
🗓️ 2:40 PM – 3:25 PM
📍 Auditorium B, Wilder Foundation (Lexington)

Featuring Justin Kaster, this session breaks down how generative A.I. is giving small businesses the power to innovate like big corporations.

Learn how to:
• Use A.I. to build and launch faster
• Implement strategies once reserved for large companies
• Stay competitive without a massive budget

Using A.I. to Get Capital Ready
🗓️ 2:40 PM – 3:25 PM
📍 Auditorium C/D, Wilder Foundation (Lexington)

Led by Y. Elaine Rasmussen, this session focuses on getting your business ready for capital.

You’ll learn how to:
• Understand the capital raising process
• Identify gaps in your business
• Use A.I. to close those gaps and prepare for funding
Two rooms. Two decisions. Both change how you grow.


🎟️ Get your ticket today! Space is limited for breakout sessions:
https://levelupwithai2026.sched.com/

Still haven’t registered for   with A.I.?Check out these sessions focused on using AI for your   and  :Ranked & Ready: D...
04/22/2026

Still haven’t registered for with A.I.?

Check out these sessions focused on using AI for your and :

Ranked & Ready: Dominate Search with A.I.
🗓️ 1:25 PM – 2:10 PM
📍 Auditorium B, Wilder Foundation (Lexington)

Featuring Dianne Shelton, this session will show you how to use A.I. to improve your , manage reviews, and create content that actually gets you seen.

Reclaim Your Time with A.I. (Notion & Claude)
🗓️ 1:25 PM – 2:10 PM
📍 Auditorium C/D, Wilder Foundation (Lexington)

Led by Jenna Redfield, this session is for the founder doing everything. Learn how to streamline , save time, and build smarter systems using A.I.

Two rooms. Two decisions. Both move your business forward.

🎟️ Get your ticket today! Space is limited for these breakout sessions:
https://levelupwithai2026.sched.com/

If you’re going to be business owners who truly change the game, you need to make the right decisions! 🧠Our second panel...
04/21/2026

If you’re going to be business owners who truly change the game, you need to make the right decisions! 🧠

Our second panel for with A.I. will dive into Legal & Ethical Practices, featuring Joanna Drew, Tom Corbett, and Julie Rea, moderated by Grace Ezzell.

We break down how to build trust, create sustainability, and make smarter decisions.
If you don’t get your ticket today, you’ll miss the strategies that help you lead with confidence.

with A.I. Mini Summit
🗓️ April 29, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Wilder Foundation (Lexington)
🎟️ $125.00
🎟️ Grab your ticket today & we’ll see you on April 29th:
https://levelupwithai2026.sched.com/

About our Experts:
✨ Joanna Drew, is an expert on the intersection of the legal field and rapidly evolving tech, providing a perspective on regulating tools that often outpace legislation.

✨ Tom Corbett, specializes in ethical operations and meeting the high-level procurement and trust standards required to land enterprise accounts.

✨ Julie Rea, has a specialized background in building sustainable, responsible A.I.-powered businesses that minimize legal risk while maximizing public trust.

All those questions circling in your mind about “Why A.I.?” 🤔 will finally be answered. I can tell you that sitting and ...
04/20/2026

All those questions circling in your mind about “Why A.I.?” 🤔 will finally be answered.

I can tell you that sitting and waiting for the ‘ to start’ isn't going to cut it in this competitive market. You’re missing out on tools that are helping your competitors grow.

We’re kicking off with A.I. with a panel discussion on “Why A.I.?” focused on how to stay competitive in a landscape where others are already embracing these tools. We’ll talk about how A.I. can level the playing field against your biggest competition!

with A.I. Mini Summit
🗓️ April 29, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Wilder Foundation (Lexington)

🎟️ Grab your ticket today & we’ll see you on April 29th:
https://levelupwithai2026.sched.com/

This panel features Amungwa Bonu, and Silas Tanaka, moderated by Shontel Booker.

✨ Amungwa Bonu, brings deep expertise in using generative AI to automate workflows profitably while maintaining the human touch in marketing.

✨Silas Tanaka, specializes in operational scalability, with a background in turning “tribal knowledge” into repeatable, automated systems that help businesses grow without adding massive headcount.

Wearing every hat in your business isn't a badge of honor, it's a literal recipe for   😪. If you’re operating without a ...
04/17/2026

Wearing every hat in your business isn't a badge of honor, it's a literal recipe for 😪.

If you’re operating without a clear , you need to register for our Get Your S**t Together (GYST) Lab.

🗓️ June 13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
💻 Virtual
🎟️ $99.00

This isn’t a "sit and listen" session; it’s a 5-hour, hands-on working lab designed to help you stop guessing and start executing!

What you’ll be missing out on:
👉 Master the Mindset: See how you make decisions when the game gets intense.
👉 Validate the Play: Use simple AI tools to test your idea before building it.
👉 The 90-Day Roadmap: Walk away with a realistic plan to move your business forward.

All you have to do is register your business!

🎟️ Take out your laptop and register today:
https://form.typeform.com/to/Rt7OepXU

Wearing every hat in your business isn't a badge of honor, it's a literal recipe for   😪. If you’re operating without a ...
04/17/2026

Wearing every hat in your business isn't a badge of honor, it's a literal recipe for 😪.

If you’re operating without a clear , you need to register for our Get Your S**t Together (GYST) Lab.

🗓️ June 13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
💻 Virtual
🎟️ $99.00

This isn’t a "sit and listen" session; it’s a 5-hour, hands-on working lab designed to help you stop guessing and start executing!

What you’ll be missing out on:
👉 Master the Mindset: See how you make decisions when the game gets intense.
👉 Validate the Play: Use simple AI tools to test your idea before building it.
👉 The 90-Day Roadmap: Walk away with a realistic plan to move your business forward.

All you have to do is register your business!

🎟️ Take out your laptop and register today:
https://form.typeform.com/to/Rt7OepXU

Apply for GYST Lab, Capital Readiness Accelerator or Lunar Accelerator! App fee: $49 (Lunar + Capital Readiness only)

Go into your booking system and block off June 18, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. We’re hosting the   Beauty Summit in pa...
04/16/2026

Go into your booking system and block off June 18, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. We’re hosting the Beauty Summit in partnership with NaturallyMN.

You know how fast the industry is evolving? This summit breaks down the exact being used right now through and breakout sessions.

If a client asks, you’ll be attending a one-day summit designed for who are ready to get paid 🤑and build sustainable growth.

We’ll talk about pricing, client retention, marketing systems, and how to scale your services or product line. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real strategies you can implement the very next day.

The AI GOATS in Minnesota!In just two weeks, we’re bringing together speakers who are going to break down how to actuall...
04/15/2026

The AI GOATS in Minnesota!

In just two weeks, we’re bringing together speakers who are going to break down how to actually use AI to move your business forward.

⏰ April 29, 2026 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Wilder Foundation, St. Paul

You don’t want to miss this.

Grab your ticket and your business with AI.
🔗 https://connectupmn.org/aisummit/

We’re looking for someone special.Someone who genuinely loves working with founders and building real relationships.If t...
04/13/2026

We’re looking for someone special.

Someone who genuinely loves working with founders and building real relationships.

If that’s you… what are you waiting for?

Submit your application!

You know where to find links!

Address

Saint Paul, MN

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Connect UP posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share