Dakota Rising Aberdeen

Dakota Rising Aberdeen cultivates entrepreneurs dedicated to growing themselves and their businesses by connecting them to a system of support, resulting in economic growth. The program is unlike other entrepreneur development systems because of the values, beliefs and the experience of those that become part of the community.

The Aberdeen Development Corporation sponsors the program, which is organized by resource partners including the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, the Aberdeen Downtown Association, Small Business Development Center, and Northern State University. Together we develop a system of support for entrepreneurial development by introducing tools and strategies

• Nurturing a pool of entrepreneur and small business talent though business vitiation, community outreach and activities;
• Networking resources through Resource Fairs, mentoring connections, and bringing together resource partners, business leaders and entrepreneurs statewide; and
• Building community support through heightened public awareness of the value that local entrepreneurs bring to the community.

Entrepreneurs interested in the program appy to be fellows. There are three steps of the selection process before being awarded a fellowship: Intent to Apply, Applicant, and Finalist. For more information on the Dakota Rising program, go to http://www.dakotaresources.org/dakota-rising or find us on Facebook

Service Area: Brown County, South Dakota

2011 Dakota Rising Fellow Tom Hurlbert, Co-Op Architecture	2012 Dakota Rising Fellow Emily Heintzman, Double Duty Portable Moving and Storage
2012 Dakota Rising Fellow Troy McQuillen, Elmwood Studios	2014 Dakota Rising Fellow Mark Bower, Aberdeen Parts Store