Organization · Community
E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN
E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN, also known as Entrepreneurs First, is an organization focused on enhancing regional connectivity among entrepreneurs and stakeholders in southeastern Minnesota. It provides resources, educational programs, and mentorship to support innovative entrepreneurs across 11 counties.
Overview
What E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN does
What E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN is
E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN, also known as Entrepreneurs First, is an organization focused on enhancing regional connectivity among entrepreneurs and stakeholders in southeastern Minnesota. It provides resources, educational programs, and mentorship to support innovative entrepreneurs across 11 counties.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports community and event host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Community
- Founded
- Founded in 2018
- Approximate age
- About 8 years
- Structured capabilities
- Community · Event host
- Last reviewed
- April 5, 2026
Official channels
Find E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN as a community
Community overview
E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN, also known as Entrepreneurs First, is an organization created by IgniteMN (formerly Red Wing Ignite) to enhance regional connectivity among entrepreneurs and stakeholders in Southeastern Minnesota. Founded in 2018, E1 aims to address economic gaps faced by rural communities and stimulate entrepreneurial preparedness across 11 counties in the region.
Community focus
E1 focuses on supporting innovative entrepreneurs by providing access to resources through a hub software platform. They offer educational programs, including Design Thinking and Lean Startup classes, and provide mentorship and funding guidance tailored to entrepreneurs' needs at various stages of their startup journey, from concept to growth.
Member value
Members gain access to educational programs, mentorship, funding guidance, and networking opportunities tailored to their entrepreneurial needs.
Membership
- Pricing models
- free
Format and cadence
- Modality
- in-person
- Schedule
- rolling-admissions
- Commitment
- light
Availability
- Membership state
- Accepting
Audience and fit
- Audience
- Founders · Students
- Benefits
- mentorship and network-access
- Program types
- community and bootcamp
- Selection criteria
- open
- Regions
- United States
Community activity
- Annual events
- 1
Events and activity
E1 organizes various events, including the Ignite Cup, an annual pitch competition for startups, E1 Tech Talks, a series of discussions featuring entrepreneurs and industry experts, and Office Hours, weekly sessions for entrepreneurs to receive guidance and support.
Notable members
E1 collaborates with various partners to support entrepreneurs, including MN Tech Network, LegalCORPS, Workforce Development, Inc., Minnesota State College Southeast, Owatonna Area Business Development Center, Collider Foundation, Destination Medical Center, HACER, and GreenSeam.
Capability profile
E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN as an event host
Event focus
E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN, also known as Entrepreneurs First, is dedicated to enhancing regional connectivity among entrepreneurs and stakeholders in Southeastern Minnesota. The organization aims to address economic gaps faced by rural communities and stimulate entrepreneurial preparedness across 11 counties in the region.
Format narrative
E1 offers educational programs, including Design Thinking and Lean Startup classes, and provides mentorship and funding guidance tailored to entrepreneurs' needs at various stages of their startup journey, from concept to growth.
Participant value
E1 provides access to resources through a hub software platform, educational programs, mentorship, and funding guidance, all aimed at supporting innovative entrepreneurs in their journey.
Format and cadence
- Event types
- pitch-night and workshop
- Recurrence
- annual
- Modality
- in-person
- Startups can present
- Yes
Availability
- Registration state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+
- Audience
- Founders · Investors
- Regions
- United States
Speakers and past editions
Past editions
The Ignite Cup is a regional pitch competition designed to elevate entrepreneurs and startups, providing cash prizes and mentorship opportunities. The competition includes various awards for top participants, including a seat in the statewide MN Cup competition.
Common questions
What to know about E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN
Upseed classifies E1 Entrepreneurs 1st SE MN under the Community organization type. Its current public profile includes community and event host capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
April 5, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.