Innovation is at the heart of Rochester’s entrepreneurial spirit and the vision of DMC. And while Rochester is undoubtedly a city focused on health and wellness, having a diverse workforce is critical to a strong and prosperous community.
Our state’s leaders have also recognized the importance of fostering innovation. Earlier this week, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched #InnovateMN, a digital campaign to highlight original businesses throughout the state and help connect them with state funding.
Lt. Gov. Smith and DEED’s Commissioner, Shawntera Hardy, said the campaign will celebrate emerging technologies and discoveries in Minnesota by sharing stories of businesses and startups on the leading edge. With Minnesota ranking annually among the top five states in new patents, those stories are plentiful. “Innovation is embedded in our identity,” says Smith.
The #InnovateMN campaign idea came to light after Smith and Hardy heard story-after-story about innovative job creation while traveling throughout the state.
“We have to tell this story,” Hardy said.
In addition to highlighting Minnesota’s discoveries, the campaign will help to connect Minnesotans with state resources and programs available through DEED to help them launch or expand a business. DEED offers tax credit programs, small business development assistance, loan programs and more. Read more about how DEED is helping to encourage innovation.
“I encourage Minnesotans to share their #InnovateMN stories,” Smith says. She also recommends they contact the Department of Employment and Economic Development to “learn how to make their ideas become a reality.”
Click here to learn more about #InnovateMN on the DEED website.
Join the conversation on DEED’s Facebook and Twitter pages and follow #InnovateMN on Twitter.
Interested in learning more about innovation in Minnesota?
Check out DocuMNtary, a project created to build awareness of technology in Minnesota by telling our story through a documentary series.