Nov 10

Nov 10 Get connected: Rochester now has a website just for entrepreneurs

There's a new tool in town for emerging entrepreneurs looking for the right resources to grow their businesses here in Rochester.

The website REHIVE.MN launched last Friday in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week. The site will serve as a central hub for Rochester's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a collaborative digital space for individuals to connect and share ideas.

"With the entrepreneurial community, there's a lot happening here but it's fragmented," said Rachel Olson of Strut Branding, which led the effort to create REHIVE. "There's a group over here and there's a group over there. How do we all find each other and find out what's going on in the city?"

The idea for REHIVE was first introduced last winter during a meeting meant to address gaps in the entrepreneurial community (the group responsible for planning next spring's TEDx event also emerged from this discussion).

The site provides directories for events and resources, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with established leaders in the community. Mentors include representatives from key local organizations like Mayo Clinic Ventures and Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.

"We want to encourage entrepreneurs to get out in the community and to network with each other; form a greater entrepreneurial community," said Strut Branding's Chris Olson. "Part of that is connecting them with all the local resources, from startup services to funding resources."

The development of REHIVE was a collective effort by Strut — recently named "Small Business of the Year" by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce — and several other local individuals and organizations.

They expect to scale the website over the next 4-6 months. In the meantime, local entrepreneurs are encouraged to provide feedback on the site.