March 31, 2025

This article is brought to you by Startup Sioux Falls, a vibrant initiative that fuels local entrepreneurship.

The Journey of Small-Business Ownership

Navigating the path of small-business ownership can often feel isolating; however, aspiring entrepreneurs need not feel alone. Startup Sioux Falls is here to change that narrative. A dynamic team of five seasoned experts is dedicated to providing support and mentorship tailored to the unique challenges faced by startups. With diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for entrepreneurship, these professionals stand ready to assist entrepreneurs in their journey.

“Our entrepreneurs in residence are not merely mentors; they play an active role in our cooperative workspace,” remarked Henry Sule, the community coordinator at Startup Sioux Falls. “They engage closely with founders and integrate themselves within our vibrant community.” This direct involvement cultivates an environment where fresh ideas flourish and businesses can gain crucial insights.

Unparalleled Access to Industry Experts

As members of Startup Sioux Falls, founders gain exceptional access to these industry aficionados. This continuous interaction helps refine strategies, conquer obstacles, and boost business growth. “Whether through scheduled mentorship sessions or spontaneous conversations in our collaborative workspace, our EIRs offer invaluable insights that inspire innovation and reinforce our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Sule emphasized.

Visibility is at the forefront of the EIR’s approach; they will don name tags and be present in communal areas such as the kitchen and open co-working zones, promoting casual yet productive interactions. This arrangement ensures that connections blossom organically.

Building Trust and Authentic Relationships

“At the heart of our initiative lies trust and authentic relationships,” stated Jeff Hayward, the director of programming. “Every entrepreneur in residence is actively developing their own venture while simultaneously nurturing our local entrepreneurial community. They are in the workspace weekly, contributing to collaboration and interaction, so you will frequently encounter them.”

The EIRs bring firsthand experiences and insights that are incredibly beneficial for startups, providing mentoring that is rooted in real-world application. “This level of hands-on support does not only nurture individual businesses but also fortifies the entire ecosystem here in Sioux Falls,” Hayward concluded. “I urge everyone to come to Startup Sioux Falls during our ongoing events, engage with our experts, and witness our thriving community firsthand.”

Meet the Entrepreneurs in Residence at Startup Sioux Falls

Peter Burghardt: Founder and CEO of StringTree

Peter Burghardt, an avid guitarist and rare instrument collector, identified a significant shortfall in the online marketplace tailored for committed musicians, collectors, and dealers. His enterprise, StringTree, aims to create an esteemed auction marketplace that marries trust, transparency, and community involvement to revolutionize the trading of high-value instruments.

Burghardt’s background in venture capital and product development combines with over a decade of aiding early-stage companies to thrive. Before establishing StringTree, he was the executive director at The Batchery, a Silicon Valley accelerator where he supported numerous founders in refining their business models, securing capital, and launching products.

Key strengths: Market strategy development, fundraising, and sales enhancement.

In his own words: “I’m enthusiastic about empowering scalable startups to flourish in Sioux Falls.”

Will Cromarty: Founder and CEO of Kirkwall

As a former CIA officer, Will Cromarty has a wealth of experience in national security, focusing specifically on safeguarding critical infrastructures. He founded Kirkwall, a venture-backed software entity dedicated to monitoring and maintaining the security of critical assets—adopting the motto: “keeping robots on their best behavior.” With a team drawn from various high-stakes backgrounds, Kirkwall was recognized in 2024 as the top startup in South Dakota by the Governor’s Giant Vision Competition.

Key strengths: Bootstrapping startup ventures, fundraising, and product development under tight budgets.

In his own words: “I’m thrilled to assist first-time founders in achieving their initial successes.”

Patrick McGowan: Founder and CEO of Punchn

With over three decades immersed in innovation and communications, Patrick McGowan launched Punchn in 2020. His mission is to enhance communication skills for professionals, helping individuals articulate their value with clarity. Drawing from his past roles leading health care innovation and facilitating numerous group meetings, McGowan represents a wealth of experience and methodologies for effective communication.

Unique strengths: Crafting powerful messaging, engaging curiosity, and encouraging clear communication.

In his own words: “I take delight in witnessing others achieve personal and professional success. I firmly support the mission of Startup Sioux Falls, striving to empower founders.”

Jessica Meyers: Co-founder and CEO of PorchLight

Jessica Meyers brings extensive experience in fostering connections between rural communities and the modern workforce through her recruitment firm, PorchLight. Her nonprofit board involvement and acumen in organizational strategy make her a vital asset for founders seeking to attract top talent.

Unique strengths: Expertise in building new systems, people management, and structured hiring practices.

In her own words: “I’m eager to assist fellow business leaders across various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.”

Megan Raposa (Sonsalla): Founder and CEO of Sioux Falls Simplified

An award-winning journalist with a decade of storytelling across Sioux Falls, Megan Raposa founded Sioux Falls Simplified to offer accessible and insightful news content. Her dedication to narrative aligns with her goal of empowering other entrepreneurs to share their unique stories effectively.

Key strengths: Skilled in storytelling, emotional support, local resource connections.

In her own words: “I believe storytelling is essential to business success and enjoy helping others find their narrative.”

Leveraging AI for legal Needs

As your business grows, you may encounter legal complexities that could impede your progress. Fortunately, AI legalese decoder can help simplify the legal jargon that often complicates contracts and agreements. By transforming dense legal documents into clear and understandable language, AI legalese decoder offers entrepreneurs peace of mind, allowing you to focus on innovation and growth without getting bogged down in legal hurdles.

Discover Membership Options

If you’re interested in joining the community at Startup Sioux Falls, explore the various membership options available. Becoming a member not only grants you access to invaluable resources and support but also connects you with a thriving network of like-minded individuals committed to mutual success and growth.