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Elevate Rapid City

Entrepreneur Mentor Network

Launch & Grow Your Business: Elevate Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (Rapid City, SD)

Gain the knowledge, guidance, and network you need to thrive in Rapid City's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Program Structure:

  • Small Group Mentorship: Connect with local entrepreneurs facing similar challenges and a dedicated mentor who understands the Rapid City business landscape.
  • 1-on-1 Mentorship Sessions: Deepen your learning and address specific challenges through regular one-on-one meetings with your mentor.
  • Interactive Workshops & Webinars: Gain valuable insights from industry experts and outside presenters on a variety of business-critical topics relevant to Rapid City entrepreneurs.
  • Networking Events: Connect with other Rapid City entrepreneurs, potential customers, and influential figures within the local business community.
  • Presentation Competition: Showcase your progress and celebrate your achievements by presenting your business journey and future plans to a wider audience.

Curriculum:

  • Goal Setting: Develop clear and actionable SMART goals to drive your Rapid City business growth.
  • Business Planning: Master the fundamentals of business planning with guidance on crafting a comprehensive plan using the SCORE template, specifically tailored to the Rapid City market.
  • Market Research & Analysis: Learn effective market research techniques to identify trends, opportunities, and potential threats specific to Rapid City.
  • Marketing & Branding: Create a strategic marketing plan and develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your Rapid City target audience.
  • Financial Management & Accounting: Understand key financial concepts and gain the ability to analyze your Rapid City business performance using practical examples and case studies.
  • Sales Strategies: Develop a winning sales strategy to attract and convert customers in the Rapid City market.

Benefits:

  • Local Expertise: Gain insights from experienced mentors familiar with the Rapid City business landscape.
  • Actionable Strategies: Learn practical skills and develop a customized growth plan for your Rapid City business.
  • Rapid City Network: Build valuable connections with local resources and forge lasting relationships within the Rapid City entrepreneurial community.
  • Ongoing Support: Stay motivated and on track with ongoing guidance and encouragement from your mentor and peers in Rapid City.
  • Boost Your Local Success: Increase your chances of achieving your entrepreneurial dreams and becoming a thriving business in Rapid City.

Get Connected

Find a Mentor

The journey of entrepreneurship is full of twists, turns, progress, and set backs. There is a lot to think about, like marketing to customers, securing funding, hiring staff, and the over scale of your company. It can begin to feel lonely. But the good news is, Rapid City is full of people who have successfully started and grown a company right here. Elevate has formed relationships with these leaders who are willing to serve your company's growth as a mentor. Contact us today to get connected and receive advice from those who have walked the journey before you.

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Become a Mentor

Do you remember the struggles you faced trying to start and grow your business? Do you want to see aspiring entrepreneurs succeed by sharing some of the lessons you learned? Consider joining the mentor network!

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Get Connected

Meet the Mentors

Meet some of our local experts! Gain insights from experienced mentors familiar with the Rapid City business landscape.

Fran White

West River Business Service Center

BHSU Graduate – Mass Communications/Broadcasting. + Been making loans to small businesses for 21 years at the West River Business Service Center. + 2010 SBA Financial Services Champion of the Year. + Hobbies: Gardening, hiking. + Favorite food: Beef & Noodles and Mashed potatoes (the food of my homeland…NE Indiana)

Jennifer Frank

Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun

Can advise on employment issues and contracts. + Chair of the SD State Bar Labor and Employment Law Committee. + Serves on the board for Black Hills Society for Human Resource Management. + Hobbies: Hiking, camping, gardening, cooking, canning and reading beach novels.

Michael Brown

Lucid Hearing

20 years as a Hearing Specialist in the field of Audiology. + 2-time private practice owner; both practices built and sold profitably. + Current member of BHSU School of Business Advisory Board. + Past member of Advisory board for Unitron, hearing aid manufacturer and worldwide distributor. + Consultant to Ear, Nose & Throat clinics to assist with growth and maximum profitability of Audiology Departments. + Early entrepreneur; started first business at age 14. + Native of Missouri, but have lived in South Dakota since 2004. + Avid Buffalo Bills fan. + Outdoors enthusiast, hunting, fishing, hiking, etc

Michele Loobey-Gertsch

Black Hills Works

USD Graduate. + Past business owner, experience in for-profit and non-profit settings. + Past Executive Director, Sturgis Chamber of Commerce. + Current Director of Advancement at Black Hills Works. + At the end of every day it is Michele’s family, faith, and friends that make her life journey meaningful and overflowing with purpose.