New entrepreneurs in residence bring unique expertise for Sioux Falls business founders

June, 18, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Startup Sioux Falls.

When you’re a business owner, it can be hard to connect with someone who has “been there, done that.”

But Startup Sioux Falls has a newly enhanced way for its members and program participants to build relationships and gain expert advice.

Think of them as consultants for entrepreneurs, called entrepreneurs in residence, or EIRs. These experts began working with participants in Startup Sioux Falls’ Growco program, where “they’ve brought immense value,” said Jeff Hayward, program manager for Startup Sioux Falls.

“Sometimes, they’re interactions where you need a little encouragement. Or it might be very focused on an industry area. It could even be more general things you should know as a founder — what to expect as far as the impact on your personal life or the challenges of growth. Each of our EIRs has a lot of experience and is committed to helping other founders.”

Now, other Startup Sioux Falls members will have an opportunity to book an allotted number of meetings with EIRs each month. Founders will be expected to prepare an agenda for each meeting and follow up with notes and action steps.

“These aren’t about having conversations to network. It’s about connecting with experts who can assist in specific ways, being coachable and taking some action on their advice,” Hayward said. “That’s when additional doors can open up because you’ve made a commitment.”

Here’s a closer look at the current Startup Sioux Falls EIRs:

Peter Burghart: Founder, StringTree

Peter Burghardt is a forward-thinking investor and entrepreneur in the startup ecosystem. As the founder of StringTree and general partner at IA Seed Ventures, he specializes in seeding innovative software and technology ventures that enhance resilience in everyday life and business operations. He also served as the executive director of The Batchery, steering more than 200 startups to significant growth and facilitating over $100 million in follow-on funding. A co-founder of Nudge for Change, he also has demonstrated a commitment to social impact through technology.

Areas of expertise: Administration and organizational structures, branding, people and culture, business development, e-commerce and digital growth, entrepreneurship, financial modeling, forecasting and valuations, intellectual property management, leadership development, management, market research and analysis, marketing, public relations and communications, networking and relationship building,product development, raising capital: financing, grants and loans, startups and early business planning, technology — such as bio, ag, fin and ad — vision, strategy and scaling.

In his own words: I’d like to better engage in the Sioux Falls entrepreneur community and share the knowledge I’ve gained over the last decade working in early stage venture.

Bobby George: Founder, Apprentice Ventures

Bobby George is a design-driven creative leader string to make social impact. As co-founder of Baan Dek, he helped lead the state’s first accredited Montessori school, and as co-founder of Montessorium, he helped provide education apps for children and parents. Most recently, he led design, strategy and product initiatives at Microsoft Flip. In 2023, he founded Apprentice Ventures, which partners with exceptional founders to build lasting companies.

Areas of expertise: Branding, people and culture, content creation, design and user experience, entrepreneurship, product development, software and website development, startups and early business planning, technology — such as bio, ag, fin and ad — vision, strategy and scaling.

In his own words: “’m eager to listen to founders, understand their ambitions and communities, and see how I might be able to help. I’d love to bring value to your business in any way that I can.

Melissa Johnson: Founder, Oh My Cupcakes!

Visionary entrepreneur and founder of multiple businesses, Melissa Johnson is the owner of Oh My Cupcakes!, Sweet Cream Candle Co. and Melissa J. Creative, with a knack for seeing potential in others.

Areas of expertise: Branding, people and culture, entrepreneurship, leadership development, marketing, public relations and communications, networking and relationship building, vision, strategy and scaling.

In her own words: I am passionate about helping people grow into their own greatest strengths and gifts, particularly when it comes to understanding and operationalizing their WHY in their vocation. Coaching people who want to be coached fires me up!

Patrick McGowan: Founder, Punch’n

An entrepreneur since he started a paper route and wrote a short story at age 9, Patrick McGowan most recently led innovation and change management for major integrated health systems. He launched Punch’n in May 2020 to address the need for people to show up on Zoom with power and integrity. Today, with the advancement of artificial intelligence, he’s on a mission to empower more human connection across all technologies and digital frontiers.

Areas of expertise: Administration and organizational structures, branding, people and culture, business development, content creation, entrepreneurship, financial modeling, forecasting and valuations, leadership development, management, marketing, public relations and communications, sales and operations, networking and relationship building, product development, startups and early business planning, vision, strategy and scaling.

In his own words: I believe in Startup Sioux Falls and its mission — to empower founders. If I can support others in the same way I’ve been supported in the past, I’ll call that a win.

Paul Tschetter: Partner, Boyce Law Firm

Paul Tschetter’s more than 15 years at Boyce Law Firm have focused on practicing construction- and real estate-related law, in addition to serving many entrepreneurs. He’s board chair of Startup Sioux Falls and has significant experience advising business owners on matters ranging from entity selection/formation to contract negotiations and from intellectual property protections to planning for ownership transitions.

Areas of expertise: Intellectual property management, laws, regulations and compliance, mergers and acquisitions, startups and early business planning.

In his own words: I want to support current and future business leaders — people who are vital to the health and growth of our community.

Next steps

Startup Sioux Falls members can book time online directly with the EIRs.

“Ideally, we want people who are actively working on their startup to be connecting with our EIRs,” Hayward said. “If you’re at the idea stage, that’s fantastic, and we have great programs for you that will get you to the level where you’re ready to be consulting with our EIRs.”

Members can book meetings with multiple EIRs in any given month to fit their needs.

Additionally, those connecting with Startup Sioux Falls through other programs and special events will be able to draw on the EIRs’ expertise.

“We’ll be bringing them to different public events and potentially an ongoing virtual meeting, so there will be other opportunities to meet with them,” Hayward said. “But we really want to focus on the value and benefit this brings to our members and invest in those people who have committed to their business and joining our startup ecosystem.”

To connect with Startup Sioux Falls, stop in its downtown headquarters at 100 E. Sixth St. or click here.