Emerging Entrepreneur Showcase & Awards
2025 Event: Thank You to All!
The 2025 Emerging Entrepreneur Showcase & Awards was a huge success—full of energy, inspiration and celebration! A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us on Tuesday, June 24, at The Clearing in Sauk Rapids—from our amazing attendees and vendors to the incredible entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of business in our community. A special congratulations to our 2025 awardees: Farhiyo Idifle, CareMax; Sandra Rolf of Zylla-Rolf Studios; and Deandre Jackson of DJ Rellek Entertainment. Read on to learn more and watch their videos.
Learn More About the 2025 Awardees
You can learn more about the 2025 Emerging Entrepreneur awardees by watching their videos. Each awardee shared about their business and their hopes and dreams for the future.
Farhiyo Idifle: Community Impact Award
Farhiyo Idifle, founder of CareMax, is a social worker turned mental health professional offering culturally responsive therapy and assessments. Fluent in English and Somali, she provides care rooted in empathy and cultural understanding. After completing the Initiative Foundation’s Enterprise Academy in 2022, she gained vital business skills to grow her practice. Farhiyo’s mission is simple yet powerful: to help others feel heard, supported and emotionally well.
Deaandre Jackson: Service of the Year Award
Deandre Jackson, founder of DJ Rellek Entertainment, launched his business in 2019 to share his passion for music through DJ and emcee services at weddings, proms and corporate events. A father of two, he balances entrepreneurship with family life. With support from the Initiative Foundation, he built a strong business foundation and now mentors youth through music. Deandre aspires to become one of Minnesota’s top DJs while inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Sandra Rolf: Product of the Year Award
Through Storyline Puzzle Company, Sandra is transforming 75 years of family storytelling into original artwork and puzzles that celebrate Minnesota history. Inspired by her father and his paintings, she launched her business with support from the Enterprise Academy, where she learned essential business skills. Sandra dreams of opening a storefront. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her grandkids, sharing joy through art and connection.
Questions? We ❤️ helping!
Reach out to a member of our team with questions about programming for Central Minnesota entrepreneurs.
