June 24: Entrepreneurship Showcase & Awards Event
LITTLE FALLS, MN—The Initiative Foundation and its St. Cloud-area partners invite the public to the 2025 Emerging Entrepreneur Showcase & Awards from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at The Clearing in Sauk Rapids.
This free event celebrates early-stage entrepreneurs who have launched or grown businesses with Initiative Foundation and partner support. The event will feature food samples and a marketplace with products and services available for purchase. The awards ceremony will feature stories and highlights of successful entrepreneurs and will honor small businesses across several categories.
There is no cost to attend, but an RSVP is appreciated.
The event will honor three awardees, all of whom are graduates of the Initiative Foundation’s Enterprise Academy:
- Community Impact Award: Farhiyo Idilfe, CareMax
- Service of the Year Award: Deandre Jackson, DJ Rellek Entertainment
- Product of the Year Award: Sandra Rolf, Zylla-Rolf Studios
“This event is a celebration of creativity, ingenuity and the power of entrepreneurship,” said Donniel Robinson, entrepreneurship programs manager at the Initiative Foundation. “We believe that supporting emerging entrepreneurs is vital for the economic growth and vitality in the Greater St. Cloud area and beyond.”
The Clearing in Sauk Rapids provides the perfect environment for attendees to sample food offerings, connect, network and encourage the success of these small businesses. Now in its third year, the Emerging Entrepreneur Showcase & Awards event attracts 125-plus people from the Greater St. Cloud area who enjoy food, fellowship and an opportunity to celebrate and support local entrepreneurs.
Sample food and drinks will be available from the following vendors:
- Ashley’s Yummy Rollz (ethnic cuisine)
- Horseed Deli (Eastern African cuisine)
- Kalsan Cuisine (Eastern African cuisine)
- Uncle Mike’s Red Hots (Chicago-style beef hotdogs)
- Last Turn Saloon & Eatery (American cuisine)
- Waamo Cafe (Somali tea and food)
- Ya Sure Kombucha (Kombucha beverages)
Service providers include:
- Ali Alinur (Accounting and financial services)
- Brenda’s Helping Hands (Nonprofit supporting vulnerable communities)
- Burkindy Cleaning (Janitorial services)
- CareMax (Mental health, therapy)
- Emotion in Motion (Smash room)
- Hyde and Barrel Studio (Nursery, gardening)
- Rainbow Hair Hats (Hats for EEG patients)
- Sigma Consulting (Business consulting)
- Yenko (Airport shuttle service)
- Zylla-Rolf Studios (Original artwork)
Learn more and RSVP today.