Collider

Strong relationships are the foundation of effective leadership, collaboration and success.

Join leadership coach André Carothers for a free virtual introduction to the practical skills that help people build stronger relationships, navigate challenges and lead with greater confidence. Drawing on years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, executives and teams, André will share insights into why some relationships create momentum while others create friction—and what you can do about it. 🔸 Register at the link in the comments. 🔸

📅 Free Introductory Session
Thursday, July 9 | 1–2 p.m. CST

📅 6-Part Virtual Workshop Series ($100 for community members/Free for Collider members)
July 16 – August 20 | Thursdays, 1–2 p.m. CST

Topics include self-awareness, communication, feedback, delegation, decision-making, group alignment, culture-building and relationship management.

Perfect for entrepreneurs, managers, team leaders, nonprofit professionals, business owners and emerging leaders looking to strengthen their influence and leadership skills.

Applications are now open for two late-summer and early-fall programs supporting Rochester's entrepreneurs and small businesses.

🔸 CO.STARTERS is the first step in your entrepreneurial journey: a 4-week, cohort-based program that gives you the tools to turn your great idea into a business. (Tuesdays, 5-8 pm, August 4-25.)

🔸 Community Incubator is the next step: a more intensive, 8-week program designed to help you take your new business to the next level. (Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 am, September 17-October 29 + Pitch Night on Nov. 5)

Visit the links in the comments to see if the programs are right for you and apply!

Think like an entrepreneur—without leaving your organization.

Great ideas don't only come from startups. They also come from employees who spot opportunities, solve problems and move ideas forward from the inside.

Join "Intrapreneurship 101" on July 20th to learn practical ways to build influence, gain buy-in and drive meaningful change in any workplace.

🎟️ Register:
https://www.collider.mn/events2/2026/7/20/intrapreneurship-101-think-like-an-entrepreneur-inside-your-organization

We caught up with David Razidlo, founder of Game Haven, a Rochester-based web platform designed to help board gamers connect, organize events and build local gaming communities. David talked about the growth of his business (including his next Castle Con tabletop gaming extravaganza on August 14-16 at the Historic Chateau Theatre) and how Collider has helped him build and elevate his business.

Check out his story: https://www.collider.mn/articles

Supporting entrepreneurs has never been so refreshing! Join us for a pint at Little Thistle Brewing on June 4th. While you're sipping and socializing, please buy some raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes donated by generous local businesses.

Thank you Bleu Duck Kitchen, Tavern 22, Jimmy's Dressings and Dips, Official Vanicream and The Adventurous Sip for your contributions!

Link for more info in comments.

Have a business idea you want to explore -- or an early stage venture you want to strengthen? Join Collider's 4-week, in-person CO.STARTERS bootcamp on Tuesday nights, 5 - 8 p.m. each week from August 4th to 25th.

Learn more and register today!

CO.STARTERS at Collider - August 2026 Turn Your Idea Into Action with a Proven Program and a Supportive Community

Good vibes and an engaged crowd were the perfect way to kick off the week at Collider!

Our "Vibe Coding: Building Software Product Prototypes That Work" workshop featured practical tips, rapid prototyping and great conversation. Huge thanks to everyone who showed up ready to experiment, ask questions and dive in.

Similar workshops and collaborative learning sessions are definitely on the horizon, so stay tuned!

There's still time to sign up for our free, beginner-friendly workshop "Vibe Coding: Building Software Product Prototypes That Work." It's on Tuesday, May 26 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at Collider. Learn more and register here: https://www.collider.mn/events2/2026/5/26/vibe-coding-building-software-product-prototypes-that-work

Since 2018, Collider has served as Rochester’s front door for early-stage entrepreneurs — connecting founders to mentorship, programming, relationships and the resources they need to grow.

Why does our current team love working with entrepreneurs?

🔶 Peter Burghardt, Executive Director: “I’m a builder by nature, and I love helping entrepreneurs figure out how the puzzle pieces fit together for a successful business. Rochester is full of talented people, innovation and opportunity, and it’s exciting to help new ideas take shape here.”

🔶 Megan Malugani, Interim Director of Communications: “Entrepreneurs are my people. There’s always a new idea, new challenge, new adventure — and never a dull moment! It takes an inspiring mix of courage, creativity and persistence to build something from scratch.”

🔶 Laura Elwood, Director of Community Engagement: “I love working with entrepreneurs because they live in possibility. They’re builders, risk-takers, visionaries in motion — and I come alive helping people turn ideas into something real, connected and meaningful.”

🔶 Juliana Silva, Director of Startup Services: “For me, it’s about helping people turn ideas into something real that can reshape their plans and create new opportunities for income and growth. I also love pushing them to take risks and try something new.”

Learn more about our team: collider.mn/aboutus.

Any way you slice it, the camaraderie between the members of our coworking community and our staff can't be topped! 🍕

We enjoyed gathering for pizza and conversation today. Collider has added three new staff members in the past two months, and it was great for them to connect with our coworkers.

Our coworking community now includes 70 members — five added in the last two months —- and we value each one! It was also a pleasure to welcome to the party our floormates from the Southeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center - SBDC and Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI).

Cheers to connecting!