Aug. 11, 2021

In business, there’s no such thing as a truly one-person show.

Rhiannon Israel knew that, which is what drove the founder of Welcome Sioux Falls to apply for CO.STARTERS, the business accelerator run through Startup Sioux Falls.

“It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened some doors,” said Israel, who graduated from the program in July.

Along the way, she netted a big honor – emerging the winner in a pitch night alongside her fellow founders.

In six minutes, she had to capture the essence of a business she has spent years building.

The facts helped her sell, she said.

“Seventy percent of failed relocations fail because the family is unable to settle, and that’s something employers don’t necessarily realize,” Israel said.

“Or they have unrealistic expectations, and there was a lack of support. How do you support that, how do you fix that problem?”

For Israel, who moved herself to Sioux Falls from Kentucky in 2016 for her husband’s career in agriculture, the answer took the form of business ownership.

She formed Welcome Sioux Falls in 2018, focused on assisting with corporate relocations and helping newcomers connect to their new community.

“It’s not as easy as just going to an event. It’s hard to take that first step and go to an event where they don’t know anybody and to explore,” Israel said.

In addition to helping with the basics of moving, Israel’s approach includes content related to the emotional struggles that come with making a move.

“Relocating disrupts every single aspect of your life, so we create a transition plan to address those major areas that will be disrupted,” she said.

That includes a relocation support group for women that she administers on Facebook.

“That’s where I’m able to connect and provide the best support is trailing spouses or women making the decision to move on their own, and the conversations have been really interesting to get their feedback and perspectives and pain points,” she said.

In addition to continuing to grow her business in Sioux Falls, where she’s able to make the most personal connections and coordinate in-person events through her Newcomers Club, she’s broadening the brand nationally as The Relocation Companion.

It’s largely based around online content but includes one-on-one options using videoconferencing with resources specifically for women and parents.

“We are going to launch an online piece that’s a relocation road map – that’s workbook-style for individuals to purchase as a one-off,” Israel added. “So it’s something to guide them that’s fun. We’re going to launch it with the Welcome Sioux Falls brand, and we’ll relaunch it for my nationwide brand, The Relocation Companion, to see if it’s helpful nationwide for people moving.”

Through CO.STARTERS, Israel said she has been led to valuable conversations and connections, including a mentor – which had been something she was seeking.

“So to have someone at CO.STARTERS observe who I am and match me with who they think might be appropriate to build and strengthen my weaknesses is really cool, so I’m really looking forward to that being beneficial,” she said.

Israel also left the program with a $1,000 prize for delivering the top business pitch – an award that already has been invested into her business but a priceless reminder she’s on the right track.

“I did not expect it. I was surprised and overwhelmed,” she said. “As an entrepreneur, you can feel like you’re in a world by yourself, and it can be lonely at times. A lot of times, the hard work is hard work that doesn’t necessarily get recognized or noticed, and this was one way I felt like I was getting a pat on the back for all the hard work I had done.”

To get connected, click here, email [email protected] or connect to Rhiannon Israel on LinkedIn.