Nov. 17, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Startup Sioux Falls.

When Stephanie Peterson walked into Startup Sioux Falls’ CO.STARTERS Bootcamp, she wasn’t thinking about rebuilding her website. She was focused on the future of her farm business, Fruit of the Coop, a place where agriculture, lodging, classes and community come together just outside Sioux Falls.

Across the room, Ben Forred, founder of Forred Web Design, was ready for a fast-paced weekend of entrepreneurship fundamentals. He anticipated fresh insight and direction, not a new client partnership.

What neither of them knew was that two days together would reshape both of their businesses.

Weekend designed for connection, refocusing

Forred describes Bootcamp as “fast and furious.” Small-group sessions, honest conversations and a pace that pulls people together quickly.

“You get to know people and what they’re trying to accomplish really well,” he said.

When the weekend ended, the group didn’t drift apart. They stayed in touch, checked in on each other and even gathered at local events. The shared intensity of Bootcamp created genuine relationships, not just contacts.

Ben Forred and Stephanie Peterson’s Bootcamp cohort facilitated by William Cromarty

Peterson already had been operating Fruit of the Coop successfully for years, offering farm stays, classes, agricultural products and events. Bootcamp challenged her to revisit the foundations of her business.

“The curriculum made you do things you wouldn’t have done on your own,” she said. “Ideal customer work, marketing plans, it forced me to think about my business in a new way at a moment when I was ready to make a leap.”

In order to take that leap, she realized she needed one thing first: a stronger digital presence.

Connection comes together with impactful partnership

Before Bootcamp, Peterson had no intention of prioritizing a website.

“But being with Ben over the weekend, learning about his goals and getting to know him as a person, it was a no-brainer,” she said. “There are many people who build websites, but trust and understanding are different.”

Forred brought strategy, design expertise and a deep commitment to helping small businesses succeed. Peterson brought a clear vision for elevating the guest experience on her farm. Their collaboration unfolded naturally because of the trust that was built during Bootcamp.

Fruit of the Coop has become known regionally for its farm stays, events, chicken-keeping classes and nutrient-dense eggs trusted by top Sioux Falls restaurants and producers. Peterson’s work blends agriculture, hospitality and education in a way that connects people back to the land.

Forred Web Design, recently named The Local Best in Sioux Falls for 2025–26, helps small businesses turn their websites into tools for real growth. Forred focuses on strategy, customer experience and SEO, not just design.

Bootcamp brought their worlds together. Their partnership helped both businesses grow.

Build momentum 

Every Bootcamp cohort brings together founders with different backgrounds, ideas and goals. What participants often remember most is not just what they learned but also who they met.

Peterson and Forred’s story is one of many examples where Bootcamp creates connections that extend far beyond the weekend. These relationships lead to new collaborations, new opportunities and, sometimes, unexpected breakthroughs.

Peterson didn’t expect Bootcamp to lead to a website.

Forred didn’t expect it to lead to a new client.

Neither expected it to shape the next stage of their business.

But that is exactly what Bootcamp is designed to do: Build skills, build confidence and build community.

If you’re an early-stage founder refining an idea, a business owner preparing for a new phase of growth or someone who knows they need structure and momentum to move forward, Bootcamp gives you the practical tools to take your next step.

You’ll walk away with clarity on your business model, a refined customer focus and a plan you can actually execute. You’ll also gain one month of free co-working at Startup Sioux Falls, access to our monthly alumni meetup and ongoing connection with a community of entrepreneurs who want to see you succeed.

If you’re ready to launch your idea or strengthen your business, this is your moment to step in.

Applications open today and close Dec. 17.
Bootcamp runs Jan. 10-11.
Begin the year by moving your vision forward.

Learn more and apply here!