Startup Sioux Falls previews new downtown space, launches Founders Club
March 2, 2022
Startup Sioux Falls is offering a first look at how it plans to turn a historic downtown building into a new center for entrepreneurship.
The organization is celebrating 20 years of supporting startups and holding multiple events today as part of its annual Founders Day.
That includes the chance to tour the historic Milwaukee Freight Depot, which will become the new Startup Sioux Falls headquarters in downtown Sioux Falls.
It’s located at the northeast corner of Sixth Street and Phillips Avenue and most recently was used as office space for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Startup Sioux Falls is leasing the building from the city.
Designs by Koch Hazard Architects show how the building, which dates back to 1894, will be repurposed. It originally served as the freight depot and office of the general agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad.
Startup Sioux Falls anticipates opening the new space in the first quarter of 2023 and will be moving out of its location in northwest Sioux Falls.
“We aren’t just seeking to start and operate a successful co-working space; it is imperative that we activate the space and provide opportunities for the startup community to build relationships and businesses,” executive director Brienne Maner said in a statement.
The 5,500-square-foot building will include co-working, meeting and event spaces and other amenities to support entrepreneurs. The organization also anticipates using the loading dock for co-working and event space as weather permits.
“This move will complete our transformation from an incubation facility to an ecosystem organization. We intend to stay laser-focused on developing services, programs and events that are central to our mission of empowering people to start businesses,” Maner said.
Founders Club launches
Community entrepreneurs and businesses can be part of building the next generation of the startup community by joining the Founders Club.
By joining the Founders Club, founding members secure their co-working membership ahead of opening and will gain access to exclusive benefits.
Area businesses and community supporters also can join as founder funders. Their contribution will sponsor memberships for entrepreneurs who have a demonstrated financial need, including nonprofit founders, economically disadvantaged founders and pre-revenue startups.
Learn more and join the Founders Club here.
About Sioux Falls Founders Day
Founders Day is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship in the greater Sioux Falls area. Anyone interested in participating in the daylong celebration can attend these free events:
- 9 a.m. — 1 Million Cups at the Museum of Visual Materials, 500 N. Main Ave.
- 10:30 a.m. — Tour of the Milwaukee Freight Depot.
- 4 p.m. — Founders Forum at Icon Event Hall, 402 N. Main Ave.
- 5 p.m. — Startup Social at Icon.
