St. Cloud is a Great Place to “Bee” an Entrepreneur

The data doesn’t lie: St. Cloud is a leading city for entrepreneurial resources in Minnesota and across the United States. Several organizations work together to support start-ups, small businesses, and companies looking to grow.

It’s time to meet some of these resource providers creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, along with the founders themselves. As the summer months roll across the country, discover why it is great to “Bee” an entrepreneur in St. Cloud and see how we have the sweetest environment for growth. 

Buzzcare Wins Third Annual Trailblazer Challenge

St. Cloud is home to the Trailblazer Challenge, a pitch competition where entrepreneurs share their business plans with a panel of judges. Their concepts are evaluated based on their innovation, market potential, and scalability, and cash prizes are awarded by the end of the night.

In 2026, Levi Bosshart and Stephen Rider received $2,250 to grow BuzzCare, a company that uses unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to deliver medication and essential supplies to rural communities. This company could significantly improve the lives of caregivers and patients who cannot leave the house and travel to pick up their medication.

“St. Cloud has been a surprisingly strong launchpad for BuzzCare,” says Rider. “The community here is collaborative, accessible, and willing to back ambitious ideas early. Through programs like the Trailblazer Challenge, StartUp Connect, and support from Greater St. Cloud Development, we’ve been able to build meaningful momentum.”

Start.up Connect is a bi-weekly event in St. Cloud that brings together collaborators to share ideas and troubleshoot problems. Each event has two speakers, one from St. Cloud and one from Greater Minnesota, offering fresh perspectives on how to overcome startup challenges. 

Apiary Coworking is One of Multiple Collaboration Hives 

Entrepreneurs come in all sizes, from companies that need manufacturing space to software developers coding from their laptops. St. Cloud offers multiple options for people who want to work together or who might not need a full office space of their own.

Apiary Coworking offers “modern office space for the busy bee.” Located at 703 West St. Germain Street, the space features traditional desks, meeting rooms of varying sizes, and collaborative workspaces. There’s even a large kitchen for heating up lunch or hosting a company party.

“Coworking spaces create the kind of community, collaboration, and momentum that helps small businesses grow faster and feel less alone. They are also just fun!” says Guy Magno, co-owner of Apiary Coworking.

Entrepreneurs can also check out StageWorks, located inside the historic Davidson Opera House, for their coworking and meeting needs. Found at 113 5th Ave S, Stageworks offers all of the benefits of a modern coworking space (including day passes, monthly rentals, and event areas) along with a pop-up storefront rental option. Entrepreneurs can open their doors to customers before expanding to a bigger space downtown.

“I see every day how important it is to have a place where entrepreneurs can take their first steps,” says Jennie Weber, Operations and Program Coordinator for Greater St. Cloud. “StageWorks provides more than workspace; it creates an environment where founders can test ideas, connect with mentors, collaborate with other innovators, and access the resources they need to grow. By lowering barriers and fostering community, StageWorks helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greater St. Cloud.”

Greater St. Cloud also offers free one-on-one coaching through Thrive MN and has an entrepreneur resource library where founders can rent laptops, tables, and other essential items for trade shows and conferences. 

St. Cloud Area Farmers Market is a Sweet Spot on Saturdays

The St. Cloud Area Farmers Market, which runs from May to October, is also a wonderful place for entrepreneurs to start out. Home bakers can transition to vendors and decide whether they want to sell bread, cookies, and other goodies full-time. Many local farmers participate in this market and provide fresh produce – and honey – to St. Cloud residents.

The farmers' market is also a great place to enjoy prepared food, pick up crafts, and enjoy local live music. It’s a wonderful community event that brings together all of St. Cloud.

Wanna-Bee an Entrepreneur? Start Your Business Today

There’s plenty of room for more entrepreneurs and creatives with big ideas! If you’re looking to launch a business, get involved in Start.up Connect or visit one of St. Cloud’s coworking spaces. You can also meet with the City of St. Cloud Economic Development Authority. Our team is happy to meet with you to discuss where you are in your entrepreneurial journey and what resources you need to grow.