Purpose-Led Community & Ecosystem Building
Part of Twin Cities Startup Week 2026, September 14–18.
Strong entrepreneurial ecosystems don't happen just because resources, programs, and people exist in the same place. They grow when people intentionally build connections across communities, make it easier for entrepreneurs to find the people and resources they need, and create opportunities for people who have historically been outside the center of the ecosystem to participate.
This panel will look at community building as an active part of economic and entrepreneurial development. The conversation will explore what it takes to build communities people actually want to participate in, connect rural and metro entrepreneurs, increase representation and access, and use partnerships and existing networks to create stronger pathways for founders.
Speakers & Perspectives:
Thomas Knoll, Founder / Community Builder @ Woven Coops — Building communities people belong to: Thomas will bring decades of experience building online and startup communities, including his work in the Twin Cities and Downtown Las Vegas, and speak to what actually creates participation, connection, and a lasting sense of community.
Cameron Payne, Rural Business Accelerator Leader @ CEDA — Connecting rural and metro ecosystems: Cameron will focus on the geographic gaps in Minnesota's entrepreneurial ecosystem and what it takes to make networks, resources, and relationships accessible to founders outside the Twin Cities.
Juan Llerena, Founder / Community Builder @ JLLB MEDIA — Representation and community access: Juan will bring his experience as an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and community builder, with a particular focus on reaching Latino entrepreneurs and creating more intentional pathways into Minnesota's entrepreneurial community.
Nicholas Donnelly, Founder / Operator — Partnerships that expand an ecosystem: Nicholas will bring experience building companies and partnerships across different markets, including his work in the UK and the launch of a professional women's rugby league in the U.S., to discuss how partnerships, brands, and networks can bring new people into an ecosystem and help communities grow beyond their existing circles.
Getting here on Thursday. Parking, Basecamp, lunch, and the rest of the day: tcstartupweek.com/thursday