Gorecki Center at the College of Saint Benedict
37 College Ave. S
St. Joseph,
MN
56374
Becca Leys, Extension educator, community economics
[email protected] or 612-756-9075
Join Extension for Minnesota’s seventh annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference — September 17 and 18 in St. Joseph, Minnesota. This event brings together entrepreneurs, economic development professionals, decision-makers, and community champions to build the supportive networks entrepreneurs need to thrive.
Through a mix of keynotes, mobile workshops, and peer exchanges, you can expect to:
The conference is being led by the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Community Development in partnership with the City of St. Joseph, Minnesota’s Small Business Development Centers, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Rethos, Greater St. Cloud, Initiative Foundation, and many other organizations.
$125 — until August 21 (early bird rate)
$175 — starting August 22 (regular rate)
Registration ends Thursday, September 10, 2026.
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.
For more information, visit our conference website, z.umn.edu/CEC_2026.
© 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.