Our entrepreneur group has suggested creating an innovative event that could tap into other entrepreneurs in the area along with funders, investors and CEOs to educate and enlighten them about Shakopee and everything that is happening here.

With that suggestion, staff has been working with our consultants to create a weekend event that will attract all of the above to grow our innovation network.  We have received interest from a number of national innovation supporters that would like to attend.

There are two events proposed. One is a innovative craft beer event on Saturday September 10, 2022 from 1PM-4PM in downtown at the Lewis Street parking lot. Tap2022 will feature craft brewers from throughout the region. Brewers are encouraged to bring beers that tap into innovation and to create a "startup" beer that they can test with attendees. 

Attendees will be able to review ingredients and how beers are made on an app and then vote on their favorite startup beer.  The winning brewery will be awarded a trophy along with a mountain bike from Otso Cycles, a member of our entrepreneur group.

The second event will be a dinner on Friday night on the historic Holmes Street Bridge over the Minnesota River.  The event working title for this event is "Where Founders and Crafter Brewers Collide."  We have been working with Scott County for permission to hold the event on the bridge over the Minnesota River.

Nationally, entrepreneurs, founders and funders are attracted to craft brewing and special food.  Staff has reached out to Owamni by The Sioux Chef presented by Sean Sherman and Dana Thompson. The restaurant and Chef Sherman have been nominated for two 2022 James Beard Awards.  They would prepare a modern indigenous menu for invitees on Friday night. 

Staff has experience with similar events to this that have helped attract new companies, founders and investors for the community and helped craft an image of innovation.

Invitees would include our entrepreneur group, brew masters attending the next day event, investors and several national leaders in innovation.  We expect between 50 and 60 attendees.