Thursday, May 2  

8:00 AM – Breakfast 
8:30 AM – Spark Sessions A & B

• Business Benchmarks: Understanding Your Cashflow with Tonya Holmstrom, CPA, Schmitz-Holmstrom, LLP

  This session will guide you through the essential benchmarks to assess and comprehend your company's cash flow dynamics. Gain practical insights, learn to interpret key indicators, and empower yourself with the financial knowledge needed to make informed decisions for the sustained success of your business.

• Taking Your Business Development Skills to the Next Level with Kari Dunn, All In Development Company

  In this session, learn how to cultivate meaningful relationships, capitalize on networking opportunities, and propel your business forward by working closely with your centers of influence.

9:40 AM – Founders Forums A & B

• Business Expansion with Sandi Luck, Bully Brew Coffee House

  Hear Sandi’s story on how she grew Bully Brew Coffee House from a single store to a multi-location enterprise and glean insights on what it takes for you to do the same.

• Contract Negotiation with Shannon Michels, Karma Convenience Stores

  With a handful of rural convenience stores, negotiating contracts is second nature to Shannon. Hear her story and gain insights on negotiating like a pro.

10:10 AM – Break

10:20 AM – Spark Sessions C & D

• Balancing Business & Brain with Dr. Josi Jenson, CORE Family Chiropractic

  In this session, learn about what happens to your brain and your body when it’s overworked, over-stimulated, and stressed out. Dr. Jenson will help you discover ways to quiet the noise, calm your nervous system, and maximize your focus and productivity.

• Collaborative Solutions: Group Coaching with Subject Matter Experts and Peers

  Join us for an interactive peer-to-peer business coaching session, where small business owners and subject matter experts converge to exchange valuable knowledge and insights. Whether you need advice on marketing strategies, financial management, or operational efficiency, our session provides a platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions. Come prepared to have your burning business questions addressed – even those on topics not listed on the schedule.

11:30 AM – Founders Forums C & D

• E-Commerce: Doing Business Online with Angela Skogen, Cooks on Main

  Join Angela to learn about her experience in growing her retail store online, and get advice on how you can do the same.

• Government Contracting with Solli Frank & Angie Milakovic

  Ever considered working with the government? Once certified as a woman-owned business, engaging in government contracts can provide access to a stable and sizable market, fostering business growth and sustainability. Curious if it’s right for you? Learn more here!

Noon – Lunch with the US Patent & Trade Office featuring Regional Director Molly Kocialski

1:00 PM – Adventures Choose one. Signups will be sent to ticket holders before the event. First come, first served.

• Trail Riding at Medora Stables (15 spots)

• Guided Hike - Trail TBD

• Ropes Course at Badlands Ministries (15 spots)

• Mindful Movement with Sadie Schaeffer

• Casual Conversations with Elizabeth Phares Oren

3:00 PM – Break  
5:00 PM – Supper
7:00 PM – Free Time*

*Cowboy Hall of Fame will be open from 7-8 PM MT.

Friday, May 3 

8:00 AM – Breakfast 

8:30 AM – Workshops A & B

• Maximize Your Brand with Ashton Hauff, The Good Kids

  A brand is the reputation that you or your product have built over time. But unlike what it meant in the 1500’s, a brand isn’t simply the name of your product, it’s all of the intangible qualities that represent your business. It’s the feeling they have when visiting your shop, and how they talk about you to their friends when you’re not around. In this workshop, you’ll take inventory of your brand, learn if it’s working for you, and identify ways to maximize your brand power.

• Becoming Bankable with Jessie Johnson, Bremer Bank

  This workshop unlocks the keys to securing financial support for your business dreams. Led by seasoned banking professionals, this session will guide you through the essential steps to position your business as a favorable investment. Learn the strategies to enhance your creditworthiness, navigate loan processes, and build a compelling financial profile, setting you on the path to financial success and sustainable growth.

9:50 AM – Break 

10:00 AM - Workshops C & D

• Marketing: What’s Your Plan? with Melinda Goodman, Full Tilt Marketing

  This workshop is designed to guide owners in building effective marketing strategies for their small businesses. Led by Melinda Goodman, founder of Full Tilt Marketing, this session will walk you through the essentials of marketing strategy, target audience identification, impactful messaging, and using social media. Gain practical insights and leave with a solid plan to elevate your marketing efforts, enhance brand visibility, and drive meaningful engagement with your audience.

• Building Strong Teams Through Strategic Planning: A Roadmap for Success with Elizabeth Phares Oren, M.S., NDWBC

  This dynamic workshop delves into the art of creating cohesive and high-performing teams. This session offers practical insights on strategic planning to foster collaboration, communication, and productivity within your organization. Discover proven strategies and actionable steps to construct a robust team framework, ensuring sustained success and achievement of collective goals.

11:30 AM – Closing Session 

Noon – The End