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If you're building a high-growth startup in South Dakota, we're here to help.
The Enterprise Institute is a nonprofit that works directly with founders, manages early-stage investment funds, and builds the startup ecosystem across the state.
Startup Assistance
Ecosystem Navigation
South Dakota's startup ecosystem has more resources than ever — local, state, and federal agencies, business accelerators, funding programs, pitch competitions, and nonprofit resource providers. That's a good thing, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing. Founders shouldn't have to figure out which programs are worth their time, which funding sources fit their stage, or which opportunities are a distraction.
We help founders navigate the state's entire startup ecosystem, we can point you toward the resources that actually match where you are and where you're trying to go.
Fundraising Preparation
If you're planning to raise equity capital, we can help you get ready. Our team works with founders on the coaching, planning, and preparation that turns a good idea into a fundable opportunity.
What this typically includes:
Business plan review and refinement
Pitch preparation and practice
Understanding equity financing — ownership, company structure, securities considerations, and investment modeling
Navigating your options for angel, venture, and other equity capital
This is a fee-based service and consists of multiple working sessions with our team.
The Enterprise Institute does not offer legal advice. When potential legal issues arise, we make clients aware and refer them to appropriate counsel.
Investment Funds
Dakota Seed Fund
South Dakota's "first check" fund for high-growth startups. The Dakota Seed Fund invests $25K–$75K in South Dakota startups at the idea, proof-of-concept, or early revenue stage.
Learn more at: www.dakotaseedfund.com
Angel Investment Funds
We manage an angel investment network across South Dakota, with one active fund currently accepting applications:
Black Hills Regional Angel Fund III, LLC was formed in 2021 and based in Rapid City, South Dakota. The fund invests in high-growth, high-potential companies that are scalable and typically differentiated by technology or first-mover advantage. The fund primarily invests in companies headquartered or operating in South Dakota.
This fund does not invest in retail stores, restaurants, food trucks, service-based businesses, real estate projects, or other non-scalable business models.
Ready to apply? Fill out the form below.
Once we receive your submission, we'll respond with a formal application and general guidelines.
Events and Ecosystem
Innovation Expo
The Innovation Expo is our annual conference connecting entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, and the people building South Dakota's startup ecosystem. The events feature founder and investor speakers sharing real experience, alongside networking built for the people doing the work.
Rapid City
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Beck Ballroom - South Dakota Mines Campus
Sioux Falls
Thursday, September 17, 2026
The District
Visit the Innovation Expo Website for event schedules, speaker lists, and ticket purchasing.
Partnerships
We work with economic development organizations, universities, and entrepreneurial support organizations across the state to strengthen the infrastructure that startups need to grow here. If you're building part of South Dakota's startup ecosystem, we'd like to know you.
Board of Directors
Keith Bartels of Brookings, SD was the founder of the Martin Group, Inc., in Mitchell.
Chairman of the Enterprise Institute
Darren Haar of Rapid City, SD retired from Dupont in 2012 and now focuses on angel and real estate investments.
Vice Chair of the Enterprise Institute
Duane Sander of Brookings, SD is a co-founder of Daktronics, Inc.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Enterprise Institute
Ed Cannon of Minneapolis, MN was the CEO and founder of Cannon Technologies.
Errol EerNisse of Salt Lake City, UT founded Quartztronics in 1979 and Quartzdyne in 1990.
Aelred Kurtenbach of Brookings, SD is a co-founder and former chairman and CEO of Daktronics, Inc.
Jerome Lohr of Saratoga, CA, is president of the J. Lohr Properties and the J. Lohr Winery, both located in San Jose.
Jim Morgan of Brookings, SD retired in 2013 after 12 years as president and CEO of Daktronics, Inc.
Matt Paulson of Sioux Falls, SD is the founder and CEO of MarketBeat, Inc., and a general partner at Homegrown Capital.
Brad Wheeler of Lemmon, SD is the president of Wheeler Manufacturing Inc.
Staff
Tom Eitreim serves as Executive Director of the Enterprise Institute. In his role, he works as an entrepreneur coach specializing in early-stage financing. He assists high-growth startup companies to create viable business plans and attract both angel and venture capital. Tom manages the angel fund network for the Enterprise Institute. The angel fund network focuses on identifying and investing in venture scalable startup companies.
Tom began his career at the Enterprise Institute overseeing the market research team. His responsibilities evolved to include grant writing and administration, event planning, and angel fund management. His work throughout South Dakota led him to live in various communities including Brookings, Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
Prior to re-joining the Enterprise Institute, he spent three years working in corporate business development at Sanford Health. Tom is a graduate of South Dakota State University.
Taylor Hanson joined the Enterprise Institute team in 2025, where she serves as Program Manager. In her role, she works to support SDEI’s mission of providing customized business services to entrepreneurs, investors, and startup companies across South Dakota.
Taylor began her career with World Classrooms, a South Dakota-based educational travel company specializing in recruiting and leading student trips to Washington, D.C., and New York City. She later spent seven years with the Aberdeen Development Corporation, initially as Director of Business Development from 2018 to 2022, and then as Vice President of Business Development until 2025. In these roles, she worked with business, industry, government, and education partners to identify and address the economic development needs of Aberdeen and Northeast South Dakota.
Taylor completed the Advanced Economic Development Leadership course in 2022, earning the designation of Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP). She earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in December 2023.
Contact Us
Not Sure Where to Start?
Whether you have a fully formed startup or just an early idea you want to talk through, we're happy to point you in the right direction. Reach out and someone from our team will follow up.
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