April in the Twin Cities: Networking, Community & Behind the Scenes of My Business Systems
A roundup of local events, social gatherings, and a peek into how I’m organizing the back end of my business this spring.
Hey friends!
It’s been such a full and energizing month already — I’ve been out and about attending events across the Twin Cities, and I just have to say… our startup and small business scene is growing like crazy right now. Every time I open Instagram or TikTok, there’s a new event popping up. I love it. It reminds me why I started Twin Cities Collective in the first place — to make it easier to find your people and stay connected in a city that’s bursting with creativity and potential.
One of my favorite events this month was Sips and Startups, hosted by the incredible Communiful team. It brought together local founders, creatives, and community leaders for a relaxed, intentional evening — and honestly, it felt like the future of networking. So much good energy.
I also got to speak at the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, which was such a fun and aligned space. I truly love chamber events — they’re one of my favorite places to meet small business owners and potential clients. And here’s a little pro tip: there are tons of chambers in Minnesota, both city-specific and industry-focused, so if you’re looking to connect locally, start with your local chamber. You never know who you’ll meet!
Wanted to share a quick video with some updates!
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🎤 What’s Coming Up – Minnebar!
I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at Minnebar this May! 🎉 It’s Minnesota’s largest and longest-running tech (un)conference, held at the Best Buy headquarters, and it’s totally free to attend.
I’ll be sharing my REPEAT Formula, which is all about the power of in-person networking, following up on LinkedIn, and building real relationships that turn into opportunities. Because showing up is only the first step — the follow-through is what makes it all stick.
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Reflections on Community Growth
When I first started Twin Cities Collective, there weren’t as many meetups and groups — maybe a few recurring events here and there. But now? There are so many amazing options, from one-off wellness pop-ups to deeply rooted tech and entrepreneur communities.
Whether you’re brand new to town or just want to build more meaningful connections, the community does exist — and I’m here to help you find it.
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🌟 Events + Groups to Know
🌿 Community & Connection
🧖 Sauna & Sobriety
Sober social club for intentional connection
A welcoming space for wellness-minded individuals to connect without the pressure of alcohol.
• Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: The Yard: Superior Sauna & Steam, Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
• Details & Registration: Event Page
☕ Purpose Driven Coffee
Coffee meetups centered around values, purpose, and intentional conversations.
• Date & Time: Friday, April 4, 2025, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Location: Multiple locations throughout the Twin Cities, including The Gnome in Saint Paul, Buddy Boy Barbeque in Minnetrista, and Crescent Ridge Corporate Center in Plymouth.
• Details & Registration: Event Page
🤝 Social Good Exchange
A casual networking meetup for people who care about social impact.
• Date & Time: 5:30-7:30pm April 23rd
• Location: Dual Citizen Brewery, Midway, St. Paul, MN
• Details & Registration: Eventbrite Link
🍸 Social Media Breakfast – Happy Hour Edition
An informal hangout to connect with fellow marketers over drinks.
• Date & Time: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room, 2500 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
• Details & Registration: Eventbrite Link
💼 For Businesses & Entrepreneurs
📅 First Mondays from Communiful
Monthly business-focused gathering for networking and learning.
• Date & Time: Monday, April 7, 2025, 5:30pm
• Location: Forgotten Star Brewery in Fridley
🏆 MN Cup
Minnesota’s largest startup competition—open to early-stage entrepreneurs across the state.
• Application Deadline: Friday, April 11, 2025
• Details & Application: MN Cup Website
🚀 Entrepreneur’s Rally
An energizing event for entrepreneurs, featuring speakers, community, and connection.
• Date & Time: Thursday, May 8, 2025, Time TBA
• Location: JW Marriott
• Details & Registration: Entrepreneur’s Rally Website
👯♀️ Women-Focused Events
🚶♀️ City Girls Who Walk – Minneapolis
Free weekly group walks with a welcoming vibe and city views.
• Date & Time: Sunday mornings, Time TBA
• Location: Various locations in Minneapolis, MN
• Details: Instagram Link
✨ The Dot Twin Cities – Signature Event
A curated event for women to connect, grow, and be inspired.
• Date & Time: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Location: La Salle Event Plaza
• Details & Registration: Event Page
🌿 She Leads Conference (Brainerd)
Empowering women to lead boldly—featuring speakers, workshops, and networking.
• Date & Time: Friday, April 25, 2025, Time TBA
• Location: Brainerd, MN
• Details & Registration: Conference Website
💬 EmpowerHER (Monthly Meetups)
A monthly meetup for ambitious women to share insights and support.
• Date & Time: TBA
• Location: TBA
• Details & Community: LinkedIn Group
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⚙️ New: NEURO Waitlist is Now Open!
If you’re a business owner who’s drowning in digital chaos — think messy files, scattered content, and no real system for leads or follow-ups — I’ve got something just for you.
NEURO is my new 4-week live program to help you build your digital business HQ. You’ll set up a fully customized system inside Notion to organize your content, track leads, store digital assets, and actually stay on top of everything.
🧠 This is for entrepreneurs who want:
• Quick access to what they need when they need it
• A central hub for managing content, leads, and tools
• A repeatable system that grows with your business
🎯 It’s not about being perfect — it’s about building something that works for you.
Join the waitlist to get early bird access, exclusive bonuses, and sneak peeks:
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📬 Stay Connected
I share a ton of local events, business tips, and behind-the-scenes content on LinkedIn, so if we’re not connected yet — come say hi!
🧰 Don’t Miss: The Optimization Toolbox
If you love systems, tools, automation, and behind-the-scenes business strategy, be sure to subscribe to my other weekly Substack: The Optimization Toolbox.
Every week I share practical tips and insights on digital organization, Notion, content creation, and ways to grow your business without burning out.
📬 Subscribe here →
Also, feel free to forward this email to a friend, client, or coworker who might be looking to grow their local network or just meet some good people.
Talk soon,
Jenna
Twin Cities Collective
Connect with me on Linkedin!