Recent content from Nick Williams
Wilfs pull plug on video gaming at Viking Lakes in Eagan
Version1's facility was open to fans attending Vikings training camp at the TCO Performance Center, where they could play on some of the company's gaming systems.
Meet the businesswoman who created Minneapolis' first BIPOC Startup Week
Charlotte Epée-WillSuN has self-funded the inaugural event, running Dec. 7-9 in downtown Minneapolis.
Rosenthal Furniture, a downtown Minneapolis landmark, closing after 128 years
Items at the company's two locations — Rosenthal Furniture in downtown Minneapolis and Rosenthal Interiors in Minnetonka — are significantly marked down as part of a total sell-off of the company's inventory.
Star Tribune names three veteran journalists to new senior leadership posts
All have multiple years of experience at Minnesota's largest news organization.
Eden Prairie balloon-maker Anagram files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Anagram, which is also seeking new ownership, is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of New Jersey-based Party City, which itself filed for bankruptcy in January.
He started 7 businesses. Now he helps others avoid the mistakes he couldn't.
Nick Tietz started ILT Academy in St. Cloud to be an education provider and co-working lab for small-business owners.
Big player in casino industry keeping close eye on effort in Minnesota to legalize sports betting
This past summer, IGT added St. Croix Casinos in Wisconsin as one of its latest customers. Among other customers are many of the casinos in Iowa and the Dakotas.
Twin Cities ride service is a clean room on wheels for those who want an infection-free lift
Created during the pandemic, Edwards RideCare serves those who desire an infection-free drive.
Fed interest rate hikes tame inflation but hit small, often diverse, business owners hardest
Women and people of color, who drove pandemic-era business growth, are especially vulnerable to rising costs.
Headed to Disney World? A superfan shares tips for a fun family vacation.
Nostalgia and fun in Orlando can make Disney worth the price of admission — especially if you follow these tips from a former Floridian.
Minnesota company's cut-resistant hockey gear sells out after player Adam Johnson's death
Warroad Hockey Co., from NHLer T.J. Oshie, produces shirts that protect the neck and wrists.
With diabetes on the rise, tech becomes crucial part of disease management
For the roughly 500,000 people in Minnesota diagnosed with diabetes, technology that automates finger-pricking and shot-giving has been an essential development.
Now that recreational cannabis is legal, here's how to start your own pot business
The state's Office of Cannabis Management hasn't yet published license applications, but they should be available in early 2025.
Canceled Twin Cities Marathon, 10 Mile registrants will receive full refunds
The events didn't happen Oct. 1 as planned because of hot weather, and organizer Twin Cities in Motion took until Friday to figure out its insurance claim and refund policy.
St. Thomas student has rung up $1M in sales keeping office furniture out of landfills
John Costello, a Schulze scholar at the university, started the business in high school.
Taking the grift out of thrifting: Minneapolis reseller's platform authenticates vintage items and their worth
Jake Webb and his partners have developed an app to authenticate vintage items and their worth.
Minneapolis firm wins AdWeek's Agency of the Year honor, ending 30-year drought
Colle McVoy's award is the biggest recognition in the advertising firm's 88-year history and the first for a Minnesota company in nearly three decades.
Former GOP Rep. Arlen Erdahl, the kind of political leader people 'yearn for,' dies at 92
He represented Minnesota's First Congressional District and also served as secretary of state.
Canceled Twin Cities Marathon is latest hurdle for the organizer
The pandemic once canceled or set capacity restraints on the annual race, which now faces a reimbursement conundrum after hot weather shuttered this year's incarnation.
Twin Cities Marathon, 10 Mile runners must wait on refund details
It's possible the approximately 8,000 marathon runners and 12,000 10-milers will have to wait another two weeks before hearing if any money is coming back their way.
Fitness trackers bring out the competitive spirit in Minnesotans
From fitness studios to senior living communities, wearable technology has enabled a new generation of fitness enthusiasts to not only track their performance but also see how they measure up against others.
Minnesota startup aims to remove 1B tons of carbon dioxide by 2035
Carba won this year's MN Cup competition, which culminated Monday with a grand finale at Twin Cities Startup Week.
Minnesota med-tech startups on pace to raise more than $1B again this year
Professionals in med-tech, health tech and biotech will be among those gathering around the metro for in-person and virtual events as part of Twin Cities Startup Week, which starts this weekend.
Minnesota household income continues to decline, putting more families in need
Recent data from the American Community Survey show 9.6% of the Minnesota population living below the federal poverty threshold, a slight increase from 2021.
A Minnesota startup's shortcut for finding the most emotional moment in songs? Math.
Minnetonka-based MIIR found a way to search mathematically rather than instinctively for the parts in songs that elicit a certain emotional response, which will have a big impact on industries like film, music streaming and health care.
Businesses have used customer mapping for years. Hennepin County has caught on.
The county has developed a customer journey mapping system to summarize citizens' movement through various services, from the DMV to the county medical center.
Looking for love in the Twin Cities? It can cost from a couple bucks to $100,000
Finding a match doesn't have to be expensive, but a commitment of time and a bit of money can help.
Should you get your child a GPS tracking device as they head back to school?
A variety of devices — from basic GPS tags to smartwatches — could provide parental peace of mind while still allowing an age-appropriate level of independence.
Hub Bike Co-op closing south Mpls. flagship store after 21 years
The cooperative voted last week to close the location on Minnehaha Avenue, citing inflation, decreased sales and an overall lag in people needing repairs as reasons for the decision.
Mpls. startup aims to improve wound care, prevent problems
Wound Co. is adding support to understaffed hospitals, clinics and home care providers nationwide, especially those serving diabetics and seniors.
How Minnesota's Mortenson became a top contractor for U.S. sports venues
In the past 30 years, Mortenson has completed more than 230 sports venue projects valued at upward of $15 billion.
Golden Valley-based Mortenson tapped for new Las Vegas Athletics MLB ballpark
Mortenson and co-lead McCarthy previously completed the $1.9 billion construction of the Las Vegas Raiders' NFL stadium.
Punch Pizza built Twin Cities chain through word of mouth — from Meryl Streep, Barack Obama
For nearly 30 years, Punch has built a following without much investment in promotion and advertising.
Minnesota ad agencies changing as digital becomes the name of the game in marketing
Whether they are online or on digital billboards, clients need agencies to leverage today's market data for them, professionals say.
Venture capital investment in Minnesota down 63% in first half of year
Medical device companies are getting the most money, but higher interest rates and bank closures have cooled investment off recent record years.
Twin Cities entrepreneur creates app to make mental health care more accessible
In an interview, Luke Wendlandt talks about his own mental health journey, how his app is meant to help people connect with each other and mental health professionals, and some entrepreneurial tips.
For this Minnesota family, medicinal plant business preserves Hmong history
Over the past 20 years, Wangchou Yang and his family have built a reputation in the Twin Cities' Hmong community for their vast collection of medicinal plants.
Radio personality, media trailblazer Norma Jean Williams lifted community
Williams, the former publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, a family-owned publication since 1934, passed away on June 6. She was 81.
Chief executive of Duluth-based Maurices steps down, interim named
David Kornberg joined Maurices in 2021 after previously serving as CEO of clothing chain Express. An interim CEO has been appointed for the Minnesota-based women's clothing retailer.
More self-driving cars are on Minnesota roads, fueled by public funding
Private citizens aren't the only ones investing in autonomous vehicles. The state is also trying to figure out how to bring more self-driving cars to the roads to forge a more connected community.
Governments fall short on hiring diverse businesses for Minnesota public projects
Improving systems with input from disadvantaged business owners could help these government agencies increase spending.
As seniors buy more tech, the market for Minnesota-made devices expands
By 2030, older adults are expected to spend $120 billion on tech, per AARP.
You don't have to be a techie to create an app, here's how to do it
Either as a side gig or as an extension of a fully functioning business, creating an app isn't reserved for coding experts.
This Twin Cities firm holds companies accountable, rating their environmental and social goals
As more investors and stakeholders demand progress in ESG initiatives, Ethos has found a way to measure data to help decision making.
As use of facial recognition tech grows, so do privacy concerns
Experts fear the billion-dollar industry's potential for mass surveillance and its lack of safeguards to protect millions of images of real people's faces from theft or alteration.
Sun Country Airlines to launch new app, six years since it last had one
The budget-friendly carrier will join the ranks of other airlines that have invested in technology to better serve passengers.
Minnesota's high school tech education is among the worst, stunting local industry's growth
The state ranks last in the U.S. in the percentage of high schools offering computer science coursework, with only 21% doing so.
A mom's work can feel invisible. A Minnesota-made app rewards that mettle
The Mom Badge app was created as a way to acknowledge some of the unseen work moms do with a digital token — and maybe a gift card, too.
Booming women's sports, spending attract Minnesota companies
Brands are becoming more willing to attach themselves to women's sports, gaining consumer attention in a less-crowded advertising sphere.
Maternal health is an issue in America. A Minnesota startup is trying to help solve it.
Access to at-home data helps medical professionals intervene earlier if heart problems emerge in mothers late in pregnancy or after they give birth.
CEI launches next round of grants for Black, Indigenous and Latina business owners
Center for Economic Inclusion has begun its second round of $400,000 grants aimed at women of color entrepreneurs.
Relievant Medsystems gets $50M in latest funding round
The latest round was led by new investor New York City-based Ally Bridge Group.
Amid economic uncertainty, Minneapolis venture capital firm raises $470M for new funds
The latest capital raise puts Arthur Ventures over $1 billion in total assets under management.
How did Tonka trucks get their start in Minnesota?
Tonka Toys was a pioneer for its realistic designs and reliance on metal parts.
St. Paul startup creates disposable hijab for Muslim health care workers, patients
Personal protection equipment startup launches in St. Paul to serve Muslim women who need head coverings in sanitized environments.
Dog treats, skin care, jewelry: Target Field's BIPOC-owned wares for sale at Twins games
Located near the main entrance of the ballpark at Gate 34, Creator's Corner will feature three local businesses from entrepreneurs of color at all 81 home games.
Target Field's new tech aims to improve fan experience at Twins games
The Twins are using artificial intelligence to scan for weapons at gate entrances, the first sports venue in Minnesota to do so.
Plenty of space, but no room to grow for small companies in the Twin Cities
Landlords and property owners can't say yes to every entrepreneur with a dream. They have equity partners and lenders to answer to.
Tourism agency launches new campaign to combat stigma, draw visitors to Minneapolis
The Meet Minneapolis campaign, "See What All the Fuss is About," is the agency's largest in a decade.
Investors add $179M more into Minneapolis health insurance company
Since its founding, Gravie has secured $327 million from venture and equity investors.
How Minnesota's venture-backed firms navigated bank's collapse
Before the federal government stepped in this past weekend, several Minnesota startups worried about making payroll after Silicon Valley Bank closed late last week.
NFTs are creating trademark problems. For these Minnesota lawyers, expertise is a commodity
For Minnesota attorneys specializing in trademark and patent law, demand from NFT creators has grown to be a large chunk of the business.
Longtime educator Teddy Saunders, 91, provided quiet strength to family, community
The father of six immersed himself in higher education and earned several degrees.
St. Paul company offers tech solution to expedite care for substance use disorders
Time can be crucial in communicating with people seeking care for substance use disorders. One Twin Cities company hopes to help improve an often slow process.
Stillwater officers shoot, kill suspect at apartment complex
Police chief said officers responded to reports of shooting at an apartment building and were fired on by the suspect before returning fire.
Minneapolis tech company's app optimizes foreign language learning, teaching
Deeloh Technologies' Extempore app lets students record assignments and teachers grade them all on demand.
New Minneapolis holding company wants to spend $100M to buy software companies
Big Band Software is focused on business-to-business software companies generating between $1 million and $10 million in annual revenue.
Startup that uses AI to perfect sales pitches and presentations nabs more funding
"We want to help people nail their first impression," said Kelvin Johnson, co-founder of the Minneapolis-based company.
Medtronic receives E.U. approval for key new defibrillator system
The company anticipates approval in the U.S. for the system sometime within the first half of 2023.
Minneapolis startup creates Uber-like app for short deliveries
Trunkdrop can be used for a number of delivery situations — a small-business owner who wants to deliver a product to a nearby customer or an autobody shop in need of parts from a supplier late in the evening.
Canadian company acquires Minneapolis logistics firm GroundCloud for $138M
GroundCloud's founder and chief executive, Dave Leland, will continue to lead the company.
How to make money on TikTok and Instagram
Twin Cities content creators share their strategies for success on social media platforms.
Edina teens land organic dog treats on Lunds & Byerlys shelves
In addition to local farmers markets and dog events in the Twin Cities, the treats are available in nearly two dozen Lunds & Byerlys stores, Jerry's Foods, County Markets, Bone Marche and select Ace Hardware stores.
These four Minnesota-made apps make it easier to make home repairs, maintenance
Minnesota startups are leveraging software to also generate instant quotes on repairs, remodeling, and schedule snow removal and lawn services.
Minnesota startups will likely see another rocky year for venture funding
Venture deals already fell about 16% in 2022. Now, investors say they will be more concerned about a company's execution and traction in the market.
