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Neela Mollgaard
Executive Director - Office of Small Business & Innovation
Neela Mollgaard is the Executive Director of the Office of Small Business & Innovation at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). She was appointed to this position in March 2023, where she focuses on supporting Minnesota's small business sector, including entrepreneurs and startups.356
Professional Background
Mollgaard's role involves connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs with DEED resources, such as research, information, grantmaking, technical assistance, and leadership development. Her efforts are aimed at fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth within the state's business landscape.124
Key Initiatives
Under her leadership, the Small Business and Innovation Office aims to:
- Enhance support for tech startups.
- Facilitate connections between small businesses and various support organizations across Minnesota.
- Promote initiatives that nurture entrepreneurship.23
Mollgaard's work is critical in shaping policies and programs that assist small businesses in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the marketplace.
