Home - Red Wing Ignite

Where Innovation
Becomes Reality

Red Wing Ignite fuels economic development by working with key sectors of the community to spur innovation by supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and students. The non-profit organization was founded by the community of Red Wing in 2013, with the support of local foundations and the City of Red Wing.

E1 Ignite Cup

What is the E1 Ignite Cup?

A regional pitch competition, sponsored by Red Wing Ignite and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, was created to elevate entrepreneurs and emerging startups as a feeder to the statewide MN Cup competition. Finalists present their idea/business to a panel of judges made up of entrepreneurs, investors, business/regional leaders, and an MN Cup representative.

Portraits of a community:
Red Wing

There aren’t many small, rural towns with an international brand.

But Red Wing, Minnesota, is one of them.

Chances are you might even own a pair of the classic, durable boots and shoes that have made the town’sT name famous around the globe. Or, if not, you’ve at least heard of Red Wing Shoe Co. — one of the Mississippi River port town’s iconic local businesses along with the likes of Riedell Skates, Central Research Laboratories, and S.B. Foot Tanning Co. The manufacturing heritage also includes a division of the multinational giant 3M. Together, their presence and products bring a renown that few cities of its size can match.

And yet, somehow, Red Wing manages to be so much more than that.

Startups

Do you have an idea? We can help. Learn what you need to turn your vision into a viable business with our resources: coaching, mentoring, tehcnical assistance, funding, and more.

Students

Giving 16, 17, and 18 yr old individuals the opportunity to explore careers in advanced manufacturing through paid internships at local businesses. This is a yearlong education and training commitment.