A Marketing Partnership Built to Grow

Startup Sioux Falls, formerly the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship, has long been a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sioux Falls. Startup is a community-centered organization that empowers founders in Sioux Falls, SD to grow their ventures. As the organization prepared for a major evolution, including a rebrand and a move to its downtown location, they partnered with Strategie to help communicate this transition and build momentum. What began as support during a pivotal moment has since grown into a long-term marketing partnership focused on attracting founders, business owners, and community members while amplifying Startup Sioux Falls’ impact.

In its early stages, Startup Sioux Falls needed to clearly communicate change. With limited internal marketing resources, they faced the challenge of promoting membership offerings, driving awareness around their downtown move, and clearly communicating who they were as an organization. Over time, those needs evolved. As Startup Sioux Falls matured, the focus shifted from announcing a new location to building an approachable and authentic brand that resonates with entrepreneurs, donors, board members, and people in the community.

Strategie worked closely with Startup Sioux Falls to evolve their marketing strategy alongside their growth. We started with messaging around a physical move, looking to communicate Startup’s relocation in a way that would reach and resonate with their members. Following the move, their needs broadened encompass community, authenticity, and connection. With this new approach in mind, Strategie worked with Startup to refine their social media messaging and strategies. We aimed to help Startup Sioux Falls engage their audience in a way that feels genuine while still driving memberships, event attendance, and participation.

Beyond day-to-day marketing, we also supported high-impact initiatives such as the design of Startup Sioux Falls’ Annual Report. Using smart design techniques, Strategie helped Startup clearly communicate a lot of information in a digestible way.

Strategie’s work with Startup has spanned multiple channels and initiatives. We manage ongoing social media strategy and content, providing Startup with a monthly plan in order to have a healthy content mix. With their diverse audience of mentors and program leaders, community partners and sponsors, founders and business, and tenants and coworking members, it is important that Startup has a robust social media strategy. By leaning into real stories, authentic video content, and current social media trends, Strategie helped Startup Sioux Falls engage their audience in a way that feels genuine while still driving memberships, event attendance, and participation.

In addition, Strategie designed a visually compelling Annual Report that clearly communicates outcomes and impact to stakeholders. The process involves editing, curating, and placing content into an existing format. With content placed, Strategie adjusts and updates the design to both maintain consistency with the previous report and provide a fresh feel.

Strategie has also volunteered time on Startup Sioux Falls’ marketing committee, offering strategic guidance and helping steer decisions to align marketing efforts with organizational goals.

By intentionally leveraging their social media presence, Startup Sioux Falls now has a stronger, recognizable brand that reflects their goals. Marketing efforts now attract a broader range of founders, business owners, and community members while reinforcing trust and credibility. The Annual Report has become a valuable tool for communicating impact and supporting donations. Most importantly, Startup Sioux Falls now has a consistent, strategic marketing foundation that supports sustainable growth and long-term success.