Finding the key partners to work with can make or break your venture. After thousands of conversations with aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s one of the most common obstacles and risks holding folks back from pursuing their idea. So – we asked some of the smartest, most resourceful entrepreneurs in the community to share their lessons and insights to help inspire and educate the next great set of entrepreneurs.

Justin Robinson

So a lot of people have a good idea of what they want to do or have an even better idea of a product that could revolutionize the industry that they are in. However, like most people, they either don’t know where to start, they don’t have enough capital to take a stab at it. Or even the amount of resources that is needed to pull whatever the idea off. It’s just so overwhelming, that sometimes… Read more>>

Hillary Deane

When I am looking to connect with new designers, jewelers, distributors, etc., the first factor I need to determine is their minimum order requirement. As a small business that is primarily online and focuses on 1:1 jewelry concierge services, it’s important to me to keep a low inventory of on-hand pieces. All of my clients have unique requests, therefore I do not want a surplus of numerous designs. Read more>>

Hayley Geisner

Part of finding my vendors just came from already being submerged in the world of independent designers and sustainable kids wear for my own family. I’ve kept a list of brands I wanted to carry in my store ever since the idea to open one popped into my head. I am always looking for brands that take their impact on the environment seriously, Read more>>

Lindsay Henn

\As the owner of 2 very different businesses, this process was completely different for both. For MN EIS, an ice cream shop, it was an easy. pick being Wisconsin native myself. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company had the whole package. Great marketing, exceptional customer service, a large social media following, good values, and most importantly an amazing product. Read more>>

Jordan Richichi

We are often asked where we get our keys and if keys are hard to find as more cars and homes are becoming ‘keyless’. Keys are the main ingredient to our brand, but luckily they aren’t going anywhere. Read more>>

Kendall Daly

Sourcing for our shop is a very time consuming task. When looking for specific products I personally research and test everything. The products have to have good ingredients, a plastic-free option, and transparency throughout their supply chain. I also give preference to women-owned businesses. We are lucky to be connected to a lot of local makers who have helped create custom products for our shop. It’s a joy to work with others and connect our customers to the hands that make their product. Read more>>

Angelo Diaz

Man, what a crucial step in the process. For PRETTY FLY SOCIETY and our flagship event, BOVTIQVE FASHION WEEK (pronounced: Boutique), our business model revolves around this step. As the NCAA of the fashion and entertainment and beauty industries, a big part of what we offer the culture is being able to leverage relationships and partnerships with big brands, so that the creatives we feature can benefit from the exposure. The cross branding is the core of BVFW. Read more>>