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MN Cup: Startups and entrepreneurs compete for cash

Each spring, judges select the top 90 companies as semifinalists to advance in the competition.

MINNEAPOLIS — Building a small business is really hard work. Now imagine winning an award for your business.  

More than 3,100 Minnesotans applied for the MN Cup this year -- which is an annual competition for startups and entrepreneurs.

MN Cup is celebrating its 20th annual season and the judges have narrowed down the record number of applicants to 90 companies.

These teams are paired with mentors and invited to participate in educational workshops throughout the summer. Teams prepare and submit presentations, short videos and business plan summaries to be reviewed by the judges.

Last year, 21 companies split more than $400,000 in cash prizes.

MN Cup is a program of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at the Carlson School of Management.

MN Cup Associate Director Kailin Oliver and semi-finalist Kayla Malmgren of Reach Juggling.joined KARE 11 Saturday to discuss the competition.

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