Introduction by Kelsey Joson, Founder & CEO of InControl and Co-Founder of Strengthen The Strong
Meet This Month's Featured Innovator
Kelsey Joson is the Founder & CEO of InControl, a wellness based company committed to solving the quality of life crisis for adults with disabilities through holistic, in-home wellness services that build healthy habits, independence, and connection in everyday life. A relationship first, impact driven leader, she blends bold vision with hands-on execution, building organizations, partnerships, and systems that move ideas into real, measurable change.
Under her leadership, InControl has expanded its reach across 6 Twin Cities Metro counties and continues to grow its impact with individuals and families. She is also the co-founder of Strengthen The Strong, a leadership movement that has grown into a network of more than 1,000 founders, executives, and community leaders committed to building connections before business. She is known for bringing people together across sectors, challenging the status quo, and creating environments where individuals, teams, and communities feel seen, valued, and empowered. In recognition of her influence and impact, she received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the University of Minnesota and was named one of the "50 Black Leaders You Need to Know" by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
As a founder and community builder, I’ve learned that embracing technology is essential to how I stay connected to people, share stories, and grow the impact of the work I care deeply about.
Continue reading to learn how Kelsey uses technology to enhance face-to-face interactions to create change.
February gives us two powerful reasons to show up for our local entrepreneurs: Black History Month and Shop Local Month.
Check out Visit Saint Paul's compilation of our city's black history and how to support black businesses in Saint Paul. Join Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul for a powerful Black History Month celebration honoring a century of Black excellence, resilience, and cultural impact on Thursday, February 26, 1-4:30 p.m., at Hamline University.
Through a collaborative Mashup Lab Explore program, the two Saint Paul-based companies are helping young entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and skills necessary to bring advanced technology from NASA and other federal agencies to the consumer market. Watch the announcement from Cole Stevens and Dr. Paul Campbell about the new partnership.
Local Tech News Snapshots
Quick local hits you shouldn't miss.
A New St. Paul Fund—With $30M From Lead Investors Bush Foundation and Securian Financial—Will Fuel Downtown Redevelopment
Minneapolis-Saint Paul tech-sector leaders and investors talked to TechCrunch in early February about how the federal enforcement operation is impacting their work, staff, and how they’re leaning in to support the community.
Flow Environmental Systems is raising $20 million to build a Minnesota manufacturing facility for its innovative CO₂-based heat pump. The Local 455 Steamfitters/Pipefitters Union installed one of its systems at a union training center in Saint Paul through a partnership secured during Flow's time in Grid Catalyst's Demonstration Cohort in 2025.
Medical Alley has released their 2025 Impact Report — a look at how their global network of partners, innovators, and leaders are accelerating change across healthcare.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal recently released multiple rounds of 2026 40 Under 40 honorees, including Saint Paul-based founder Sean Higgins, CEO, BetterYou.
Tech & Entrepreneur Resources
✨ Multiple organizations have launched funding and tools to assist Minnesota businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge.
Find a full list of community support resources at WeLoveTC.com. Check back as resources are continually updated.
✨ Apply Now for City of Saint Paul Neighborhood STAR Program Grants. These programs support projects that help beautify and promote arts and culture in our city. Specifically, the Neighborhood STAR grants fund capital projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods.
✨ RightTrack is seeking 60+ employer-paid internship experiences for the YJ2 program this summer. We are receiving more requests from interns looking for opportunities in technology and digital media. Contact Moua Xiong, YJ2 Program Manager: Moua.Xiong@ci.stpaul.mn.us to pledge to host interns at your organization by February 28.
✨ OMG Studios is now accepting youth applications for the 2026 Innovation Lab cohort (Grades 6-12). Participants will create a wide array of multimedia, inspired by the Twin Cities’ rich music and art culture.
✨ Applications for the Spring 2026 BETA Cohort are now open. Their 12-week accelerator program (which starts in April) is free to join, yet deeply valuable for anyone with a bold idea and the courage to build it.
✨ The new Small Business Digital Toolbox, launched by MN DEED's Office of Small Business and Innovation, brings together practical resources to support every stage of your business journey.
✨ Technovation Girls Minnesota is seeking mentors for their junior teams (ages 13-15) who participate in a 12-week season to identify a real-world problem, build a mobile or web app to solve it, and develop a business plan around their idea.
Hosting a tech event this year? Full Stack Saint Paul offers a limited number of event sponsorships each year for events that will benefit Saint Paul’s tech and innovation ecosystem.
Full Stack Saint Paul is a public-private collaboration leveraging the power of tech and innovation to drive equitable, resilient economic development in Saint Paul.
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