Congressman Dusty Johnson Hosts Entrepreneur Roundtable

Announces $2M 'Launch South Dakota' initiative if elected governor

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:49pm

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Congressman Dusty Johnson hosted a roundtable in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to discuss his plans for entrepreneurs if he is elected governor. He announced a $2 million initiative called 'Launch South Dakota' that aims to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses, rather than chasing big national headlines.

Why it matters

As a leading candidate for governor, Johnson's proposals for entrepreneurs and small businesses could have a significant impact on the state's economic development. His focus on homegrown South Dakota talent and companies contrasts with the typical approach of courting large national players.

The details

During the roundtable, Johnson outlined the 'Launch South Dakota' initiative, which would provide funding and resources to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses grow. He was joined by other panelists including Matt Paulson of MarketBeat, Lynne Keller Forbes of the Southeastern Development Foundation, and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken.

  • The roundtable was held on Friday, March 16, 2026 in Sioux Falls.

The players

Congressman Dusty Johnson

A leading candidate for governor of South Dakota who hosted the entrepreneur roundtable and announced the 'Launch South Dakota' initiative.

Matt Paulson

Founder of MarketBeat, a financial technology company based in South Dakota, and a panelist at the roundtable.

Lynne Keller Forbes

Executive Director of the Southeastern Development Foundation, an economic development organization, and a panelist at the roundtable.

Paul TenHaken

Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a panelist at the roundtable.

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What they’re saying

“While many leaders chase the big headlines from partnering with national leaders, I want to see South Dakota succeed because of South Dakotans.”

— Congressman Dusty Johnson (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

What’s next

If elected governor, Johnson plans to implement the 'Launch South Dakota' initiative to provide funding and resources to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the state.

The takeaway

Congressman Dusty Johnson's focus on homegrown South Dakota talent and companies, rather than chasing big national headlines, could represent a shift in the state's economic development strategy if he is elected governor.