St. Cloud Based Impacks, Inc. Receives Launch Minnesota Operation Innovation Grant for Streamlining School Supply Solutions

(KNSI) — St. Cloud-based Impacks, Inc. is among the 26 businesses that have received a Launch Minnesota Operation Innovation Grant.

Impacks began after founders Clare and Brandon Richards volunteered for a local school supply drive. There, they learned of the immense need for classroom support not only in central Minnesota but in communities across the country. So, they decided it was time to find a better, more impactful way to support students, and Impacks was born.

According to the National Retail Federation, parents spend an average of $140 per student on school supplies which doesn’t include technology, clothing, or shoes. The average Impacks kit costs $50 and simplifies back-to-school supply shopping for parents, schools and administrators.

The company’s offerings include customized pre-packaged school supply kits tailored to each school and grade, business and non-profit school supply drives and bulk school supply orders. Impacks offers a one stop shop experience for parents and teachers, making sure kids have exactly what they need to start the year off right.

Launch Minnesota is a statewide collaborative effort spearheaded by the Department of Employment and Economic Development to support startups.

Innovation Grants are awarded to promising, innovative and scalable technology businesses, providing up to $35,000 to use toward operational costs such as research and development, direct business expenses and technical assistance.

“These startups focus on developing technologies that improve lives and help individuals and businesses solve problems,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Launch Minnesota is dedicated to supporting innovators statewide, not only with grant funding but also consulting services and networking opportunities to help them grow and thrive.”

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