entreprenuers

"There is an urgent need for rural people and communities to define the future they want for themselves and their children. This will take vision, innovation, and risk-taking – the work of the entrepreneur."


"Energizing Entrepreneurs"
Center for Rural Entrepreneurship
Rural Policy Research Institute

Entrepreneurs

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation provides financing and technical assistance to strengthen local entrepreneurs. Assistance includes: consulting for start-up or expanding businesses, assessment, planning, and support for implementation and growth management.

In addition to work with individual businesses, we host monthly CEO Peer Council gatherings where leaders of high potential businesses share growth and management strategies. We also host regional gatherings that promote dialogue, expose leaders to trends and opportunities, and expand collaboration between business, non-profit and education sectors.

The result is increased business success, jobs, expanding regional industry clusters, and communities that benefit from an entrepreneurial culture.

In the area of business development, we all succeed when:

  • Southern Minnesota's many resources are used to commercialize bioscience applications

  • Entrepreneurs have the resources they need to grow and contribute

  • A greater number of innovative, profitable businesses are active in our region

  • We achieve sustainable economic growth

The Foundation strives for these results.

Online Business Resources

A variety of organizations provide information that will help you grow a business.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Small Business Administration
SBDC - Rochester
SBDC - Mankato
Region 9 Development Center
Enterprise Minnesota
Riverbend Center Entrepreneurial Facilitation
Southeast Minnesota Development Corporation
Greater Mankato Business Accelerator

BUSINESS PLAN ASSISTANCE
SBA
SCORE

Innovative Business Shaping Our Economy