Business Services

Lending—With a Mission

As a certified Community Development Financial Institution, or CDFI, the Initiative Foundation works to create economic opportunity throughout Central Minnesota by lending funds to locally owned businesses. The Foundation’s lending initiatives play a crucial role in promoting economic development, revitalizing underserved communities, and fostering financial inclusion.

By providing access to capital and support to borrowers who may face barriers, CDFIs like the Initiative Foundation help to create opportunities for economic growth and empowerment in disadvantaged areas.

Business Support for You

Lending programs at the Initiative Foundation go beyond just providing capital. We also provide business support to help borrowers succeed. Support can come in many forms, from business planning and credit counseling to other forms of education to bolster a borrowers’ financial capacity.

Entrepreneurial Programs

In addition to its Business Basics workshops and its partnerships to advance business succession planning across the region, the Initiative Foundation invests in the promise of local people who have the drive and determination to start and sustain job-creating, community-enriching businesses.

Enterprise Academy

Launched in 2018, the Enterprise Academy has helped hundreds of individuals realize their dream to build and launch local businesses. From accounting to food to healthcare ventures, Enterprise Academy graduates are enriching the region and beyond with their products and services.

Initiators Fellowship

The Initiators Fellowship is a bold strategy that gives next-generation leaders the tools and resources to accelerate their entrepreneurial and leadership skills—all for the greater good of Greater Minnesota.

Trainings and Workshops

Business Plan Starter

Do you have a business idea but aren’t sure how to start? Join business consultant Jeff Wig for an interactive two-hour seminar to help you…

Subject
Business
Location
St. Cloud
Start Date
April 16, 2024

Website Design

Most people think the work of building a website is all about the technology. The hard part is done after picking a developer and a…

Subject
Business
Location
St. Cloud
Start Date
April 20, 2024

Social Enterprise for Businesses and Nonprofits

Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the community with your business or nonprofit? Join us to learn how you can add a social mission to your…

Subject
Business
Location
St. Cloud
Start Date
May 1, 2024

Contact Us

Reach out to a member of our staff for questions on the array of business services that we offer. We are here to help!

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