Business Support
Helping Local Businesses
The Initiative Foundation offers support to new and developing businesses in the 14 counties and two Native nations it serves in Central Minnesota. Available support includes financial literacy training, business planning and guidance, marketing support, and access to networking opportunities. Programming and support are always evolving to ensure the long-term sustainability of small businesses across the region.
Business Support
Most business owners will need support at some point in the journey. The Foundation works with expert contractors to provide technical assistance, which is one-on-one mentoring provided by business professionals. Contractors work with business owners on a variety of topics, including planning and operations; financial planning and compliance; business structures and contracts; leasing and buying land and buildings; marketing and sales; and legal compliance. Foundation staff members also are available to discuss business ideas with entrepreneurs.
On-demand Online Training
You’re a small business owner. You’re busy. Yet there’s always something new to learn. We’re here to help. The Initiative Foundation is pleased to offer Initiate Prosperity, a FREE online platform with more than 300 resources to help you grow your business. This self-directed learning platform provides around-the-clock access to calculators, templates, video tutorials and guides in English and Spanish. Brush up on your marketing skills, learn management skills, or zero in on cash-flow strategies. Do it on your timeline and at a pace that works for you. Email Donniel Robinson to request access.
Enterprise Academy
Enterprise Academy is the single-largest early-stage entrepreneur training program in Central Minnesota. At the heart of the program is a 12-week business course that provides training and individualized advising to help underserved entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. The expertly taught classes lead students through basic business principles and helps them start—and ultimately finish—a business plan. Graduates receive ongoing technical support and can also apply for market-rate microloans through the Initiative Foundation.
Contact Us
Reach out to a member of our team for business support. We are here to help!
Business Training Opportunities
Rural Business Success Series: Next-Stage Business Growth
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Next-Stage Business Growth workshop is tailored for entrepreneurs ready to…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Brainerd
- Start Date
- September 12, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Next-Stage Business Growth
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Next-Stage Business Growth workshop is tailored for entrepreneurs ready to…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Little Falls
- Start Date
- September 12, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Legacy Planning
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the legacy planning workshop is designed for small business owners who…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Brainerd
- Start Date
- September 20, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Legacy Planning
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the legacy planning workshop is designed for small business owners who are interested…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Little Falls
- Start Date
- September 20, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Legacy Planning
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the legacy planning workshop is designed for small business owners who are interested…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Lindstrom
- Start Date
- October 3, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Legacy Planning (Virtual)
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the legacy planning workshop is designed for small business owners who are interested…
- Subject
- Business
- Start Date
- October 3, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants workshops is for entrepreneurs who want to…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Brainerd
- Start Date
- October 25, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants workshops is for entrepreneurs who want to demystify bookkeeping…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Little Falls
- Start Date
- October 25, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Next-Stage Business Growth
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Next-Stage Business Growth workshop is tailored for entrepreneurs ready to…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Lindstrom
- Start Date
- November 1, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Next-Stage Business Growth (Virtual)
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Next-Stage Business Growth workshop is tailored for entrepreneurs ready to…
- Subject
- Business
- Start Date
- November 1, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants workshops is for entrepreneurs who want to demystify bookkeeping…
- Subject
- Business
- Location
- Lindstrom
- Start Date
- November 14, 2024
Rural Business Success Series: Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants (Virtual)
In partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Bookkeeping for Non-Accountants workshops is for entrepreneurs who want to demystify bookkeeping…
- Subject
- Business
- Start Date
- November 14, 2024