Enterprise Academy
What You Will Learn
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.
Entrepreneur Training
Aspiring entrepreneurs learn from business experts as they create their own individual business plan. Classes are once per week for 12 weeks and feature instruction in basic business principles and assistance in creating a business plan.
Business Services & Support
Expert consultants provide one-on-one business support services in areas such as recordkeeping, accounting, marketing and branding, web development, social media marketing and legal aspects of business. These services are available to qualifying existing businesses for a reduced fee.
Small Business Lending
The Enterprise Academy is supported by a lending program and provides access to microloans for businesses owners who may not be able to access traditional sources of capital, including culturally tailored lending. Direct loans are available for up to $50,000 for successful graduates of our Enterprise Academy program or to our business services and technical assistance clients who create a realistic business plan. Enterprise Academy borrowers may also gain access to larger loans through our traditional gap lending program, which requires a lead lender such as a bank or credit union.
Enriching Outcomes Include …
- Providing unique goods and services to the local economy
- Revitalization of communities and vacant properties
- Developing and lifting up community role models
- Strengthening local economies
- Broadening participation in the American dream.
Learn How You Can Apply
Interested in applying for a future Enterprise Academy cohort? Complete our Enterprise Academy Interest Form and we’ll contact you when a new cohort is being planned. The next cohorts in St. Cloud are planned for spring 2024. A Mille Lac cohort is tentatively planned for fall 2024.
Business Training Opportunities
Food Safety: Starting a Restaurant or Food Truck
Join us for a workshop that will teach you all the necessary steps to start your own food truck or restaurant. During this workshop you will…
- Subject
- Business
- Series
- Business Basics
- Start Date
- November 28, 2023
Starting a Cottage Food Production Business
Learn how to sell food products right from your home. Join us for a workshop on becoming a cottage food producer—an exciting way to enter…
- Subject
- Business
- Series
- Business Basics
- Start Date
- December 5, 2023
Learn More About Other Business Services
Contact a member of our team!
16 Graduate from Enterprise Academy
LITTLE FALLS, MN—The Initiative Foundation is celebrating the graduation of 16 new entrepreneurs dedicated to building their homegrown business ideas in the Greater St. Cloud… Read More
You’re Invited: Emerging Entrepreneur Event
ST. CLOUD, MN—The Initiative Foundation invites the public to the 2023 Emerging Entrepreneur Showcase & Awards from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20,… Read More
17 Graduate for St. Cloud Enterprise Academy Class
LITTLE FALLS, MN—The Initiative Foundation, the Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization (CMCEO) and Higher Works Collaborative are celebrating the graduation of 17 new entrepreneurs dedicated… Read More
IQ Magazine Stories
Elevating Entrepreneurs
Meet the winners of the Initiative Foundation’s inaugural Emerging Entrepreneur Showcase & Awards event. Read More
Partners on a Journey
Enterprise Academy graduates use connections, knowledge to advance Central Minnesota businesses. Read More
Homegrown Goodness
Search begins for 2024-2025 class of Initiators Fellowship social entrepreneurs. Read More