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. The two-year program helps social entrepreneurs build their business and leadership capacity for the greater good of Greater Minnesota.
The program provides wrap-around training, mentoring and guidance—plus $30,000 annually for two years—to support Fellows and their social enterprise ideas to improve Greater Minnesota communities.
The Initiators Fellowship is geared toward up-and-coming leaders and entrepreneurs served by the Initiative Foundation, Northspan, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation and West Central Initiative.
Contact a Team Member
Wondering if your business or organization might be a fit for the Fellowship? Contact a member of our team. We’ll get you the support you need!
Entrepreneurs, Changemakers Invited to Aug. 27 Summit
Building a successful business takes more than a great idea—it takes connections, resources and opportunities to learn from others. To help entrepreneurs and organizations build… Read More
Fellowship Expands to Bolster Rural Social Enterprise
The Initiative Foundation announced today a major expansion of its Initiators Fellowship to serve and grow social enterprise businesses across rural Minnesota. Thanks to… Read More
Nine Selected for 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship Cohort
From a Christian music platform advancing mental health awareness to a Red Lake Nation program empowering Indigenous youth and a storytelling venture tackling climate change,… Read More
IQ Magazine Stories
Next-Level Initiators
Nine social entrepreneurs join the 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship as the program expands its reach across Greater Minnesota Read More
Rainbow Hair Hats
Inspired by her daughter’s epilepsy journey, Lisa Finck created a product that now reaches families nationwide. Read More
Where Passion Meets Purpose
2024-2025 Initiators Fellows are leveraging lived experiences to drive meaningful social change. Read More