Now Taking Nominations

The success of any entrepreneurial business depends on the professional skills the entrepreneur uses to design, operate and build the business. Identifying and developing those skills—especially those critical to growing the business—is the objective of the Greenstone Group.

The Greenstone Group is a collaborative venture led by the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund with along with more than 30 partnering economic development, education, and community organizations across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.  Over the next 10 years, the Greenstone Group expects to build the region’s economy by targeting support and resources toward 500 entrepreneurs in the region who are committed to growing their businesses. Groups of 6-10 entrepreneurs will be teamed with professional business coaches and a coordinated network of service providers committed to providing the right services at the right time.

The learning environment envisioned by this initiative takes place through small groups of business owners called Growth Groups. Each group is led by a business coach who facilitates group peer coaching, discussions and activities. Each group member will develop an individualized growth project for his or her business. Business owners will meet individually with their coach and with outside service providers to advance their growth projects and develop professionally.

Participation in a Growth Group represents an investment of time and energy for participating business owners. Each group is a “super classroom” where business experience, skill and insights are shared and learned. In return for this investment of their human capital, business owners will develop and implement a practical project that will contribute to the growth of their business.

Growth Group members will mutually benefit by discussing their business challenges, sharing ideas for growth, and supporting fellow group members. Business owners will also have access to resources, tools and capital for aligning their operations, finances and marketing with successful growth strategies.

To inquire about participating in a Greenstone Growth Group or to submit a nomination contact Jerry Peterson, Greenstone Group Director, at jerryp@greenstonegroup.org or 218-726-4870. 

Visit the Greenstone Group website at www.greenstonegroup.org for additional information.
 

2008 Resource and Government Procurement Fair

A premier event on selling your products/services to the
 government; resources to start a grow your business!

August 21, 2008
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Tower, MN

Who should attend?  Small businesses interested in starting a business, growing their business and doing business with government agencies and prime contractors in a trade show environment. In addition, attendees can participate in workshops on topics ranging from Starting a Business, Selling to the Government, and how to sell to the state of Minnesota. Small businesses owned by ethnic minorities, veterans, and women can learn about special programs designed to provide better access to the government marketplace.

This event is FREE but pre-registration is required! 

2008 Resource and Government Procurement Fair flyer

For more information, visit http://www.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.asp?ek=0064-0006-42183181C86A485E971570EBCE6D4CF4
 

Employee or Independent Contractor?
Free Seminar/Webinar

The IRS is partnering with the Small Business Administration in North Dakota to conduct 2 free seminars on Worker Classification called "Employee or Independent Contractor?" There are live sessions in Grand Forks and Fargo plus a Webinar session that can be attended from anywhere by phone and computer.

First IRS will present information on the criteria used to determine worker status, followed by presentations from North Dakota and Minnesota agencies. The sessions will be of particular interest to businesses that use independent contractors, Tax Practitioners and Human Resources professionals.

Download the flyer for more details
 

This Month's Featured Entrepreneurial Resources… 

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development have several small business publications available at their websites.  Many of these can be downloaded or viewed electronically, and some can also be ordered on book or CD at no cost to you.  Topics pertain to state laws and regulations for starting a business, franchising, employer's guides, industry reports, and much more.

Minnesota DEED Small Business Publications:

http://www.deed.state.mn.us/publications/
 

Wisconsin DWD Small Business Publications:

http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/publications/viewsort/default.asp?ID=NEW