Entrepreneurs in rural Minnesota are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a new program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). CEDA is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative community development practices and business growth in small towns.
Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will 1) provide free, individualized coaching to a cohort of rural entrepreneurs, and 2) develop a series of workshops aimed to educate, connect, and support businesses in greater Minnesota.
Applications are now open for eligible entrepreneurs to join the network. All are welcome to apply, and applications are strongly encouraged from entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and traditionally-underserved populations (including women and nonbinary individuals, veterans, minorities, and people with disabilities). Applications will be reviewed on a biweekly basis through the March 6, 2020 deadline.
The HEN cohort program aims to help approximately 40 entrepreneurs with topics such as financial management, marketing, succession planning, connection to local resources and professionals, and grant writing assistance. This one-on-one coaching will be a mix of in-person and digital meetings, tailored to the needs of the entrepreneur.
In addition to the free business assistance, CEDA’s experienced rural business development staff will also create in-person and virtual spaces for the entrepreneur cohort to connect with one another, build community, and share knowledge.
HEN will also feature a free series of seven interactive workshops to take place in rural communities throughout the state; the workshops will also be accessible online. These workshops, which are independent of the HEN cohort program, will be open to professionals of all sectors to help foster a strong entrepreneur ecosystem around the state and combat the isolation felt by many entrepreneurs in rural areas.
For more information on upcoming classes or to complete an online application for the Harvest Entrepreneur Network, visit https://www.cedausa.com/agricultural-resources/. This program is made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
To learn more about HEN or CEDA, please contact Robert Harris at robert.harris@cedausa.com or (773) 220-6673.
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