Representatives of Bremer Bank, the Otto Bremer Foundation, the Northeast Minnesota Entrepreneur Fund and the Aitkin business community gathered in Aitkin recently for the presentation of a check from the foundation to the Entrepreneur Fund. Representatives of local businesses who had participated in the fund’s first series of classes (“Be strategic: Grow Your Business”) offered in Aitkin were present to explain what the fund did for them and representatives of Bremer and the fund were there to explain their plans for the future. One of the primary things planned is another series of classes for Aitkin area entrepreneurs who have been in business for two years or more.
Shawn Wellnitz said it’s the funds goal to “create 500 highly-skilled entrepreneurs by 2017.
Michael Lattery who facilitited fund training and financing with local entrepeneurs said, “It’s our goal to guide business owners toward whatever their goals might be … in our four years in Duluth, we’ve helped 35 businesses to add employees, reach goals and expand their businesses.”
Local business owners who participated in the first series of evening classes included Kirk Peysar, Rialto; Jeff Tidholm, Tidholm Productions; Amanda MacDonald, The Bearnery and Dave Schaefer, Aitkin Hardwoods.
Peysar said the chance to brainstorm solutions with the experts and other business owners with common problems and frustrations was very helpful.
Tidholm appreciated the opportunity to gain perspective, to work on the business as well as in the business.
“It was well worth my Tuesday nights – 100 percent – and the funding piece really helps, the way they back you up with local banks,” Tidholm said.
Schaefer agreed that the series offers an opportunity to “think about where you want to go, not just the next fire you need to put out.”
Steve Huss from TEK-CAR Metal in Emily had not yet attended a class but still praised his contact with fund representatives.
“They said they’ll do lending on cows and goats so I feel like I’ve got a pretty good chance,” Huss said.
“It’s been a great success for me and my partner,” MacDonald said. “It gave us the opportunity to develop a long-term strategy. We’ve had our most profitable year yet. We’ve added staff and achieved every goal we set. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Mike Steffen, president of Bremer Bank in Aitkin, said, “The fund, with its support for small businesses, is vital to a community like this. Come back. We want to see you. It’s a win/win situation.”
Wellnitz closed by assuring Aitkin representatives that their involvement will continue.
“We’re recruiting now for group two,” he said.
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