Strategic Entrepreneurial Economic Development
Program Proposed for Rural Minnesota

A plan for increasing economic development in rural Minnesota was announced this fall by Governor Tim Pawlenty.  Under the Strategic Entrepreneurial Economic Development (SEED) program, business development across greater Minnesota will be facilitated through a number of new and expanded programs designed to develop and grow entrepreneurs, provide new capital for rural businesses, and sustain a competitive advantage for rural Minnesota.

Commissioner Dan McElroy of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Michael Myhre, Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, have been traveling to rural Minnesota cities and towns in recent weeks to present details of the plan to individuals involved in rural economic and business development.  The Governor's $70 million proposal will be presented to the legislature in February 2008. 

For further details and information, visit:  http://www.deed.state.mn.us/Community/assistance/seed/index.htm
 

2nd Annual Gift Mart - Vermilion Community College, Ely

Local artisans are invited to reserve their tables for the second annual local-made gift market at Vermilion Community College on Wednesday, December 5.  Reserve your table ($10 fee) by contacting Gloria Bowen at 218-235-2163.
 

Prepping Your Business For the Holiday Season...

The holidays are a busy time of year for business owners, whether it involves keeping up on the retail end of the mad shopping rush, finding harmonious balance between your business and personal life, or getting ready to tackle your end-of-year recordkeeping and tax preparations.  The following articles will give you a few tips for making the most of the holiday season for yourself, your business, your employees, and your customers.

Nine Tips for Small Business Holiday Success

http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2007-11-09-holiday-tips_N.htm

Six Holiday Email Marketing Tips

http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/solutions/advertising/article.php/3713066
 

Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=133088,00.html

 

This Month's Featured Entrepreneurial Resources 
 

Annual Credit Report
www.annualcreditreport.com

Visit this site to obtain a free copy of your credit report once each year from any or all of the three major credit reporting agencies.
 

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
www.uspto.gov

Information on applying for and obtaining patents, trademarks, servicemarks, and copyrights.
 

Announcing a Few NEW Businesses!

Dragonfly Childcare Central (Duluth)
Amber Godden, owner
218-624-5327

Lady Serena's Chainmaille Jewelry (Eveleth)
Laureen LeTourneau, owner
877-273-7362
www.ladyserenas.com

Center for Validation & Change (Duluth)
Todd Kneebone, Psychotherapist
Susan Cook, Psychotherapist
218-722-1351