Register Today for the

Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Mountain Iron Community Center
(Just one hour north of Duluth - one mile off Hwy 53 on Hwy 169!)
 

"Emerging Economic Trends"
Dr. Eugenio Alemán, Wells Fargo Senior Economist, is an expert in forecasting national, regional, and international economic trends.  In his Keynote Address, Dr. Alemán will discuss a number of top national and global economic issues, from unemployment to stock market performance, and how these issues may affect our own regional and local economies here in northeast Minnesota.
 

       -  Marketing your small business
       -  Retirement planning
       -  Establishing customer loyalty
       -  Recognizing new market potential in our local economy
       -  Downtown revitalization
       -  Adapting your business to Minnesota's new smoking laws
 

Details and registration information:
www.entrepreneurfund.org/fallbusinesssummit.htm

Proudly sponsored by:

Iron Range Resources

American Bank  -  Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Minnesota Power  -  Northland Foundation  -  Wells Fargo

Hosted by the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce,
Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, and Women's Business Network.
 

Restaurant Boot Camp and Restaurant Academy
September 19 and September 20, 2007

Hosted by:
Minnesota Restaurant Association
305 Roselawn Ave East
St. Paul, MN  55117
 

Registration:  651-778-2400 or www.hospitalitymn.com
 

The Importance of Business Planning

We can never stress enough just how important proper planning is with any business or business idea.  Whether you are starting a brand new business, expanding your current business, or simply looking ahead into the future, writing and updating your business plan will help you ensure that you have all your ducks in a row and that your projects and plans will run as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible.   The following articles offer some tips and guidance pertaining to the importance of business planning!
 

"Crafting Your Business Plan"
http://www.businessnorth.com/bizmentor.asp

Every entrepreneur should work on his or her own business plan.  Sure, it might be easier to hire a professional consultant to do it for you, but you'll be doing yourself a disservice by not sitting down yourself, or with your team, to think through and write out all the angles of your plan.  Business developers and consultants are an extremely valuable source of guidance and advice, but it is ultimately you, the entrepreneur, who is responsible for devising your business plan.  This article from Business North outlines some important factors to consider.
 

"Essential Elements of a Good Business Plan for Growing Companies"
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/
writeabusinessplan/SERV_ESSENTIAL.html

People sometimes think that business planning is only vital in start-up situations; however, continually updating and maintaining your business plan throughout the life of your business is equally important and will help tremendously toward the growth and success of your company.  This article from the Small Business Administration provides information on the essential pieces that make up a good business plan.

"Using SWOT to Kick-Start Your Planning"
http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessplans/
businessplancoachtimberry/article182034.html

This article from entrepreneur.com shows how using a SWOT analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats - when planning your business is a good way to brainstorm, prioritize, and set goals and objectives.
 

This Month's Featured Entrepreneurial Resources 

Introduction to Business Planning

http://www.entrepreneurfund.org/busplanning

You may have a hobby or a skill that people are always encouraging you to use in your own business. You may be creative, hardworking, and independent. You may already own a business that you want to grow or gain a new focus on.  The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund's free online Introduction to Business Planning workshop provides you with the basic knowledge of what it takes to start or grow a successful small business, and gives you tools and resources that can be used immediately to begin planning a business and to prepare to access business financing.
 

Bizpathways

www.bizpathways.org

A helpful resource for anyone starting, growing, or
supporting a small business in Minnesota!