(GNB) Grow Neighborhood Businesses

Grow Your Revenue 25% over the next two years

The Entrepreneur Fund is offering Be Strategic: Grow Your Business to specific Duluth neighborhoods. This program is targeted toward established business owners who are seeking to build business performance and revenue growth over the next two years.

What is the criteria to participate?

Interested entrepreneurs must be accepted into the program through an application process and possess the following criteria:

  • Business has been in operation for at least two years
  • A total commitment to the program: attendance required at 8-sessions held over six months, and quarterly meetings thereafter
  • A commitment to complete the relevant coursework and a desire for business growth by at least 25% over the next two years
  • Business must be located in one of these Duluth neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, West Duluth, Morgan Park, Central Hillside, East Hillside
  • Business cannot be home-based
  • Confidentiality is required

What does it cost?

  • This series is offered at no cost to you
  • GNB is sponsored by the Entrepreneur Fund and funded by the Duluth at Work Initiative, the City of Duluth, and Duluth LISC

How does this work?

  • The business strategy group will consist of 8-12 entrepreneurs from non-competing industries
  • There will be eight 3-hour evening sessions. The 8-session series will start in October 2012 and conclude in April 2013. The first 4 sessions occur bi-weekly. The last 4 sessions occur monthly. Participants will meet quarterly, as a group, through 2014. 
  • The sessions will be led by a professional business facilitator, Kathy Keeley, who will manage group dynamics, lead topics and structure sessions.
  • Each session starts with a catered meal and is designed for busy entrepreneurs to maximize their time and experience. Sessions are structured to do much of the work as a group, and includes 30–60 minutes on skills/topics, guest experts, as well as peer-to-peer learning through professional facilitation. 
  • Entrepreneurs will work one-on-one with an Entrepreneur Fund Business Developer, as needed, to assist in achieving goals and objectives

 By participating you will:

  • Develop a strategic business plan
  • Build your network through interaction with business peers
  • Adopt a growth mindset to improve performance
  • Overcome issues and challenges facing entrepreneurs
  • Improve skills in marketing, sales, finance, and management

 

APPLY NOW!

Programs begin fall of 2012. Space is limited.

To learn more contact Michael Lattery or call (218) 623-5734.