April 2017

Shifting Culture Often Accompanies Growth

Minneapolis Star Tribune-4/12/17

Small-business owners often experience a moment of truth as their companies evolve. In some cases, the culture that worked for a startup is a bad fit for a more established, larger business. It can take a lot of listening and adapting for an owner to shift a business from a culture that turns employees off to one that motivates them.   

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing a Business Plan

Entrepreneur magazine
A business plan is a written description of your business's future, a document that tells what you plan to do and how you plan to do it. If you jot down a paragraph on the back of an envelope describing your business strategy, you've written a plan, or at least the germ of a plan.

MN Cup is back for its 13th year. The entrepreneurial competition, which has attracted more than 12,000 participants from Minnesota since 2005, will award a record $450,000 in prize money this year. The contest is free and open to everyone — entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors and small business owners. DEED is among the sponsors of MN Cup. Visit the MN Cup website for more information on categories and entry details.

PRESS RELEASES

Bemidji Meat Market Expanding With Assistance From Job Creation Fund

M.D. Stittsworth Co., a family-owned meat market that has been operating in Bemidji for nearly 25 years, is planning a $1.86 million expansion that will enable the business to sell its products to wholesalers under the company brand name and private labels.

DEED is supporting the project with a $175,316 grant from the Job Creation Fund.

DEED Awards Funding for Midwest Steel Supply Expansion in Rogers

Midwest Steel Supply Inc. is moving its operations to Rogers in a $5.2 million expansion that will enable the company to double its space and hire 15 additional workers. The company, currently based in New Hope, said plans call for building a 55,000-square-foot office and distribution facility in Rogers.

DEED awarded a $255,828 grant to the company from the Job Creation Fund.

DID YOU KNOW?

Minnesota is the fourth-best state for women entrepreneurs, according to a study by Fundera, an online credit matchmaker for small businesses. Fundera cited the state's relatively high educational achievement by women, business revenue growth, low unemployment and high level of business interaction with the U.S. Small Business Administration. North Dakota and South Dakota placed first and second, respectively, in the study.