Enterprise Academy

What You Will Learn

Enterprise Academy is the single-largest early-stage entrepreneur training program in Central Minnesota. At the heart of the program is a 12-week business course that provides training and individualized advising to help underserved entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. The expertly taught classes lead students through basic business principles and helps them start—and ultimately finish—a business plan. Graduates receive ongoing technical support and can also apply for market-rate microloans through the Initiative Foundation.

Entrepreneur Training

Aspiring entrepreneurs learn from business experts as they create their own individual business plan. Classes are once per week for 12 weeks and feature instruction in basic business principles and assistance in creating a business plan.

Business Services & Support

Expert consultants provide one-on-one business support services in areas such as recordkeeping, accounting, marketing and branding, web development, social media marketing and legal aspects of business. These services are available to qualifying existing businesses for a reduced fee.

Small Business Lending

The Enterprise Academy is supported by a lending program and provides access to microloans for businesses owners who may not be able to access traditional sources of capital, including culturally tailored lending. Direct loans are available for up to $50,000 for successful graduates of our Enterprise Academy program or to our business services and technical assistance clients who create a realistic business plan. Enterprise Academy borrowers may also gain access to larger loans through our traditional gap lending program, which requires a lead lender such as a bank or credit union.

Enriching Outcomes Include …

  • Providing unique goods and services to the local economy
  • Revitalization of communities and vacant properties
  • Developing and lifting up community role models
  • Strengthening local economies
  • Broadening participation in the American dream.

Learn How You Can Apply

Interested in applying for a future Enterprise Academy cohort? Complete our Enterprise Academy Interest Form and we’ll contact you when a new cohort is being planned. Cohorts generally are offered starting in March and September in St. Cloud, Long Prairie and Onamia (fall cohort only).


Business Training Opportunities

Marketing With Artificial Intelligence

Will artificial intelligence (AI) replace marketers? With Bard and ChatGPT, it’s starting to feel like all our creative endeavors are the next sacrifice the AI…

Subject
Business
Location
St. Cloud
Start Date
March 19, 2024

Business Plan Starter

Do you have a business idea but aren’t sure how to start? Join business consultant Jeff Wig for an interactive two-hour seminar to help you…

Subject
Business
Location
St. Cloud
Start Date
April 16, 2024

Fruits, Veggies & Cottage Food Compliance

Are you a local grower or food entrepreneur? Do you want to offer unique and creative products that feature locally sourced fruits or vegetables? This…

Subject
Business
Location
St. Cloud
Start Date
April 17, 2024

Website Design

Most people think the work of building a website is all about the technology. The hard part is done after picking a developer and a…

Subject
Business
Location
St. Cloud
Start Date
April 20, 2024

Social Enterprise for Businesses and Nonprofits

Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the community with your business or nonprofit? Join us to learn how you can add a social mission to your…

Subject
Business
Location
St. Cloud
Start Date
May 1, 2024

Learn More About Other Business Services

Have a question or need help completing an application? Contact a member of our team. We’ll get you the support you need!

News

16 Graduate from Enterprise Academy

LITTLE FALLS, MN—The Initiative Foundation is celebrating the graduation of 16 new entrepreneurs dedicated to building their homegrown business ideas in the Greater St. Cloud… Read More

You’re Invited: Emerging Entrepreneur Event

ST. CLOUD, MN—The Initiative Foundation invites the public to the 2023 Emerging Entrepreneur Showcase & Awards from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20,… Read More

17 Graduate for St. Cloud Enterprise Academy Class

LITTLE FALLS, MN—The Initiative Foundation, the Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization (CMCEO) and Higher Works Collaborative are celebrating the graduation of 17 new entrepreneurs dedicated… Read More

More in Enterprise Academy

IQ Magazine Stories

Elevating Entrepreneurs

Meet the winners of the Initiative Foundation’s inaugural Emerging Entrepreneur Showcase & Awards event. Read More

Partners on a Journey

Enterprise Academy graduates use connections, knowledge to advance Central Minnesota businesses. Read More

Homegrown Goodness

Search begins for 2024-2025 class of Initiators Fellowship social entrepreneurs. Read More

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