SMIF's Prosperity Initiative program promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and business growth for entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and underserved individuals in our communities.

This year, the program has an exciting new approach to support entrepreneurs at any stage of their business growth - even those who are just starting out with an idea.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis to join at any time. To join a cohort with other entrepreneurs for an April 11 start date, apply by March 20.

If you are interested in The Prosperity Initiative, or want to learn more about our lending opportunities, we encourage you to join us for an info session at Collider in Rochester from 12 to 1 pm on March 15. Contact karas@smifoundation.org for details.

The Prosperity Initiative is supported, in part, by State of Minnesota through a grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

SMIF and Red Wing Ignite have partnered to produce the Ignite Cup - a popular regional pitch competition.

Applications are currently open for companies to apply to pitch (through Feb. 24). Startups with a scalable product or service (innovation) or a scalable business model that can create impact are the best fit for this event.

Companies will be competing for prizes ranging from a $500 People's Choice award to a $7,500 cash prize for first place.

Apply to pitch here

Register to attend the event here

The Ignite Cup is supported, in part, by State of Minnesota through a grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The Ignite Cup is also sponsored by the W.D. Radichel Foundation.

We encourage entrepreneurs in our region to take advantage of SCORE's free virtual business trainings.

Upcoming training topics include:

• Feb 28: Brand Positioning
• March 1: Growing Your Business with CRM
• March 1: Social Media for Small Business
• March 7: Business Development Essentials
• March 7: How to Succeed Selling on Amazon
• March 14: Starting a Business at 50+
• March 15: Buying a Business
• March 16: Creating a Month's Worth of Content in an Hour
• March 16: Growing Your Business with SEO
• April 1: She leads - Elevating Entrepreneurial Ideas

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SMIF is pleased to partner with Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA) on this in-person training about digital marketing - from social media to websites.

Join us in Harmony for a night of networking and fun, with presentations on creating content for your social media through Canva, keeping your business profile up-to-date on Google, and identifying and marketing to your target audience. Light refreshments and dinner will be provided. 

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Small Business Development Center in Rochester has been hosting a series of events on the topic of cultural responsive business startups.

As a sponsor, we hope to see you at the March event! No registration required.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

If you are a food entrepreneur in our region you will NOT want to miss out on this opportunity to connect directly with buyers in Cannon Falls.

The cost to become an exhibitor and present your company at the tradeshow is $200, so register today as space is limited. Exhibitor participants will be able to participate in mini training sessions, a bus tour of local Cannon Falls food companies and an award ceremony.