NCEDA NEWS
December 2017
NCEDA's Mission: To provide industry expertise for lending programs offered or created by the Region Five Development Commission. 
NCEDA
Your Trusted Regional Provider 

By providing financial assistance in the Region, NCEDA provides entrepreneurship opportunities for small-business persons, increases manufacturing activity, supports innovative products and processes, and retains one job for every $10,000 of NCEDA funds lent.

We want your business to succeed which is why we offer technical assistance to our borrowers through one-on-one assistance, webinars, workshops and personalized resources.

We look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,
Sandy Voigt
Regional Business Specialist
North Central Economic Development Association,
a 501(c)3 affiliate of Region Five Development Commission 

This program is funded by the USDA Rural Micro-enterprise Assistance Program

In This Issue

 

Small Business Revolution Main Street Reception
Downtown Brainerd has been chosen as one of the Top 10 Finalists for the Small Business Revolution Main Street!

This is the second of three exciting phases designed to help them narrow the pool to the right towns that will be up for the public vote. Join us in welcoming the Small Business Revolution Main Street team at Roundhouse Brewery for a reception and showcasing Downtown Brainerd! This is a free event for all Chamber members, non members and the public to attend. We do request that you register, so we can provide Roundhouse Brewery with a count.

When: January 10, 2018
5:30-7:30pm

Where: Roundhouse Brewery
1551 North Pacific Road
Brainerd, MN 56401
 
A Beginner's Guide to Video Marketing

It's much easier than you think, and this step-by-step plan will get you started. Read on
Accelerate your Revenue
What steps do successful businesses take to actively grow revenue? Do you know your company's most important drivers of future growth? How do your existing and prospective customers see your business?
 
When
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.   
Where
Pine Technical & Community College - Rooms 50 & 51 
900 4th Street SE 
Pine City, MN 55063

Registration
This event is exclusive to manufacturers and is free of charge. 

Registration is required. Please contact  [email protected] or call 612-455-4239
SBA awards are a great way to recogni ze our ama zin g businesses and the people that make them successful!   
 
Nominations are due January 9th, 2018. Don't wait! See the attached press release for details or go to: https://www.sba.gov/nsbw/awards
 
For tips on how to submit a winning nomination, visit https://go.usa.gov/xn2cx
 
The SBA Minnesota District Office will recognize individuals and businesses in the following categories:
  1. Encore Entrepreneur for business owners who started their business after age 50
  2. Family-Owned Business for businesses that have been passed from one generation to another with at least a 15 year track record
  3. Minority Champion for individuals who work to advance minority business ownership
  4. Minority-Owned Small Business for businesses 51% or more owned and controlled by at least one minority owner
  5. Veteran-Owned Small Business for businesses 51% or more owned and controlled by at least one veteran owner or spouse of a veteran
  6. Veteran Champion for individuals who work to advance veteran business ownership
  7. Women-Owned Small Business for businesses 51% or more owned and controlled by at least one woman owner
  8. Women in Business Champion for individuals who work to advance women business ownership
  9. Young Entrepreneur for business owners who will not have reached the age of 30 by June 1, 2018
Business Book Club

The Productivity Project
 
A fresh, personal, and entertaining exploration of a topic that concerns all of us: how to be more productive at work and in every facet of our lives.
  
January 9th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM.
 
Jules Bistro
St. Cloud
Register here

Blue Ox Business Academy - 2018 Leadership Experience

Date: January 25, 2018
Website: Blue Ox Business Academy
Register HERE

The Blue Ox Business Academy's Leadership Experience is an immersive experience in personal leadership growth through the exploration of community sectors, challenges and opportunities.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
  • Business owners, leaders & managers
  • Emerging leaders & high-potential employees
  • Those who are new to the Brainerd Lakes Area
With support from Anderson Brothers Construction, the Blue Ox Business Academy delivers local, affordable and high-quality training that strenthens our community by helping businesses succeed. 



Starting or Growing a Veteran Owned Business?
Sign up for Boots to Business Reboot, an entrepreneurship training program for veterans and their spouses. 

Boots to Business Reboot is a two-step training program that provides participants an overview of business ownership as a career vocation, an outline and knowledge on the components of a business plan, a practical exercise in opportunity recognition, and an introduction to available public and private sector resources.

Tuesday, January 16 8:30-4:00pm
Women Venture
2021 E Hennepin Ave
Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55413

For more info:
Email: [email protected]
Call: 612-370-2356

Veterans of all eras, Service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses are eligible to enroll in classes.  
On Manufacturing: Trade groups help drive workforce development
One of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today is access to a skilled workforce. With a large number of experienced workers reaching retirement, plus economic growth factors, there are more available positions than there are applicants... continue reading