May 2019
Spring REV Newsletter
In the last year, REV has created new pathways of engagement, conversation and systems to bring about new economies in six different communities. Each one of us has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people who love where they live through our involvement in REV. This includes being proactive in seeking out individuals who have dreams of creating and expanding their business ideas. So much of what makes dreams possible is the confidence we instill in in creating bright futures and the resources we provide to support their goals.

In this edition of the REV newsletter you'll discover how REV is gaining steam after the first year of the program and starting to make a difference in people's lives.

If you have questions, concerns or creative suggestions as they relate to REV, please contact me at 507-214-7013 or  pamb@smifoundation.org . 
Pam Bishop
Vice President - Economic Development
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Community Spotlight: Lanesboro

By Elaine Edwards, Lanesboro REV Co-Chair and President of Lanesboro EDA
One of Lanesboro’s hallmarks is an energetic community of small businesses who work together to provide a truly unique experience to those who call this place home and to the 20,000+ visitors who travel here annually to enjoy this scenic, art-focused community along the Root River.

It’s a time for optimism and vision! Unlike many rural communities across the country, Lanesboro and other nearby towns are projected to experience strong growth through 2023. A strong regional economy, spurred in part by Rochester’s massive Destination Medical Center project, is helping to position our community for a vibrant future. The dedicated volunteers on our Lanesboro REV team are looking at how we can strengthen current businesses, build on our existing assets (Including our K-12 school), and welcome new entrepreneurs seeking to locate in a community that provides a high quality of life and proximity to necessary and desired services.

Lanesboro is partnering with Spring Valley in the REV program, knowing that each community can learn from each other and can share resources for entrepreneurs. We’re thankful for the valuable support we’re receiving from Jennifer Hawkins, our REV project “coach” from the University of Minnesota Extension, and from SMIF. Overall our goal is to establish economic development systems to benefit our communities now, and for decades to come.

Pictured: "Lanesboro, Minnesota" by Steve Harris, a core member of Lanesboro REV. The book represents many of the REV projects that the group has been working on.
Ripple Mapping: The Big Reveal
Thanks to everyone who came out to SMIF's office in late March for the big Ripple Mapping Reveal. We learned a lot about REV successes and challenges, and the overarching themes across each community. Click on the image below to view the power point presentation.
REV Events
Lake City: Marketing in the Morning

First Tuesday of Each Month, 9:30 - 11:00
Lake City Chamber office (100 E Lyon Ave)

RSVP to Michelle Larson lcchamber@lakecity.org

Marketing can be tricky and time consuming when you don’t have the right tools or feel comfortable with the marketing medium. The Lake City EDA and Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to help take some of the guess work out of marketing. Join us at the chamber office the first Tuesday of each month to learn more about specific areas of marketing while networking with local businesses. There will be time each session to practice the skills you learn with your own business so please bring a laptop if able. 

May 7: Marketing in the Digital World
June 4: Social Media
July 2: SEO and Your Business
Aug 6: Google Analytics

Spring Valley: Networking event

Check out this video from KIMT News about how the REV group there is brainstorming ways to help small businesses succeed.
REV Communities Present to SMIF Board
A few weeks ago, representatives from each of the REV communities spoke on a panel at a SMIF board meeting. The group discussed many of the outcomes that their communities have experienced in the first year. Click on the button below to watch the video - the panel starts around the 14-minute mark.
Making a Difference
REV Blue Earth hosted a Student Career Exploration event in late March. They received this note from one of the attendees:

Dear REV,

I just wanted to write a quick note to say thank you for hosting the career explorations night at BEAHS. I learned a lot about what I might want to do in the future. I never expected to be interested in engineering but this made me realize that might be a good fit for me.

Thank you,
Calli

REV is truly making a difference in people's lives!
Economic Development Grant
SMIF offers Economic Development Grants to support new asset-based collaborative initiatives that provide education and support for new or existing entrepreneurs and businesses. Examples include business incubators, co-working spaces, one-on-one technical assistance, business skill training and business outreach. Proposals must be submitted by a 501(c)3 organization, a unit of government or a public agency.

Apply by May 30.
Support Southern Minnesota's Future
Imagine vibrant communities where entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses, children are prepared for their future and communities build the resources and networks needed to sustain their quality of life.

SMIF is embarking on a three-year  Love Where You Live campaign to strengthen our region’s future. Won’t you join us in creating vibrant communities where more than 581,000 people call home?
About REV

The  Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program is all about finding and igniting existing entrepreneurs in communities. By adopting a "grow your own" approach to entrepreneur development, the REV model helps community grow from within. Our coaches ( Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation staff and partners –  Region Nine Development Commission  and  University of Minnesota Extension ) are committed to working with each of the six communities for a three year period, launched in 2018. The REV model is based on  The Center for Rural Entrepreneurship's  tried and tested Energizing Entrepreneurial Communities (e2) framework. REV is supported by the Blandin Foundation .
About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in the 20 counties of south central and southeastern Minnesota. The Foundation has provided more than $111 million in grants, loans and programming within the region during the past 32 years. SMIF's key interests include early childhood, community and economic development. To learn more about our work and mission, visit  www.smifoundation.org .
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation | 507-455-3215 | www.smifoundation.org