[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
Businesses in the Southeastern Minnesota rural communities of Lanesboro and surrounding Fillmore County continue to strive for sustainability and long-term economic growth, despite the challenges of the ongoing global pandemic.<\/p>\n
Winona State University sponsored a series of three professional workshops in partnership with the City of Lanesboro and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program.<\/p>\n
Training topics were developed in response to the needs of the regional rural communities and included sessions on business succession planning, seasonal marketing tactics, and workforce recruitment and retention strategies.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Cathy Enerson” job_title=”Lanesboro Economic Development Director” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
Winona State University\u2019s educational sessions ignited new ways of thinking about the techniques small businesses can implement to strengthen the Lanesboro entrepreneurial ecosystem.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
WSU\u2019s Business Outreach Coordinator, Julie Kiehne, had the opportunity to visit with Lori Bakke, local small business owner of Granny\u2019s Liquor and member of the REV Committee.<\/p>\n
Hear what Lori shared regarding the training partnership outcomes.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=veYvM8tHZMU” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
The City of Lanesboro has a desire to encourage, attract, promote and develop industry and commerce within the City for the prevention of unemployment and to provide for increased economic opportunity.<\/p>\n
The training partnership with Winona State University helped the business community get a step closer to this goal.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program” admin_label=”SMIF Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
The Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program<\/a> is all about finding and igniting existing entrepreneurs in communities. By adopting a \u201cgrow your own\u201d approach to entrepreneur development, the REV model helps community grow from within.<\/p>\n In 2018 Lanesboro & Spring Valley (Fillmore County) were chosen as recipients of the 3-year REV program through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF)<\/a>. SMIF is a donor-supported foundation, investing in economic growth in the 20 counties of south central and southeastern Minnesota. SMIF’s key interests include economic and early childhood development and community vitality.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”About WSU-Adult & Continuing Education” admin_label=”ACE Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n