2. Building Our Local Economy 2011-2016 Goal Help 500 entrepreneurs grow their skills. Regional Impact 1,300 businesses have been started, stabilized or grown $15 million in loans to 400+ businesses $7.7 million in capital

3. Closing the Skills Gap Transforming the entrepreneur’s skills: Maximizing their potential Tier 1- Operator ↓ Tier 2- Manager ↓ Tier 3- CEO

4. Be Clear: Thinking About Your Business Be Smart: Launch Your Business Start up Consulting Starting A Business

5. Growth “Have you been in business for +2 years and have a desire to grow? What’s stopping you?” Be Strategic: Grow Your Business –Aitkin, Cloquet, Duluth, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, I-Falls, & Two Harbors Strategic Review and Recommendations (SRR) Business Performance Coaching

6. Small Business Financing Offering Business loans up to $150,000 with flexible terms Start up, growth, working capital, equipment, etc. Sole lender or in partnership with other lenders Benefits Flexible financing Ongoing support from entrepreneurs Business Lending Relationship

7. Resources U. S. Small Business Administration Microloan Program 7a Loan Guarantees Women’s Business Center USDA Rural Development Intermediary Re-Lending Program (IRP) CDFI Fund, US Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (certified)

8. Contact Mary Mathews President & CEO Entrepreneur Fund 202 W. Superior ST., Suite 311 Duluth, MN 558802 218-623-5724 entrepreneurfund.org greenstonegroup.org