Entrepreneur Fund

Two Weeks Left to Apply!

The Entrepreneur Fund's Rural Field to Market Grant is offering up to $20,000 to support small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses in our 16‑county Minnesota region.

This one‑time funding opportunity is designed to strengthen local food systems, support business growth, and help more Minnesota‑grown food reach communities.

Deadline to apply: Monday, February 16 by 5 p.m. CST . Apply and learn more at efund.org/marketgrant

If you’re a producer, processor, aggregator, or distributor with 3+ years in business, this could be a great fit.

🚨NEW DATES🚨

We rescheduled our Business Mastermind in St. Cloud. The Central Cohort now kicks off on Tuesday, March 18—adjusted to better fit the busy schedules of entrepreneurs.

This six-month program is designed for business owners ready to overcome growth hurdles, embrace new technologies, and implement strategies that create measurable momentum.

Dates: March 17 - August 18 (third Tuesday of each month)
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM
Location: Davidson Opera House, 113 5th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301
Cost: $500 total

Apply Today: https://www.efund.org/events/business-mastermind-central
Application deadline: February 27, 2026

If you’re committed to making 2026 your breakthrough year, this is your chance!

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One week from today!

On February 4th, we’ll be attending a networking event hosted by the Washburn County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) for entrepreneurs and businesses across Washburn County.

This is a great opportunity to connect with local business owners, share ideas, and grow your network.

RSVP:
📞 715-645-0768
📧 [email protected]

Hope to see you at Round Man Brewing Co. in Spooner!

WCEDC is holding a networking event for entrepreneurs and businesses in Washburn County on February 4, 2026. If you are able to attend, please RSVP at 715-645-0768, or [email protected]. We look forward to getting together.

After seven and a half years at EFund, Mike Korte is retiring, and it’s hard to capture the depth of his contribution to the businesses and people of Northeast Minnesota—especially those in his home of Itasca County.

From day one, Mike showed up with dedication, heart, and a genuine belief in our mission and in what local entrepreneurs can accomplish.

Through strategic lending and countless hours of advising support, Mike helped numerous businesses start, grow, and expand. He became a trusted partner to his clients, someone they could rely on as they navigated big visions, tough decisions, and everything in between.

Internally, Mike made just as much of an impact. He’s been a mentor to our team, helping staff think more critically, structure stronger loan packages, and approach due diligence with care. His patience, experience, and willingness to teach helped shape the team we are today.

Recently, Mike shared a sentiment that captures his legacy here:
“We are changing lives out there. We are helping people live their dreams. We are a TEAM—Together Everyone Achieves More. That’s what we do, and I’m proud of the work we’ve all done.”

Mike has been a steady and trusted presence at EFund, committed to his clients, supportive of his colleagues, and deeply invested in the communities we serve. As he steps into retirement, we’re grateful for every relationship he built, every business he strengthened, and every lesson he leaves with us.

Please join us in wishing Mike well on his next chapter. We hope it’s full of the things he enjoys most and maybe a few fish in the live well, too.

Thank you, Renee Passal and WDIO, for visiting with us and learning more about our Rural Field to Market Grant.

Applications are open now through February 16. Apply and learn more at efund.org/marketgrant

The program is designed to help small and mid-size food and farm businesses in Minnesota increase revenue, create new market opportunities, and expand local sourcing across the food supply chain.

Grants are up to $20,000 per business, with a total of $450,000 available.

“This grant is an intentional investment in the growth and resilience of our regional food system,” said Shawn Wellnitz, CEO and President of the Entrepreneur Fund. “By supporting local producers and food entrepreneurs, we’re ensuring they have the resources they need to expand, innovate and create stronger market connections."

Watch the full story here: https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/450000-in-grants-up-for-grabs-for-small-farmers-and-food-retailers/

$450,000 in grants up for grabs for small farmers and food retailers A new grant program will support farmers and food retailers.