“We are building a pipeline of future business owners that are changing the landscape of the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy - you have to be excited about that.” We can’t wait to dig in and help these entrepreneurs bring their businesses to the next level,” said Beth Gruber, director of planning and community engagement at Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. “The partnership with the Initiative Foundation brings together my love of community prosperity and entrepreneurism. The entrepreneurs join four other cohorts of Mille Lacs Enterprise Academy graduates, now representing more than 40 current and aspiring business owners working in and near the tribal economy, designated by three districts that comprise the Mille Lacs reservation. Participants build skills and receive support in the areas that challenge new entrepreneurs in starting and running a business. The Mille Lacs Tribal Economy entrepreneurs recently completed the Foundation’s Enterprise Academy-a business-building program that features a 12-week training program matched with free ongoing technical assistance and access to flexible loans and other capital. LITTLE FALLS, MN-The Initiative Foundation and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures are celebrating the graduation of 10 new entrepreneurs dedicated to building the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy through their homegrown business ideas.
