The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund has received a $2.5 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to launch the Greenstone Group, a new, long-term initiative aimed at cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship and strengthening entrepreneurs in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.
Over the next 10 years, the Greenstone Group expects to build the region’s economy by targeting support and resources toward 500 entrepreneurs in the region who are committed to growing their businesses. Groups of 6-10 entrepreneurs will be teamed with professional business coaches and a coordinated network of service providers committed to providing the right services at the right time.
The Greenstone Group is a collaborative venture. With growing list of partners and allies—currently numbering more than 30 economic development, educational and community organizations—the Greenstone Group will work with these organizations to build a systematic and intentional process for increasing the numbers and success level of entrepreneurs in the region. Success will be measured by expansion of locally owned businesses, wealth creation, new markets accessed and job creation.
Long-time Minnesota business executive and consultant Jerry Peterson has been named director of the Greenstone Group. Peterson, most recently president and chief consultant for Duluth-based Norstar Associates Ltd., will lead the initiative.
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