Greenstone Group Fact Sheet
The Greenstone Group is an intentional and comprehensive approach to developing entrepreneurial
talent, creating successful companies, and building entrepreneurial communities in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. The purpose of the Greenstone Group is to increase the number and skill levels of entrepreneurs and thus build business wealth and employment through the growth of successful locally owned companies.
The Greenstone Group grew out of discussions among regional leaders who recognized the opportunity to strategically support and grow locally owned businesses to strengthen our economic base. It is a 10-year initiative of the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund aimed at building the region’s economy by revitalizing an entrepreneurial culture. The initiative has four key strategies:
- e-Development. The Greenstone Group
uses four different approaches to developing the talent and skills
of entrepreneurs seeking to grow their companies: Business Performance
Coaching, Business Briefings, Mentoring, and Targeted Training. Over
a 10 year period, we anticipate that 500 entrepreneurs in the region
will actively participate in this entrepreneurial development system.
Results will be measured in increased businessrevenue, new markets,
and job creation.
- e-Champions. Successful entrepreneurial leaders,
professional consultants, and public service providers are recruited
to work together to create tools and strategies that ensure that entrepreneurs
receive the right help at the right time. Coordinated access to these
resources helps Greenstone Group participants enhance their business
skills and achieve growth goals for their companies.
- Campus Initiative. The Greenstone Group is helping
to create a pipeline of future
entrepreneurs by working with the region’s eight community colleges to identify, support and train new entrepreneurs as they complete their education. Strategies include developing curricula, sponsoring business plan competitions, organizing “e-Teams,” and promoting entrepreneurship to students and faculty. - Civic Engagement. The Greenstone Group seeks to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurship by working with business, education and community stakeholders to create and carry out a broad vision for entrepreneurship in our region. An Advisory Council of economic development leaders provides guidance to the Greenstone Group’s strategies and services. A "Thought Leadership Group" of prominent entrepreneurs aims to define and advocate for a supportive entrepreneurial culture throughout the region.
The Greenstone Group initiative was launched in January 2008, the first
entrepreneur participants were selected to begin coaching in April 2008.
The Greenstone Group serves entrepreneurs residing in seven counties
in northeast Minnesota (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching,
Lake, and St. Louis) and Douglas County in northwest Wisconsin.
To learn more about the Greenstone Group, contact kathyk@greenstonegroup.org .
