Client Impact Stories

Glen Meats Invests in USDA Certification, Boosting Processing Capacity and Local Jobs in Rural Minnesota

When Glen Meats in rural Minnesota set out to earn USDA certification, it wasn’t just about checking a box—it was about exceeding standards, creating year-round jobs, supporting local farmers, and putting truly local meat in customers’ hands. With help from the Entrepreneur Fund, owner Jason Plekkenpol invested in critical upgrades, paving the way for business growth, stable staffing, and expanded market opportunities for farmers across the region.

Built to Last: How EFund Supports Small Business for Long-Term Success in Rural Communities

This in-depth look at nearly a decade of Entrepreneur Fund support in Two Harbors, Minnesota, reveals how over 70 businesses have launched or grown—sustaining nearly 400 local jobs and achieving a business survival rate well above the state average. Through data and firsthand stories, this article highlights a powerful, replicable model for rural revitalization—showing that when local business owners are supported and empowered, their communities can thrive for the long term.

How Small Businesses Drive Community Growth: The Power of Local Entrepreneurship

Small businesses are the heart of rural communities, creating jobs, inspiring innovation, and fueling local pride. In Washburn, WI, entrepreneurs like Amy and Jared Trimbo are proof of how one idea — with the right support — can spark a wave of entrepreneurial energy that strengthens an entire community.

Addressing Food Disparities: How the Healthy Food Fund Supports Local Businesses

In rural northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, locally-owned grocery stores play a critical role in providing consistent access to fresh, affordable food. Through the Healthy Food Fund, the Entrepreneur Fund supports these stores with resources and guidance to help them remain strong and responsive to local needs.

Rhinelander Revival: Renewing Communities through Small Business

In this short video documentary, see how a downtown Rhinelander, WI, project with entrepreneurs Nate and Andrea Sheppard embodies the power of collaboration, creative financing, and community vision—proving that investing in small businesses strengthens communities.

Stronger Together: How the Churchill Family Built a Business Legacy in Spooner, Wisconsin

What began as a mother-daughter chat on the dock over coffee has grown into a thriving collection of businesses in Spooner, Wisconsin: Dock Coffee, Round Man Brewing Co., and, most recently, Strongman Smokehouse.

Entrepreneur Q&A: Transforming Business Through a Person-Centered Approach – Discovery Horse, Fort Ripley, MN

While it’s common for small business owners to take on multiple roles, Sara and Matt knew they were ready for growth, but they needed guidance on how to approach financing and make strategic business decisions. We recently caught up with Sara to see how their business has transformed over the last year.

Sustaining local food systems: How Darlings Grocery fills a community need on Madeline Island

The purchase of Darlings Grocery strengthens the Madeline Island food system by providing affordable basics, offering deli pick-up and supporting the vibrant farming community on the island to create a future hub that promotes self-sufficiency.

Racing Against Capacity: How Lightning Storm Graphics Overcame Its Biggest Roadblock

DeJay Jarecki's story exemplifies how important it is for rural businesses to have access to entrepreneurial support resources.

Lamppa Manufacturing doubles down on quality jobs in rural Tower, Minnesota

Lamppa Manufacturing has seen significant growth over the last few years. The Iron Range business recently partnered with the Entrepreneur Fund on its Quality Jobs Program, receiving support to improve employee safety, add benefit packages, and offer competitive wages.

Sustaining a small northern town with access to shelter, hardware and sandwiches

Access to capital is a significant barrier that these businesses often face and yet they are essential to local economies.

Partnership Powers Investment in Downtown Bayfield – St. James Social

With a focus on connection and community, Bermel is rehabilitating the historic 140-year-old building at 200 Rittenhouse Avenue in the heart of Bayfield, Wisconsin, into a boutique hotel with a main floor social lounge and lobby bar. She expects doors open and rooms booked this summer.

Framing a strategic plan for business expansion with Anderson & Hammack Construction Company

Ready to expand their business, Nick and Robyn partnered with the Entrepreneur Fund on financing and strategic planning that has positioned them for growth.

Growing & Brewing with Purpose – Warrior Brewing Company

A personalized lending package enabled the veterans to purchase equipment, obtain licensing and pay the first few months of start-up costs such as utilities and rent.

Entrepreneur Interview: Building Momentum with Stephanie Ferguson

The Fergusons opened Momentum Center, a low intensity residential treatment program, in August 2021 with the support of Entrepreneur Fund loans and advising.

Growing Manufacturing on the Iron Range with Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions

The Entrepreneur Fund has business advisors located throughout northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. We are invested in the communities we serve. Our teams know their clients well and want to see them succeed.

Cook's Country Connection: A one-of-a-kind community hub

Entrepreneurs like Lois are why we do what we do. Every day, we partner with entrepreneurs and small business owners across all industries and across a mostly rural region of 43,975 square miles because we believe they create vibrant, healthy communities.

How a $10K microloan turned into a decade-long partnership with Duluth Coffee Company

Through the Entrepreneur Fund’s SBA Microloan program, Faust accessed a $10,000 loan to finance the purchase of a 3-kilogram coffee roaster.

Jasper Company grows hospitality roots in chosen home of Ely

Since working together on their first loan in 2005, the Beans family has seen the Entrepreneur Fund as a valued long-term partner in business growth and creativity.

Purchasing property opens doors for Zen House

For 17 years, Yasuko Holt has been serving up authentic Japanese cuisine in the Twin Ports. With the help of the Entrepreneur Fund, Holt was able to recently purchase the Duluth building where she owns and operates her restaurant, Zen House.

Training is a Tool for Growth with Geek2Go

Technology is a tool and Laura Moser not only wants to help fix it if there’s a problem, but she also wants you to understand how to use it.

The Courage to Ask for Help – Serenity Tax and Bookkeeping

The Entrepreneur Fund also assisted Deni with gap financing when it came time to move into a new office. Her lease was up, demand for her business was growing and it was time to purchase a larger space.

Investing in Talent and Technology With Syvantis Technologies in Baxter

Elevating Communities Through Architecture

How Two Disabled Veterans Turned Their Log Home Living Dreams Into A Lakeside Resort Reality

New Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Center Meets Critical Communiyt Need

Ubet You Can Turn Your Passion into a Business

Serving Up Resilience at Sulu’s Espresso Café in Tower

Financing to Take Mahkahta Trucking to the Next Level

Stepping into the Driver’s Seat with Dock 5

Boomtown Brews Expansion in Northern Minnesota

Animal Haven Thriving From Creative Partnership

Building Sustainable Growth with Broking’s Transport in Grand Rapids

Reclaimed Dreams for Duluth Artists - Bailey Builds

Tackling the Community Child Care Shortage Through Entrepreneurship

Becoming Bankable: Preparing Mike & Jen’s Cocoa Mix for a small business line of credit

The secret sauce in OMC Smokehouse's success recipe

Coffee sources from the heart – Duluth Coffee Company

Ursa Minor Brewing opens in Duluth’s Lincoln Park

Getting Pier B Resort to the starting line