Who We Are
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About Us
Born out of a need to diversify industry on the Iron Range in the late 1980s, the Entrepreneur Fund was created with two main priorities: support entrepreneurs to start and grow small businesses that would create steady incomes for themselves and others, and to renew the entrepreneurial culture in the region.
Today, we stay true to our rural roots. While we have grown geographically and internally to meet the demand of our services, our commitment to serving rural communities remains steadfast.
“Rural businesses are typically severely underbanked, and there is also a
lack of services. Providing accessible capital and services for small businesses to sustain
and grow is critical to the health of rural communities and the regional economy.”
- Shawn Wellnitz, Entrepreneur Fund CEO and President.
Mission
To advance community economic development in rural and underserved communities. We work to achieve this by actively partnering with entrepreneurs to stimulate the growth of successful businesses.
Vision
Vibrant communities and a diverse regional economy that is created and sustained by entrepreneurs.
OUR IMPACTOur Region
We focus on serving entrepreneurs and businesses located in 29 counties and 12 Native nations that share geography with Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our team members live and work in the communities they serve, which helps us better understand and support the needs of small business owners in our communities.
Our Service Region Includes:
Minnesota
Wisconsin
NATIVE NATIONS
We Are a CDFI Organization
Community development financial institutions (CDFI) are private financial institutions that are 100% dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help underserved people and communities access financial services.
As a CDFI, we are mission-driven and focused on addressing the needs of business owners in our region who have limited access to the financial support they deserve. Access to these lending and advising services increases entrepreneurial wealth, creates thriving communities, and leads to greater economic prosperity.