Grand Forks Entrepreneurs & Founders

💰Offset the cost of a fall 2024 or spring 2024 internship by $3,500 when you apply for InternGF internship funding program for your new and innovative internship!

🍂Fall 2024 final deadline: August 1
🌸Spring 2025 PRIORITY deadline: September 1

😎The program is designed to increase the number of local internship offerings, aiding employers' workforce recruitment and retention efforts.

🤝The program is a partnership between the Grand Forks Region EDC and UND Center for Innovation.

🔗Learn more and apply at GrandForks.org/interngf

GGFYP Fall 2024 Mentorship Program 🤝💚

Registration for our 3rd Annual GGFYP Mentorship Program is now open! Volunteer to be mentored by a leader in our community today to develop both professionally and personally.

The program lasts 3 months (Sept. 2024 - Dec. 2024) and requires:
- 3 In-Person Meetings at local establishments
- 1 Young Professional/Community Event
- 1 Kickoff Social

Mentees will be matched with Mentors that best fit their needs and aspirations. To ensure this, Mentees will be given information about their matched Mentor prior to meeting.

For More Info & Registration -> https://forms.gle/4qsvJr2DmvWxJUBH8

Calling all young entrepreneurs under 18! Join the Kidpreneur Program at the Center for Innovation, where youth can receive training and education in entrepreneurship and an opportunity to promote their business to over 40,000 people at the Downtown Street Fair! See the flyer below for details: https://bit.ly/3W73pze

Ready to elevate your understanding of your customers? 📈

Join our upcoming cohort program designed to give you the insights and tools you need to succeed. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your business! 🚀

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3Khlghu

UPCOMING COHORTS
📅 July 9, 16, 23, 30 (Tuesdays) Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm HYBRID
(virtual online or in person at UND Center for Innovation)

Calling all young aspiring entrepreneurs! 🌱

Apply for the Kidpreneur Program at the Downtown Street Fair! Through this program, kids gain valuable business skills through Center for Innovation and have their own booth at the Downtown Street Fair! 👇

Apply here! https://bit.ly/39wlti2

Take your small business to the next level on ShopND! Experience zero-cost online selling backed by live support. Reach customers across North Dakota and the US. Join a thriving small business community today!
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3uSdBxO

********** Application Deadline Update! *************

Our applications will close on June 10th at midnight.

Check out ILT Academy's Summer 2024 cohort: https://iltacademy.io/explore-programs/

Our program tuition is normally $3,000, but thanks to generous sponsorships from the North Dakota Dept. of Commerce, Northspan Group, Inc., Initiative Foundation and Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, Sherburne County MN Government and the City of Becker, MN there's no cost for entrepreneurs in North Dakota and Greater Minnesota to participate.

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The cohort:

The 10-week cohort runs from Thursday evenings. The live instructor-led curriculum is 100% virtual!

Our applications close on June 10th at midnight.

Apply now! https://iltacademy.io/explore-programs/

About ILT:

ILT Academy is a community of startup experts who train entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, locations, and populations, to create thriving businesses.

ILT has graduated 500+ entrepreneurs, across 30+ cohorts, and helped those entrepreneurs raise over $7 million in new capital. !

The Golf Center of GF is hosting ladies night on 5/21 from 7-9pm. Don’t miss out on this fun event!

ILT Academy Fall 2023 Virtual Lean Startup Cohort Applications are open! !

***** Apply Today: https://forms.gle/yK6j6MJ1XhKFqya48 ******

ILT provides scholarships to participants provided by statewide, regional and local partners. There is no cost to participants other than your time.

The 10-Week Lean Startup Program is ideal for teams and individuals who are just starting to shape their ideas, or have an existing product or business that they want to develop and grow like a startup. High Tech, Low Tech, No Tech business ideas, as well as non-profits are welcome. The program combines remote learning, remote collaboration, and remote coaching to help participants test and refine their business ideas.

Over the 10-week period, participants will learn and practice how to:
• Explore and refine ideas
• Assess the market potential
• Reduce risk
• Validate products, customers, and markets
• Prepare for future development
• Prepare for investment

The course will conclude with a virtual founder showcase where teams will have the opportunity to present to regional startup community, business leaders and potential investors.

How much does this program cost?

ILT Academy provides scholarships to participants provided by statewide, regional and local partners. There is no cost to participants other than your time.

Who should apply?

Participants do not need any startup experience nor a fully formed idea for a startup — just ambition, motivation and grit. The 10-Week Lean Startup Program will build startup skills as participants work on their business ideas.

Am I eligible to apply to the program?

Anyone can apply for our virtual program. There are a limited number of seats available; the acceptance rate will be very competitive. We encourage participants to apply regardless of your location and business stage.

Apply Today! https://forms.gle/yK6j6MJ1XhKFqya48

Northspan Group, Inc. APEX Area Partnership for Economic Expansion Entrepreneur Fund forge itasca Northland Foundation Northland Small Business Development Center
Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation Itasca Economic Development Corporation FINNOVATION Lab Greater Bemidji Innovate 218 Greater Fergus Falls Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation Initiative Foundation West Central Initiative Emerging Prairie Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit VamosEntrepreneur

Need a break from the busy season? Join us June 5-7 at our summer Founders Retreat!
Limited tickets available! Grab yours: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/880191535577?aff=oddtdtcreator

🚨REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO JUNE 1🚨

📣Learn more about the InternGF Summer Internship Cohort Series!

It's a six-session summer event series providing student interns the opportunity to:
🤝Network
😎Explore the Cooler culture of our region
💼Connect with young professionals
📍Imagine a future for themselves in greater Grand Forks

Learn more and have interns register by June 1!
🔗grandforks.org/interngf-summer

Center for Innovation

Free Workshop: Start a Business in 3
This Saturday at UND center for innovation

meetu.ps

A great video series

NCI Live: Modern Work Trends and Predictions in 2024 Tune in April 3 with special guest Ingram Micro to hear about trends and predictions in the world of Modern Work in 2024.

Are you considering hiring teenagers for seasonal positions? Join us for a webinar with Commissioner Nathan Svihovec from the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights. Learn essential tips on navigating child labor laws, age limitations, working hours, exceptions, and education requirements to ensure compliance and create a positive work environment. Don't miss out! https://bit.ly/4bas6AM

Who's ready to elevate their business leadership skills? Mark your calendar, applications for our Business Leadership Intensives open on May 14th. 🗓️

This immersive program is designed for women business owners across all industries, with strategies for market understanding, financial management, and more.

Join our waitlist, and learn more: 💻 ndwbc.com/business-leadership-intensives

Don't miss out on the Strong Women Strong Connections event in Watford City on June 28th! 🌟 Engage in speed networking, join a panel discussion, and make valuable connections to fuel your business journey. Whether you're a business owner or a supporter, this event is for you. Register now and bring a friend! 🎟️ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b59704e9-be81-4812-bd0b-db5e1f28cb65

Calling all musicians, vendors, crafters, and entrepreneurs! 🤩

Be part of the vibrant Downtown Street Fair! Showcase your craft and talents with the community. Sign up now to reserve your spot and let's make this street fair the biggest yet! Apply at: downtownstreetfair.com 🎉 🎪

🤝 It's not too late to register for the Women Connect Opportunity Showcase! 💼

You won't want to miss out on a great event filled with refreshments, networking, and a panel of awesome local leaders!

Hurry and get signed up on our website here: https://www.chamberdata.net/webforms/EvtListing.aspx?dbid2=ndmin&evtid=511915&class=E

Grand Forks Thread receives $2.5 million from North Dakota Wonder Fund Thread also received $2.5 million from the fund, which is sponsored by O'Leary Ventures and Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary

Resources for small businesses

Find a Resource Let's get started Fill out the form below to discover resources for any of your small business needs. Business Resource Chamber of the Vault co-sponsored by the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers

There is still time to get your ticket to the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬!

Join Evolve Grand Forks and the members of GFEE in celebrating entrepreneurs who have made outstanding contributions to the Greater Grand Forks community in a variety of ways.

Attendees will be provided with one free drink ticket (proof of age required), free hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment.

The Grand Awards will take place at The Prohibition Comedy and Event Center in East Grand Forks tomorrow, April 9th, starting at 5:00pm

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 at https://www.gofoundation.org/grand-awards.html

Knowledge is key to moving your business forward! Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and resources that can help you enhance your business skills. Check out some of our trainings: https://bit.ly/3jzihGJ