The Business & Entrepreneurial Services Center is Now Open! We currently have incubator spaces available for lease, a resource library, educational opportunities and our 2009-10 community outreach Speaker Series will kick off on August 14th. Check out our Speaker Series links for more detailed information and to save the dates to attend our future events.

The Business Entrepreneur Center at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes has been selected to receive a $99,335 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from USDA Rural Development.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of 145 recipients for more than $15.3 million in grants to start or expand businesses in rural communities. Through Recovery Act funding, businesses will be able to access critical capital that will help with start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.

"These Recovery Act grants represent the Obama administration's ongoing efforts to ensure strategic investments and increased economic opportunities in rural America," said Vilsack. "Small businesses play an important role in building strong communities while providing vital products and services to local residents. This funding will help spur economic development to strengthen communities in dozens of states around the country."

Also receiving grant funding in our area was the city of Frazee, which received $90,000. Congratulations to them as well!

This funding is being is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Program, which helps finance new and existing businesses, as well as employment-related adult education programs.

1. A person who organizes and manages an enterprise or venture (business) and assumes significant accountability for the inherent risks and the outcome;
2. French, from Old French, from entreprendre, to undertake.