President's message - engaging in entrepreneurism
A strong entrepreneurial program contributes to a growing, robust economy. Creating the kind of environment that supports entrepreneurs takes planning and commitment from cities, states and organizations like us, the GFMEDC. Imagine what a downtown entrepreneurial center could look like. How can we structure it to enable us to compete with some of the country's strongest centers of entrepreneurial support? Here are a few must-haves.
1. A comprehensive boot camp event (two to three days) focused on a start-up's business plan. An entrepreneur would learn about critical issues including building a business model, competitive positioning, marketing strategies and funding models. They would come out of the bootcamp with important tools like an elevator pitch, an executive summary and company next steps.
2. A series on starting a business focused on things like the entrepreneurial path, traits of an entrepreneur, marketing plans, legal issues and financing options.
3. Business law and order (the next steps) including business structure, intellectual property (IP), full-time employees versus independent contract employees.
4. A comprehensive group of business acceleration services including business idea review, IP advice, patent acquisition, management coaching and business connections.
The center would also provide important connections to funding, an expert resources board and connections to state and regional entrepreneurial services to build on the strong programming already in place. |
GFMEDC launches new website
The GFMEDC has launched a new website. The website is more content-driven, easier to navigate and integrates social media tools.
www.gfmedc.com
The GFMEDC has also started a blog that will be periodically featured on InForum through Area Voices.
You can check it out any time on our website - or go directly to the blog at:
http://smartmovefargomoorhead.areavoices.com/ |
The GIF approved one Flex PACE loan third quarter for the following expansion project
The Growth Initiative Fund approved the following PACE loan during third quarter 2012:
Cargill in West Fargo, N.D. announced a $60 million investment into plant upgrades. The facility employs 85 full-time employees and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The GIF is a community revolving loan fund managed by the GFMEDC. It was established in 1993 and capitalized by property taxes from Cass County, the City of Fargo and the City of West Fargo over the period of 1993 - 2001. Those funds continue to be reinvested. The purpose of the GIF is to assist the GFMEDC in achieving its mission of retaining and expanding primary-sector employment. |
Business development activity steady third quarter
The GFMEDC engaged 20 new business prospects in third quarter 2012.
The GFMEDC provides customized information to sell the region to new business prospects, hosts site visits and coordinates meetings with key contacts. |
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ND Trade Office recently launched Step ND for small ND companies growing their international exports
The North Dakota Trade Office recently launched STEP ND, a financial reimbursement program designed to assist small, North Dakota businesses in growing their international exports.
STEP ND funds are provided by The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), through its State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant. The one-year STEP ND program will run Oct. 1, 2012 - Sept. 30, 2013.
Companies interested in receiving financial assistance through STEP ND are invited to attend the Fargo STEP ND Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 10:00am in Fargo. This event will take place at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in the Schollander Pavilion. NDTO and partner associations will present the STEP ND program and invite companies to ask questions related to the program.
To register for the Fargo STEP ND Town Hall Meeting, or to see a complete list of events, visit this link.
To find out more or to find an application, go to the ND Trade Office website at www.ndto.com/step-nd.
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MSU Moorhead hosts half-day seminar "China in Transition: Business Opportunity and Risk"
The School of Business at MSUM is hosting China in Transition: Business Opportunity and Risk Thursday, Nov. 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the MSUM Center for Business Atrium.
China in Transition is designed to help professionals understand business opportunities and risks that exist between China and the United States. There will be a research presentation and panel discussion with regional experts.
The discussion will revolve around China's legal, educational, manufacturing, labor, and cultural elements and how they affect regional business.
The event is free; RSVP required (by November 12). For more information, visit www.mnstate.edu/cbi/chinaintransition.
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CareerFM wants your jobs
Please remember that your investment includes the opportunity to post your jobs on CareerFM.com. We ask that you limit the jobs to degree-required positions in the Fargo Moorhead Metro.
Your jobs enhance our website and allow us to better market the region to potential residents. We appreciate your help! |
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Do you have news to share?
If you have news items you would like included in an upcoming newsletter, please send the ideas or articles to lgnelson@gfmedc.com. Thank you! |
