Two area organizations received state funding to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Small Business Partnership Grants were awarded to non-profits and public entities for them to help small businesses and entrepreneurs with business development and technical assistance, according to a press release from the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
The Initiative Foundation in Little Falls received $200,000 and St Cloud State University Small Business Development Center received $120,000.
“The purpose of this grant is to support the start-up, growth and success of Minnesota’s entrepreneurs and small business owners through the delivery of high quality free or low-cost professional business development and technical assistance services,” the release said. More than half the funding was given to organizations and projects focused on reaching Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs and business owners.
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There were 37 organizations who received grants. The most awarded was $600,000, and the least $73,114.
Initiative Foundation hires entrepreneurship programs officer
The Initiative Foundation has a new team member working to expand the organization’s ability to support entrepreneurs of all backgrounds.
According to a press release from the organization, the Initiative Foundation has hired Donniel Robinson as entrepreneurship programs officer.
In the release, Robinson said the Initiative Foundation is examining potential for expanded programming for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds.
“Donniel’s roots in the region, her work with small businesses and nonprofits, and her personal experience as an entrepreneur all bring incredible expertise and lived experience to the Foundation,” Vice President Brian Voerding said in the release. “We’re excited for all the entrepreneurs we serve to benefit from the directions her vision and passion take our programs and services.”
Coborn’s opens new store in Buffalo
After closing its Buffalo location in 2016, Coborn’s has recently opened a new store in the community.
The new store is the company’s most recent ground-up construction project, following a 2020 Coborn’s Marketplace built in Otsego, according to a press release from the company. The Buffalo store has an in-store Caribou Coffee with drive-thru; a full-service pharmacy; expanded deli, bakery, produce and meat departments; a specific area for curbside pickup; and a gas station.
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Coborn’s closed its Buffalo location in 2016, citing limited space and no room for expansion. The new store is Coborn’s Inc.’s 60th grocery store and 29th Coborn’s supermarket.
Moss & Barnett hires new team member
A new hire will join the Moss & Barnett business law team.
Attorney Jeremy Walls will “advise clients of all sizes on a broad range of business and financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, contract law, corporate governance, entity formation, commercial transactions and general business practice,” a release from the company said.
Walls will practice out of both the Minneapolis and St. Cloud offices.
Sarah Kocher is the business reporter for the St. Cloud Times. Reach her at 320-255-8799 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @SarahAKocher.
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https://www.sctimes.com/story/money/business/2021/12/06/st-cloud-state-organizations-receive-deed-small-business-partnership-grants/8796362002/
