Impact

Commitment That Builds: Supporting Entrepreneurs for the Greater Good

When we commit to an entrepreneur, we’re not just offering resources—we’re offering a relationship rooted in trust, long-term support, and shared responsibility. Our goal is to walk alongside business owners as they grow, with a focus not just on individual success, but on the broader impact for our communities and our region.

How Small Businesses Drive Community Growth: The Power of Local Entrepreneurship

Small businesses are the heart of rural communities, creating jobs, inspiring innovation, and fueling local pride. In Washburn, WI, entrepreneurs like Amy and Jared Trimbo are proof of how one idea — with the right support — can spark a wave of entrepreneurial energy that strengthens an entire community.

Addressing Food Disparities: How the Healthy Food Fund Supports Local Businesses

In rural northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, locally-owned grocery stores play a critical role in providing consistent access to fresh, affordable food. Through the Healthy Food Fund, the Entrepreneur Fund supports these stores with resources and guidance to help them remain strong and responsive to local needs.

2024 Impact Snapshot: Building Stronger Businesses, Strengthening Communities

In 2024, the Entrepreneur Fund strengthened small businesses with millions in personalized lending and thousands of hours of strategic advising, driving resilience and community growth throughout our region.

Rhinelander Revival: Renewing Communities through Small Business

In this short video documentary, see how a downtown Rhinelander, WI, project with entrepreneurs Nate and Andrea Sheppard embodies the power of collaboration, creative financing, and community vision—proving that investing in small businesses strengthens communities.

Two Years In: How Our Northern Wisconsin Expansion is Making an Impact

In just two years, we’ve invested $10.6 million in flexible capital and over 5,700 hours of no-cost business advising to support hundreds of entrepreneurs across northern Wisconsin.

Distinction Awards Connects, Empowers and Celebrates Regional Business Leaders

The second annual Distinction Awards, held on October 16, 2024, was a night of celebration, connection, and inspiration for hundreds of business leaders from across northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Entrepreneur Fund Receives $9 Million Gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Unrestricted gift will enable the Entrepreneur Fund to strengthen small businesses across Minnesota & Wisconsin.

2024 Distinction Awards: A Night to Celebrate & Elevate Your Business

This unique event is designed to inspire, educate, connect, and, of course, celebrate the entrepreneurs who are a driving force behind our region's economic growth and success.

Distinction Awards Strengthen Small Business Connections and Celebrate Economic Contributions

With 250 business owners and community leaders in attendance, the event on October 25 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, highlighted business excellence while fostering connections and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of these entrepreneurs to the local economy.

Celebrate Regional Business Excellence at the Entrepreneur Fund’s Inaugural Distinction Awards

You’re invited to the Entrepreneur Fund’s inaugural Distinction Awards to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the regional businesses that exemplify business excellence and drive our regional economic growth.

Partnering for Success: How we work together to grow small businesses in our region

How does the Entrepreneur Fund fit into the economic development ecosystem of Minnesota and northern Wisconsin?

EFund Doubles in Size & Grows Leadership to Best Serve the Region

The Entrepreneur Fund is actively expanding its capacity to further its leadership in fostering economic resiliency and economic mobility for the region.

EFund Awarded $6.5 Million to Support Small Business Stabilization and Growth

The Entrepreneur Fund has been awarded a total of $6.5 million by the U.S. Department of Treasury to advance our mission of partnering with entrepreneurs to create growing businesses, thriving communities, and a diverse regional economy.

Entrepreneur Fund Expands Into Rural Wisconsin

Our expansion to northern Wisconsin is part of our ongoing mission to support the diversification of the rural regional economy.

From rural roots: Supporting rural entrepreneurship for over three decades

The Entrepreneur Fund was born out of a need to diversify industry on the Iron Range in the late 1980’s and early 90’s.

Fueling Vibrant & Resilient Communities Through Local Food Systems

As a CDFI, the Entrepreneur Fund plays an important role in strengthening local food systems to support communities of all shapes and sizes in rural Minnesota and Wisconsin. We do this through our ability to provide lending and advising services to clients.

What is Our Secret Sauce for Small Business Growth?

Our secret sauce is what makes our organization and our client’s experience unique.

2022 Impact Snapshot: Evolving for Tomorrow

The past few years have required all of us to think, adapt and plan in new and innovative ways.

EFund staff conference refocuses on mission and impact

In January, the entire Entrepreneur Fund team took two days at Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth to practice what we preach. We stepped away from the daily grind and we focused on each other and the EFund mission.

How to keep your business growing in 2023: Six tips from EFund CEO

Entrepreneur Fund CEO and President Shawn Wellnitz recently shared his expertise with Business North in their Directory 23 issue, which asked industry experts about their business predictions for 2023.

Annual survey provides insight into areas impacting Minnesota manufacturers

The annual survey of over 500 Minnesota manufacturing executives provides insight into the concerns and opportunities impacting manufacturers across the state.

EFund collaboration with UMD accounting class connects students with local businesses

Since 2019, Entrepreneur Fund has worked with the accounting class to connect students with our Duluth-area clients.

EFund receives $8 million in grants to expand small business support in northern Wisconsin

Using a phased approach over the next three years, EFund will expand to12 additional Wisconsin counties and five tribal nations in Wisconsin, which encompasses the communities north of Highway 8.

WBD Investment Leads to Creation of a Local Small Business Investor Network

The Entrepreneur Fund and WBD are partnering to create a small business investor network that will accelerate region’s ability to provide meaningful support to our region’s entrepreneurs.

EFund Recognized as Minnesota's 2022 SBA Microlender of the Year

In 2021, EFund originated 132 SBA Microloans for a total of $4,100,000.

Three areas impacting Minnesota manufacturers today

National Bank of Commerce Receives Inaugural Community Catalyst Award

Quality Jobs: Small businesses leading the way

Navigating Relief for Artists & Venues

Surviving the staffing shortage: A guide for small business employers

Announcing the launch of the Cloquet Business Assistance Fund

The small business owner’s resilience to reimagine

The Entrepreneur Fund - Your Trusted Small Business Resource Amidst a Global Pandemic

Tackling the Community Child Care Shortage Through Entrepreneurship

Transforming the Lincoln Park neighborhood one business at a time

Recognizing Hibbing, Minnesota's small business growth and success