Educational Programs
Grow your skills,
networks, and business
Our programs are built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs with a focus on strengthening small business skills, connections, and potential for growth. We design effective programs and events that evolve over time and best serve the needs of small business owners across our region.
Current Programs
Be Strategic: Grow Your Business
Maximize your potential by focusing on your business strategy, not just the day-to-day operations.
What is Be Strategic? The Be Strategic program provides a unique opportunity for local, non-competing businesses to work alongside one another to create a strategic business plan for growth, make meaningful connections, and improve their business within a supportive group setting.
Who is it for? Be Strategic is for growth-oriented business owners in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Ideal participants have been in business for a couple of years, are ready to take the next steps in growing their business and are willing to be held accountable to reach their goals.
Why is it different? The six-week interactive course is designed and facilitated by EFund advisors who have years of experience helping businesses grow. Participants work through various business topics, including defining their mission, vision, and core values, identifying trends in their industry, creating a marketing plan, and refining their 10-year target. By the end of the course, each business owner walks away with a strategic plan to help them achieve their growth goals.
Is there a cost? Yes, the total cost is $600. Scholarships to help reduce costs are available, thanks to Boreal Waters Community Foundation. See individual application for details. *A Course book is provided.
How do I apply? Applications for our 2026 Be Strategic courses are currently closed. We don’t have a 2027 schedule yet. Please check back for future course dates and application details.
Profit Mastery
Maximize your profits and better understand you business financials.
What is Profit Mastery? The two-day workshop focuses on providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to help their business achieve financial success. Dig into your finances and learn alongside fellow business owners from a skilled local facilitator.
Who is it for? Profit Mastery is for business owners who want to become more confident and skilled in managing their financials and making financially sound decisions for their company. If you are ready to grow your financial management skills, this is for you.
Why is it different? Profit Mastery has an international reputation for providing unparalleled financial management and business planning education. The curriculum is owned by Business Resource Services and facilitated by EFund advisors.
Is there a cost? Yes, the total cost is $600. Scholarships to help reduce costs are available, thanks to Boreal Waters Community Foundation and Excel Energy. See individual application for details. *A Course book is provided.
How do I register? Find a workshop near you below and complete the registration form. Payment is due upon registration.
Upcoming 2026 Workshops
- Duluth, MN
- Dates: Wednesday, November 4th & Thursday, November 5th 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Where: Entrepreneur Fund Duluth Office - 202 W Superior St Suite 311, Duluth, MN 55802
- Register Here: https://efund.tfaforms.net/f/ProfitMastery_Duluth_102026
- Cost: $600 - Scholarships to help reduce costs are available. See application for details. *A Course book is provided.
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Business Masterminds
Join a dynamic peer group of entrepreneurs with a shared drive to grow, learn, and transform challenges into opportunities.
Why join the Business Mastermind?
The benefits of joining the Business Mastermind are numerous:
- Gain fresh perspectives: Get valuable feedback and advice from a wide range of experienced entrepreneurs.
- Boost accountability: Share your goals with your mastermind and hold each other accountable for achieving them.
- Build meaningful connections: Expand your network and forge lasting friendships with inspiring business owners who understand your unique challenges.
- Amplify your success: Celebrate your wins and get the encouragement you need to overcome obstacles and close growth gaps.
How do I apply?
Applications for our 2027 Mastermind programs are now open. To apply, click the registration link under the corresponding North or Central Mastermind program you are interested in..
The Business Mastermind is funded in part by the Duluth Women's 10 Mile, an event in partnership with the Entrepreneur Fund that directly supports female entrepreneurship.
Mastermind North:
2027 Program Overview
Scale Well Business Mastermind is a six-session program that brings you together with a small group of business owners to tackle real challenges, exchange fresh perspectives, and think strategically about the business you’re building and the life you want to live.
The program is facilitated by certified coach Lori Coda-Peterson of Coda Vision, with business advising support from Sandi Larson, Director of the Women’s Business Alliance. Designed for bold entrepreneurs committed to taking their business to the next level.
Is Scale Well right for you?
This program is designed for growth-focused business owners who have been in operation for at least two years, preferably with $300,000 or more in annual revenue, and are ready to learn alongside peers.
2027 CLASS DETAILS:
- WHERE: Duluth, MN
- DATES: January 12th, 2027 - June 8th, 2027
- Every second Tuesday of the month starting January 12th, 2027
- 01/12, 02/09, 03/09, 04/13, 05/11 & 06/08
- Every second Tuesday of the month starting January 12th, 2027
- TIME: 9AM – 12PM (8:30AM door opens/networking time)
- LOCATION: 2nd Floor Conference Room at E Fund
- COST: $500
- Payment is not needed during the application process. Our team will review your application and notify you of your selection. Upon selection, a $500 participation fee is required prior to the first session.
- FACILITATOR: Lori Coda-Peterson, CodaVision
- BUSINESS ADVISOR SUPPORT: Sandi Larson, WBA-NorthDirector
- APPLY HERE: Mastermind North - Duluth, MN
- 10/15 – 11/30 Accepting Applications
- 12/15 - Participants will be notified of their acceptance into the program
- 1/12 - Class Begins
Mastermind Central:
Join a powerful mastermind designed for ambitious entrepreneurs who are preparing their businesses for the future.
Turn ideas into action. Build momentum. Grow your business with confidence.
Together, we'll tackle growth challenges, leverage emerging technologies, build long-term resilience, and become stronger advocates for our business through collaborative problem-solving. This Mastermind is facilitated by the Women’s Business Alliance (WBA). The WBA is a program of the Entrepreneur Fund, and a certified Women’s Business Center of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Each session blends collaboration, strategy, and action so you can gain clarity, solve problems, and implement real solutions that drive measurable results.
Registration for the 2026–27 session is now closed. The program begins October 20, 2026. Please check back for future Mastermind opportunities!
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Women's Business Alliance
A program offering personalized advising, growth-focused training, networking opportunities, and access to capital for entrepreneurs.
The Women’s Business Alliance supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey. The WBA offers tailored advising, professional development training, networking opportunities, and access to capital. While the programs are geared toward female entrepreneurs, all are welcome to participate in WBA-led programs.
The WBA is led by Sandi Larson in our northern region and Sandy Voigt in our central region.
The WBA is a program of the Entrepreneur Fund, and a certified Women’s Business Center of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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