Educational Programs

A scene from an eFund Women's Business Alliance event, capturing a panel of four women speakers in the midst of a discussion. They are seated at a long table in front of a room filled with an attentive audience, predominantly women. The speakers appear engaged and confident, with microphones in front of them. The audience is facing the panel, with the backs of their heads in focus, indicating a packed and engaged session. Floral arrangements and personal belongings on the tables suggest a formal yet intimate setting. A blank projection screen is set up behind the speakers, ready for a presentation. This image conveys the essence of the event, highlighting community, support, and the empowerment of women in business.

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? Find a course near you below. Complete the application form. Our team will review your application and notify you of your selection two weeks prior to the first session.

Upcoming 2026 Be Strategic Courses:

Client Success: Learn how the Be Strategic course supported the growth of a Superior, WI, based construction business.
Learn More about Be Strategic

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.
Learn more about Profit Mastery

Business Masterminds

Join a dynamic peer group of entrepreneurs with a shared drive to grow, learn, and transform challenges into opportunities.

In the Business Masterminds, you'll join a dynamic peer group of entrepreneurs and a certified business coach once a month over six months to help you find solutions to your business challenges, share your goals and hold one another accountable to achieve them. This supportive program is designed to foster meaningful connections and empower participants on their business journey.

These masterminds, one in the WBA Central region and one in the WBA North region, will provide a confidential space to discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights from a supportive network of non-competing businesses. While the program focuses on supporting women entrepreneurs, all are welcome to apply.

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.

Is this mastermind right for you?

If you're an entrepreneur who ...

  • Has been in business for at least one year.
  • Is able to attend one in-person meeting a month for six months.
  • Has the drive to turn challenges into opportunities.

This mastermind could be the game-changer you've been looking for!

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 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.

2026-2027 CLASS DETAILS:

  • WHERE: St. Cloud, MN
  • DATES: October 20th, 2026 - April 20th, 2027
    • Every third Tuesday of the month starting October 20th
      • 10/20/26, 11/17/26, 01/19/27, 02/16/27, 03/16/27 & 04/20/27
      • No Class in December
  • ‍TIME:1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • LOCATION: Davidson Opera House
  • COST: $500
    • After filling out this application form, you will be redirected to Stripe to complete the payment.

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Mastermind North:

2027 Program Overview

TOPIC: Tools, strategy and support for building your next stage of business — without sacrificing the lifeyou're building it for

This cohort is a six-session mastermind designed for for established entrepreneurs looking to scale up/grow (builders) but also still have time for their personal priorities in life.

Participants engage in a small, trusted peer group alongside personalized coaching and practical tools to support real-world application.

Criteria:

  • Growth Focused Builders
  • In business 2+ years
  • Business makes $300,000+ annually

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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
  • ‍TIME: 9AM – 12PM (8:30AM door opens/networking time)
  • FACILITATOR: Lori Coda-Peterson, CodaVision‍
  • BUSINESS ADVISOR SUPPORT: Sandi Larson, WBA-NorthDirector
  • APPLY HERE: Application is coming soon! (Please check back on 9/25/26).
    • 9/25 – 11/30 Accepting Applications
    • 12/15 - Participants will be notified of their acceptance into the program.
    • 01/12 – First Meeting

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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Learn more about the WBA