Assistance provided to HEN entrepreneurs, in connection with local resources and professionals, will include financial management, marketing, succession planning, and grant writing assistance. HEN entrepreneurs will be paired with a CEDA rural business expert for one-on-one coaching tailored to the entrepreneur’s specific needs. 

In addition to the free business assistance, HEN entrepreneurs will be able to engage and connect with one another through in-person and virtual spaces organized by CEDA’s experienced rural business development staff. These networks will allow HEN entrepreneurs to build a community and share knowledge as they work on their businesses through the program.

The HEN program will also host a series of interactive workshops in rural communities throughout the state, which will also be available online. These workshops are open to all types of professionals with the goal of fostering a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem and overcome the sense of isolation felt by many rural entrepreneurs. 

To fill out an application or access more information on upcoming classes, please visit the Harvest Entrepreneur Network’s landing page at  https://www.cedausa.com/agricultural-resources/. This program is made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. If you would like to speak with an organizer for HEN, please contact Robert Harris at robert.harris@cedausa.com or (773)-220-6673.