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The Initiative Foundation has selected teams representing Remer, Crosby and the Isanti area to participate in Rural Entrepreneurial Venture, a new program that helps rural areas strengthen support for entrepreneurs and small businesses
Over the coming months, each team will work with a coach to evaluate local reportunities for business growth and retention. They also will develop strategies to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start, grow and expand businesses in their communities
Small businesses play a big role in the U.S. economy, especially in rural areas. In a 2025 report from the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, small businesses accounted for more than 56% of employment outside of metropolitan areas, compared to about 48% of employment in metropolitan areas
“The REV program helps local leaders identify opportunities, strengthen partnerships and create an environment where entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed,” said Donniel Robinson, entrepreneurship programs manager at the Initiative Foundation, in a news release. “When communities invest in small businesses, they’re investing in their own future.”
In the Isanti area, local leaders want to better connect organizations that serve entrepreneurs and create clearer pathways for residents with business ideas
“We believe our small towns are built on great businesses, and keeping our local talent at home is vital to continuing that legacy,” said Rural Entrepreneurial Venture team member Stephanie Hillesheim, community development director for the city of Isanti
In Crosby, participants hope the program will deepen collaboration among businesses and community partners while encouraging entrepreneurs to learn from and support one another
“I’d love to see more collaboration, more sharing of ideas and reeneurial Venture team member Laura Huisinga, owner of Cuyuna Brewing. “When our local businesses succeed, our entire community becomes a place people want to visit, invest in and call home.”
For the Remer team, the Rural Entrepreneurial Venture program is an opportunity to build on the community’s momentum while bringing local partners together around a shared vision for the future
“Remer is filled with opportunity, and we believe the future has never looked brighter,” said REV team member Kim Schultz, assistant vice president of loans at First National Bank North. “Now is the perfect time to build on our strengths, embrace fresh ideas and work together to create a vibrant, thriving community for generations to come.”
The REV program is delivered in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension. It serves communities with fewer than 50,000 residents across the 14 counties and two Native nations of Central Minnesota. By strengthening entrepreneurial supports, the program helps create vibrant local economies where businesses — and the people behind them — can thrive
For more information about the Rural Entrepreneurial Venture program, visit
ifound.org/business-services/rural-entrepreneurs
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