Greater Bemidji to host free online entrepreneur training program

Aug. 4—BEMIDJI — A virtual program that coaches and supports all entrepreneurs and soon-to-be-entrepreneurs on their startup journeys to help test and refine their business ideas is set to run from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday evenings from Aug. 31 through Nov. 22.

Partnering with NoW Innovator Network, MN Launch and ILT Academy, Greater Bemidji is bringing the ILT Entrepreneur Leadership Academy to Northwest Minnesota including towns like Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Warroad, Thief River Falls, Park Rapids and all the areas in between.

"We are very excited to be able to host ILT in our region and give entrepreneurs access to this intensive startup program. This unique training is unlike anything we have offered before," Business Finance Manager of Greater Bemidji Tiffany Fettig said in a release. "If you are serious about bringing your business idea to fruition, you cannot miss this opportunity."

A $2,400 value completely free of charge, the 10-week online startup program is ideal for teams and individuals who are just starting to shape their ideas or have an existing product or business that they want to develop and grow like a startup. High tech, low tech, no tech as well as nonprofit business ideas are welcome, the release said.

The program combines remote learning, remote collaboration and remote coaching to help participants test and refine their business ideas.

Over the 10-week period, participants will learn and practice how to explore and refine ideas, assess the market potential, reduce risk, prepare for future development, prepare for investment and validate products, customers, and markets.

The course will conclude with a virtual founder showcase where teams will have the opportunity to present to a regional startup community, business leaders and potential investors.

The application window is open now through Aug. 15. To apply, visit

nownetworkmn.com

and look for ILT Leadership Academy under the Programs and Events tab. To learn more about the Northwest Minnesota Virtual Cohort, visit

www.iltacademy.io.

For additional information or questions, contact Tiffany Fettig at

(218) 760-0854

or

tfettig@greaterbemidji.com.