Click here to watch “Learn About Northfield” Video

Ten years or so ago, the Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA) formed the Northfield Enterprise Center (NEC) to assist small businesses in Northfield. One of the original goals was to create an incubator space. I don’t know what the folks that formed the NEC thought an incubator might look like- but since the times, economy, and demographics of Northfield have changed a bit since then, the Board of the NEC and I are taking another look at the idea.

One of the ideas that is being looked at is something called a Coworking space. They are spaces for innovative thinkers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, mentors, and sometimes non-profits to gather together around the concept that together they can build more successful companies and organizations. They are designed to be the best of many things- cool workspace, coffeehouse, social club, and high-tech conference centers.

Check out this great diagram on the website of The Hub Los Angeles. It is a visual of their idea of their coworking space. See more about on their website at http://thehubla.com/about/

There are several business models for Coworking locations…and at this point I believe the NEC is in “listening” mode. What do you think of this idea? Would you rent space to work a few times a week? How about a conference room that has all the latest high-tech bells and whistles yet looks out over the beautiful, historic downtown? What if you could grab a cup of your favorite coffee and head to a space where you meet really fun, cool, innovative people doing amazing things together? Could a space like this keep recently graduated college students from leaving town?

At this point, we have many more questions than answers. But we’d love to hear from you. We’re planning a meeting in January- in the Coworking world these kind of meetings are called “Jellies”. The NEC has hired an intern from St. Olaf for Interim to help with this process and we are very excited to hear your ideas.

So- are you up for attending a Jelly in January to talk about your perspective? Email me if you are interested in more information or if you want to receive an email notification of the meeting. Also, Like us on Facebook to keep up to date on meetings and events at the NEC.
megan@northfieldenterprisecenter.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northfield-Enterprise-Center/203839676351966

Megan Tsui has been named the new Executive Director for the Northfield Enterprise Center. Megan grew up in Northfield and is a graduate of St. Olaf College. She has worked with small businesses for over twelve years. “I’m excited to work with businesses in Northfield. I look forward to getting to know the business owners and helping them in whatever phase their business is currently in.” Megan’s parents are Pat and David Allen. She lives in Red Wing with her husband Kent. They are renovating a 1875 Victorian home.

Dr Scott Taylor was interviewed by Pat Evans on Wednesday’s 4:00 news. The topic was tips for small business owners.  Here’s the link:

http://www.kare11.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=755220637001

Learn About Being an Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner

Ever thought of starting your own business, but not sure what it takes or how to go about it? The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Northfield Enterprise Center, WINGS and the Northfield Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to provide a series of classes for would be entrepreneurs and business owners. Hear first hand from local business owners and business coaches. Sessions are Feb 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd from 7-8:30pm at 105 E 4th St Suite 300. See the attached flyer for more details or go to www.smifoundation.org and click on events.

Click here to view informational brochure – How to be an entrepreneur series Northfield

The Northfield EDA has made financial assistance available to businesses directly affected by the recent flood. For more information

Using the Business Planning Workbook will help you gather the information you need to write your business plan. You can download the whole workbook at once or you can click the links below to learn more and work through it by sections. For more information and to access the workbook, click here.

The NEC has chosen Jared Mueller of Brainerd, MN as one of its summer interns for 2010. Jared will be a senior this coming fall at St. Olaf College and is pursuing a degree in Economics with a Media Studies concentration. He will be working on a variety of projects for us this summer and you are encouraged to take advantage of his services. If you have a project that you feel his services could be of use on, please feel free to  contact us.

The Northfield Enterprise Center is proud to welcome John Fossum, Roz Eaton-Neeb, Sue Wolf, and Dave Becker to the NEC Board. Their combined experience in the financial sector, along with their history of community involvement, will be great assets for our board. We are delighted that they have joined the team of eight dedicated board members, and look forward to all that each will contribute to the NEC.  To learn more about the NEC and it’s board members, visit the “Who We Are” section of our website.

The Northfield Enterprise Center (NEC) and Latino Enterprise Center (LEC) will present two interactive workshops to help entrepreneurs with business planning.

The first seminar, offered Saturday, April 19, is for those exploring opportunities to start businesses. It will help entrepreneurs plan businesses that meet their personal and professional needs — while also meeting the needs of the marketplace, evaluate cash flow requirements and determine how to operate their enterprises. The seminar will be offered in English from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and in Spanish from 1 to 5 p.m.

A second seminar will be offered Wednesday, April 23, to teach business owners why existing businesses can strongly benefit from developing and updating business plans.  The seminar will cover ways to meet the needs of the marketplace as it changes, plan for cash flow and make operational improvements. This seminar is offered in English from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and in Spanish from 6 to 9 p.m.

All seminars are in Room S105 at the Northfield Community Resource Center, 1651 Jefferson Parkway in Northfield. The cost is $20 and space is limited.  Click here starting-your-own-business-seminar.pdf, for more information on the “Starting Your Own Business Seminar” including registration information.  Click here putting-your-business-plan-together.pdf for more information on the “Putting Your Business Plan Together” including registration information.  To register or if you have questions, just contact us.

Hope to see you on April 19th or April 23rd!