Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) was founded with a clear vision—to be a force that transforms communities. We nurture and develop within a thriving tribal economy that benefits the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and contributes to the broader economic ecosystem of rural Minnesota. Over the years, MLCV’s portfolio has expanded beyond gaming, now encompassing hospitality, business development, government contracting, and, most recently, the cultivation industry with our new venture, Lake Leaf Cultivation.

At the heart of our business operations are the people we serve and employ, the places we enrich, and the profits we reinvest to build a stronger community. We are proud of the steady growth that has positioned MLCV as a major economic driver for East Central Minnesota while staying rooted in stewardship, partnership, and community well-being.

Creating an Ecosystem for Business Investment in the Tribal Economy

One of our key focuses at MLCV is Place—ensuring that the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy (MLTE) is a foundation for sustainable growth and community well-being. By focusing on workforce development, investing in projects that improve the community, and building strategic partnerships, we drive growth and ensure that our Place remains a vibrant and prosperous center for future generations.

Improving Workforce Participation: Building for Competitiveness

To support the local workforce, MLCV is focused on developing essential infrastructure that ensures our Associates and community members can thrive. One key initiative involves building childcare facilities to meet the needs of working parents, enabling more people to participate fully in the workforce. Additionally, we are creating an affordable housing supply in the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy to ensure people have access to safe, reliable, affordable homes.

Since 2018, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures has expanded its economic development initiatives to include affordable workforce housing. This decision was influenced by an analysis of the disparity in labor force participation rates, which shows that only 53.4% of residents in the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy are engaged in the workforce, compared to 69.7% in Greater Minnesota. The labor force participation rate represents the percentage of the population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.

For example, Lady Luck Estates and Red Willow Estates are residential projects designed to offer modern, affordable housing, addressing a critical shortage of housing options in the region. By supporting workforce participation, these initiatives contribute to fostering a stronger, more competitive workforce, which is essential for our long-term success.

Coordinating a $500MM Injection into MLTE by 2030

One of our most ambitious goals is to coordinate a $500 million investment into the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy by 2030. This long-term investment strategy will drive critical economic development projects to position the MLTE for growth.

These funds will go toward both revitalizing existing assets and developing new opportunities. For example, Sugar Maple Crossing is a residential project under construction. By bringing more housing in, the local economy gets a boost. “MLCV’s contributions to this community—such as employment opportunities, affordable housing, and access to quality healthcare—are vital and greatly beneficial for everyone,” said Hinckley Mayor Don Zeman.

*Rendering of the Ventura Project in South Minneapolis*

Similarly, Ventura is a transformative project in south Minneapolis that will turn underutilized land into a hub for residential and cultural activities. It showcases how thoughtful investment can create dynamic opportunities for our community.

To date, MLCV is almost halfway to its goal—injecting $247 million into the community so far, focusing on housing, childcare, and new business incubators.

Redeveloping and Revitalizing MLCV-Owned Assets

Revitalizing and redeveloping MLCV-owned assets is a crucial aspect of this pillar. We believe in maximizing the potential of the properties and businesses already under our care, turning them into engines for growth and prosperity. We create long-term value and enhance the local economy by ensuring our properties meet modern needs. This commitment includes redeveloping existing properties to align with contemporary demands and expanding our services to make the most of our investments.

*A newly renovated suite at Grand Casino.*

A prime example is the recent renovation of the Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley hotels, where we transformed these properties to align with modern needs and guest expectations. By upgrading and expanding our facilities, we not only enhance the experience for visitors but also increase the value of our investments, ensuring long-term benefits for the Mille Lacs Band and the local economy.

In 2014, we developed a medical office building in Hinckley, MN, and recently partnered with Essentia Health to enhance regional healthcare options. In February 2024, the Essentia Health-Hinckley Clinic opened its doors, featuring an 8,000-square-foot facility with 12 exam rooms, one consult room, and one procedure room. This past September, a pharmacy was also opened at the clinic, providing residents of Hinckley and the surrounding communities with easier access to prescription refills and other essential pharmaceutical services.

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement and New Partnerships

At MLCV, we understand that we cannot achieve our goals alone, so we value partnerships highly. Identifying key stakeholders and forming strategic relationships is a cornerstone of our approach to driving business investment in the tribal economy. Our commitment to building partnerships opens doors for capital access and paves the way for innovative collaborations that fuel the growth of the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy.

Initiatives like the Enterprise Academy and our partnerships with Essentia Health showcase our dedication to strengthening the tribal economy through collaboration and sustainable development. These programs, along with the Tribal Economy Business Incubators, exemplify how MLCV nurtures entrepreneurship and small business development. By equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to build successful businesses, we strengthen the economy from within. Through these partnerships and our relationships with external investors and stakeholders, MLCV is laying a solid foundation for long-term growth.

Our People: Accelerating Growth by Multiplying Their Own

We believe that our people drive our success. Our growth isn’t just about expanding businesses or launching new projects—it’s about empowering the individuals who make that growth possible. Our people accelerate our growth by multiplying their own.

Through initiatives like our Business Fellowship Program, we fast-track individuals, providing them with the experience and support they need to reach their full potential. They contribute directly to our businesses’ continued success and innovation as they grow.

It’s not just about developing leaders; it’s about building a workplace culture where every Associate feels valued and motivated to contribute. The goal is to have MLCV recognized as a place where careers flourish, and Associates are empowered to accelerate their personal and professional growth. While our Racial Equity work is ongoing, we are committed to making progress, with a focus on the seven dimensions that guide our efforts toward a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Empowering People Through Job Creation

At the heart of MLCV is a deep commitment to empowering people through job creation, with Grand Casinos as its portfolio's foundation. Since its inception, Grand Casinos has provided steady employment to approximately 1,500 Associates, with 98% residing in the rural Minnesota counties surrounding our casino operations. This local focus highlights MLCV’s inclusive and community-centered approach to workforce development.

This commitment is key to ensuring that Associates can access comprehensive benefits. Today, 58% of eligible Associates are enrolled in one of MLCV’s medical plans. Before Grand Casinos opened in 1991 and 1992, rural Minnesota had limited access to stable jobs with competitive benefits like healthcare coverage, 401(k) plans, and paid time off. Since then, Grand Casinos has become a top employer in these regions, offering jobs and career pathways that provide financial security and improved quality of life for our Associates and their families.

One core belief is that our people drive MLCV’s success. As they achieve their goals, they propel our entire organization forward, creating a future where individuals and MLCV thrive together.

Our presence has also bolstered local tax revenues, with the Mille Lacs Band being the largest taxpayer in Pine County and one of the largest in Mille Lacs County. In 2024, MLCV and the Mille Lacs Band contributed over $1.1 million in taxes across Mille Lacs, Pine, and Aitkin counties. Since 1991, Grand Casinos has paid nearly $153 million in federal and state taxes, thanks to the wages paid to our Associates. Additionally, with MLCV’s ownership of Twin Cities hotels, we have paid $1.62 million in taxes to Ramsey County and nearly $500,000 in taxes to Hennepin County in 2024. These contributions help sustain public services that maintain the infrastructure and vitality of our rural communities.

We take pride in our businesses' positive ripple effects—from job creation and commerce to local tax contributions—which empower our Associates and the broader communities we serve.

Purposeful Profits – Achieving $1B in Revenue by 2030

Our ambitious goal guides our Profit focus to reach $1 billion in revenue by 2030, ensuring financial stability and long-term growth for MLCV and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. By strategically growing our existing businesses, investing in high-growth opportunities, and securing reliable sources of capital, we are laying the foundation for sustainable success.

Invest in New Businesses with High Growth Potential

Our vision for diversification is a key driver of our long-term success. MLCV is investing in two new and separate business sectors, creating additional revenue streams and positioning ourselves for the future. Makwa Global, our government contracting division, continues to expand in the federal contracting space, securing new jobs and revenue for the Mille Lacs Band. It operates as a completely independent entity, separate from MLCV’s other ventures.

At the same time, Lake Leaf, a cultivation venture representing a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth, has launched. Lake Leaf, which operates as a separate legal entity from MLCV and its businesses, introduces MLCV to an emerging industry that aligns with our values and expands our economic footprint.

Build Predictable Sources of Capital to Scale, De-risk, and Plan

To support these ventures, we secure sources of capital to scale our operations, mitigate risks, and ensure long-term success. By building strong relationships with key investors and accessing new capital markets, MLCV can continue to grow sustainably while driving innovation.

Every profit we earn is reinvested into the Mille Lacs Band and Minnesota communities where we do business, ensuring our financial success drives broader economic growth and community resilience.

We remain committed to our dedication to people, place, and profits, providing steady jobs, fostering economic growth in rural Minnesota, and contributing to the future success of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

As we look ahead, we are committed to ensuring that the benefits of our work reach as many people as possible while maintaining the integrity of our mission.

This blog was written by Alyssa Enno, MLCV’s Executive Director of Marketing and Communication and Sarah Barten, MLCV’s Chief Communication Officer.