2024 Enterprise Academy Graduates, Cohort 28. LTR standing: Lacey Fuhrer, Mitchell Kadlec, Fawn DeWitt, and Damian Beaulieu. LTR sitting: Danielle Smith, Janelle Boyd, and Jenelle Kingbird. Not pictured: Joanna Hill

Congratulations, Cohort 28 Enterprise Academy graduates!

Embedded within MLCV’s Tribal Economy Investments is an initiative that promotes personal and economic growth. In partnership with the Initiative Foundation, the Enterprise Academy within the Tribal Economy Business Incubator Program guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the many milestones of starting and running a business. The 12-week curriculum provides one-on-one training, technical assistance, low-cost finance accessibility, and access to physical space to launch small-business plans into action.

Cohort 28 of the Enterprise Academy graduated on December 10, 2024. After 12 weeks of dedication, accompanied by challenges, successes, and incredible growth, eight entrepreneurs walked away equipped with the skills to turn their dreams into reality. This is the seventh cohort of the Academy, and their graduation ceremony was an evening of lasting wisdom and celebration.

Cohort 28 Enterprise Academy Graduation Ceremony

It ended just as it all began — with the connection of community. The Grand Casino Mille Lacs Events and Convention Center was wall-to-wall with mentors and loved ones as each participant took the stage to commemorate the completion of the program.

Baabiitaw Boyd, a previous cohort graduate, offered her experience through the invocation known as talking with tobacco, a traditional Ojibwe practice used to show gratitude and set intentions. Her words carried a powerful message about extending grace to others but, first, and very notably, ourselves, especially during the entrepreneurial journey. For many, this was a special moment, as it bookmarked the end of a season not started long ago, with a dish setting Baabiitaw helped prepare at the kick-off of the 12-week program. Baabiitaw expresses, "It's a full circle — setting intentions with tobacco and food at the start, then showing the fruits of our labor at the end. It's about honoring the help we received and demonstrating that we followed through with our commitments."

Beth Gruber, MLCV’s Director of Planning and Community Engagement and leader within the Academy, presented guests with the longstanding history of entrepreneurship within the community. She highlighted the ingenuity of Indigenous women entrepreneurs who, as far back as the 1940s, crafted and sold beadwork and birch baskets along roadsides, later transitioning to offerings at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. Reflecting, Beth shares, “It warms my heart to think about how hard so many people have worked to support themselves and their families through entrepreneurship in the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy.” Her message serves as a reminder of the creativity and determination that continue to shape the community’s economic future.

Mille Lacs Tribal Economy Social and Economic Impact

It is no surprise that over 50 individuals have completed the Academy when history shows us that entrepreneurship is a valid pathway to support oneself while providing communities with unique goods and services. The Enterprise Academy’s impacts go beyond turning dreams into reality. It is another way MLCV drives the social and economic growth of the Mille Lacs Band and surrounding communities. It is a continuation of a powerful legacy. It is history in the making.

While seasons end, new ones are always beginning. The eight graduates of Cohort 28 have already taken the first steps toward shaping their futures. Their innovation and courage promise a bright path as they continue on the next transition of their entrepreneurial journeys.

Learn about each participant and their business ventures below.

Meet the Cohort 28 Graduates

Damian Beaulieu | Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing

Based in Minneapolis, Damian hopes to establish a logistics and transportation company catering to a diverse clientele. Participating in the Enterprise Academy has taught him the tips and tricks to achieve entrepreneurial success.

Janelle Boyd | Laundry Express

Janelle, from Onamia, is planning to open Laundry Express, offering drop-off and pick-up laundry services and a car wash. She dreams of scaling her business from a local venture to one that serves the metro area. In addition to managing property and raising her seven children, Janelle enjoys reading.

Fawn DeWitt | Handmade Cultural Art

Since childhood, Fawn has honed her craft in creating Native American cultural art pieces. Her work includes birch-bark jewelry, baskets, moccasins, and more. She aspires to make this her primary occupation, using the skills she’s learned through Enterprise Academy. In her downtime, she enjoys traveling, nature, and learning.

Lacey Fuhrer | Lacey’s Helping Hand, LLC

Based in Pine River, Lacey launched her cleaning business in 2018, providing commercial and residential services. Through Enterprise Academy, she can reflect on and grow her venture. Lacey, who is engaged and raising two boys, enjoys crafting and watching their sports games.

Mitchell Kadlec | Kadlec Medical Transports, LLC

Residing in Princeton and working as a lead mechanic for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Mitchell owns a taxi service focusing on medical transportation. He plans to expand the business by incorporating a wheelchair-accessible van and eventually transitioning to full-time operations. Mitchell, a family man with three children and his wife, values cultural events, hunting, and camping.

Jenelle Kingbird | Eyelash Extensions

Jenelle, who lives in Hinckley, offers eyelash extension services and envisions expanding into a salon that provides additional treatments like spray tanning and facials. Her ultimate goal is to operate her own salon and hire staff. She balances her work with participating in powwows and big drum ceremonies and raising her two sons.

Joanna Hill | Herbal Business

Joanna, from Minneapolis, is passionate about herbal healing and aspires to create a business that combines her love for plants with traditional wisdom from Native American elders. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her three children and cat.

Danielle Smith | Radio Station

Danielle is interested in establishing a Mille Lacs Band community radio station. Through Enterprise Academy, she’s deepened her knowledge of the small business landscape. Danielle, who is married and has three children, enjoys watching sports locally and professionally.

This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Senior Communications Strategist. Hannah is a writer responsible for executing internal and external MLCV communications and capturing impactful moments within MLCV’s portfolio.