The future of entrepreneurship within the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy is bright.
The Tribal Economy Business Incubator (TEBI), through Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV), has paved the way for numerous business ventures — inspiring dreams and advancing skills.
The creation of the TEBI program came from a deep analysis of the region’s economic and communal needs. Beginning in 2020, MLCV partnered with Northspan to connect with key stakeholders and community members within the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy through surveys and focus groups. In addition, a full review of the economics and demographics of the local economy was completed. The feedback shared matched MLCV’s internal goals of creating a space where diverse populations could come together to contribute ideas and grow towards shared goals.
TEBI is likened to the Entrepreneur Development Model pioneered by the Neighborhood Development Center and its Build from Within Alliance, which provides training, lending, and one-one-one advising services to start and grow vital small businesses.
Similarly, the TEBI structure has four pillars that propel its participants toward success — from kickstarting the enterprising mindset to developing business plans from ideation.
In June of 2022, The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a 3.1-million-dollar grant to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to support the TEBI effort. MLCV will use the money to help construct business incubators in Hinckley and Onamia, rehabilitating two existing commercial businesses. This will give a local space for graduates of the Enterprise Academy and other entrepreneurs in the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy to build their businesses, allowing their plans to be implemented.
Uniquely, this program is open to both Tribal and non-Tribal individuals. The vision is to see an array of businesses come to life — and following with it, an increase in job opportunities and a more diverse community and economy. The result is an overall boost in well-being. Perhaps Dustin Goslin, Vice President of Business and Economic Development, says it best, “We want to join people together under the common goal of building a vibrant tribal economy. We think this is a good recipe to build many different types of well-being for everyone.”
With four Enterprise Academy cohorts already completed, and another underway in September of 2022, it’s no surprise that numerous graduates have already flourished. Entrepreneurs have completed business plans in various trades, including an Ojibwe medical tea wholesaler, a commercial and residential painting contractor, media services, and more. It is with opportunities like these that we see ourselves and our neighbors grow.
We encourage you to take a moment and learn more about the Neighborhood Development Center and the Enterprise Academy.
This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Brand Communication Specialist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio.
At MLCV, we are committed to improving the lives of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Members — and community members in the regions where we do business. Across our portfolio, you’ll find opportunities to drive economic and community growth to build lasting impact.
