NEWS & UPDATES
On this page, we feature a variety of news and information, everything from economic developments to business success stories.
Here you will find breaking opportunities and news on development, as well as a strong dose of inspiration. If you don’t want to miss a blog post, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, using the form to the right.
Innovation Grants Available
Up to $35,000 Available for Qualifying Businesses The Innovation Grant reimburses business expenses, incurred in Minnesota, for research and development, direct business expenses (including wages of employees, but not salaries or wages of 20% or more owners of the...
Minnesota Main Street COVID Relief Grants
Applications accepted between September 20 and September 29. St. Paul - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will begin accepting applications for the Main Street COVID Relief Grants Program on September 20th. This program was...
Any Goal. Any Opportunity. Any Time. Anywhere.
When Donita Stepan was hired as Superintendent of Thief River Falls Public Schools in July 2020, she wanted to increase the number of opportunities for area students. With that goal in mind, one of her first priorities was revising the...
Statewide Angel Investing Event
Virtual Event June 23 Angel capital provides a critical source of funding for startups. If you would like to learn about angel investing, what it is, and how to get started, join us for this virtual event, featuring five panelists from around Minnesota, including...
Lean Startup Training Offered
Two Sessions to be Offered Through our work with NoW Innovators Network, funded through Launch Minnesota, we are pleased to bring lean startup training to our area entrepreneurs. We are offering two sessions this summer, with options to attend in person or virtually....
Angie Westling at TREK
As a young person, Angie watched her father (a business owner) answer calls from customers at all hours of the day or night and told herself that she never wanted to own her own business. Fast-forward through the years and a variety of...
Jared May at TREK
Jared May discovered a love for math in his teen years. He has worked in accounting for many years, but recently decided to launch his own business, May Bookkeeping Solutions, a virtual bookkeeping business that provides great flexibility...
Pennington County Labor Force Report
At the request of Advance Thief River, Erik White, Labor Analyst for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently prepared a labor market report for Pennington County. Chet Bodin, also with DEED, presented this information to the...
New Welcome Guide Published
Advance Thief River Director, Michelle Landsverk, interviewed Mark Schmitke, to learn about the new "Welcome Packet" that has recently been published. Video Transcript Michelle: Today, I have Mark Schmitke, joining me and Mark is going to...
Scott Ingram at TREK
Scott Ingram, owner of Ingram's Candy Store, could be described as "the guy with the sweetest job in town." He purchased the store in 2017 and describes the first couple of years as “a struggle.” Fast forward to today, and Scott will tell...
Michelle Westerman at TREK
Michelle Westerman is owner of Johnson's Riverside and Legacy Event Center in Thief River Falls. Her three tips for people starting a business: (1) find people in your admin team that you work well with and listen to them; (2) no matter...
Ashton Mowing Service: Father-Son Business
The journey that started with a request for a dirt-bike and a snowcat led to the launch of this successful father-son business.
River Falls Ranch at TREK
Neil and Nicole Peterson farm near St. Hilaire, MN. Together with their children, they are the 3rd and 4th generation on the farm.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
SBA opens applications for Restaurant Revitalization Fund
An Absolutely Amazing Journey
Jordan Espeseth grew up in Thief River Falls. He raced snow cross during his growing up years, right up until the age of 17, “I always thought I was going to go into snow cross professionally, but after my junior year of high school I...
“The tremendous work ethic, innovation and commitment of the people here in northwestern Minnesota is unsurpassed. Those values have always been a clear differentiator in driving Digi-Key’s growth and success within our industry.”
“Thief River Falls has been a wonderful place to own a business. I have received an abundance support from the other entrepreneurs in the community! I love how it doesn’t feel like we are competing, but helping each other however we can.”
218-280-1755
Michelle Landsverk
Economic Development
Advance Thief River
PO Box 773
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
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