Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection
Entrepreneurship is a journey. #TREKon
We’re entrepreneurs fueled by coffee and conversation. We are focused on growing small business, strengthening the culture of entrepreneurship, and expanding the area economy.
Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection
Partners on your entrepreneurial journey. #TrekOn
Get “Kinnected”
Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection (TREK) is a monthly gathering of entrepreneurs, mentors, advisors, and others to educate, engage, and “kinnect” entrepreneurs, modeled after the 1 Million Cups initiative founded by the Kauffman Foundation. Meeting Basics
Everyone is welcome! Meetings are generally the first Tuesday of each month, 9:00 am to 9:50 am. They are open to anyone interested in hearing, supporting, and connecting with the area’s entrepreneurs. There are no attendance requirements or membership fees.
The gatherings are run by entrepreneurs and for entrepreneurs. Our typical monthly meeting features a guest speaker, someone who is in startup mode or who recently started their business. Q&A is an important part of each meeting. Occasionally, we will change things up with an outside presenter, panel presentation, or topic discussion. The one thing that will not change is our focus on entrepreneurship and desire to support area entrepreneurs.
Learn. Be inspired. Support area entrepreneurs. Strengthen our culture of entrepreneurship!
A Leather Jacket – An Entrepreneur’s Story
Jana Martin’s entrepreneurial journey started when she was thirteen years old. “I wanted a leather jacket, and my mother said, ‘well, you better get a job.’” There weren’t too many jobs for thirteen-year-olds in Middle River, but Jana saw a sign on the school billboard that offered $35 for mowing Woodman Cemetery.
Fitness, Feet, Franchising
Tracy Handt is known around town as the local energy dealer, AKA, “healthy smoothie lady.” She and her husband, Deano, own Energy on Main. She sums up her entrepreneurial journey in three words: “fitness, feet, and franchising.
Nurse Practitioner and Entrepreneur
Joeanna Larson’s entrepreneurial journey started a couple summers ago, when she helped put together wedding receptions for two of her friends. “We just had so much fun with it,” she said. “I’m like, ‘God, this is what I think I want to do as a part-time job.’”
Small Business Help From SCORE
SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE has a mentor for you. Easily request a mentor to help you start, grow, or transition your business today!
Financial Resources
There are several financial resources available, including a variety of loans and grants, as well as angel investment. Entrepreneurs needing financing are encouraged to contact Michelle Landsverk, Advance Thief River Director to discuss their project needs.
#TRFStrong Facebook Group
The #TRFStrong Facebook group was created at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic to help business owners support and learn from each other. It is a “closed” group, meaning that anything shared on the page is only seen by other members.
Our Partners
218-280-1755
Michelle Landsverk
Economic Development
Advance Thief River
PO Box 773
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Contact Us
Drop us an email to let us know what you need and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!