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”
TREK’s mission is to educate, engage, and “kinnect” entrepreneurs. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month, 8:30 to 9:30 am. There are no attendance requirements or membership fees and everyone is welcome.
The gatherings are run by entrepreneurs and for entrepreneurs. Each month features a special speaker or panel presentation followed by engaging discussion. Each event offers an opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, learn, and share ideas.
Learn. Be inspired. Support area entrepreneurs. Strengthen our culture of entrepreneurship!
From Public Service to Entrepreneurship
Join us for TREK on September 1 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Thief River Falls, featuring local entrepreneur Brady Meunier. Hear how Brady transitioned from a 10-year career in law enforcement to co-owning Northstars Construction, Northstars Properties and Energy on Main. Learn about his journey into entrepreneurship, the realities of business ownership, and the importance of flexibility, family, hard work and community involvement. TREK is free and open to everyone.
Building a Business Outdoors: Tony Dorn to Speak at TREK
Join Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection (TREK) on August 4 in Thief River Falls as local entrepreneur Tony Dorn, owner of Kingpin Bear Baits & Scent, shares how he built a successful business around hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Learn from his entrepreneurial journey, enjoy coffee and networking, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members. TREK is free and open to anyone interested in small business and a vibrant local economy.
Become a Good Jobs Designated Employer
Join Advance Thief River, Inter-County Community Council, Rural Minnesota CEP, and the Regional Workforce Alliance for a Lunch and Learn on Monday, June 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Legacy Event Center. Local employers can learn how to become a Good Jobs Designated Employer, access workforce development resources, and participate in regional initiatives that support employee recruitment, retention, workplace quality, and long-term business growth in Northwest Minnesota.
Small Businesses Have Big Impact
Small businesses have a big impact on Thief River Falls and Pennington County. Across Minnesota and the nation, small businesses create jobs, support families, strengthen local economies, and keep dollars circulating close to home. This Advance Thief River blog highlights national and state small business statistics while adding a local lens on entrepreneurship, business ownership, and the important role small businesses play in building a strong, resilient community.
Small Business Help From the SBDC
Access no-cost, confidential business consulting through the Minnesota Small Business Development Center. Whether you’re starting out or growing an existing business, registration is the first step to connecting with an experienced advisor.
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.
Contact Advance Thief River
Contact Michelle Landsverk, Executive Director of Advance Thief River with specific questions or to set up a meeting to discuss your needs.
Advance Thief River
Mailing Address
PO Box 773
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Office
By Appointment Only
Spark Hub
(Inside Garden Valley Building)
1412 3rd Street West
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(c) 2026 Advance Thief River. All rights reserved.