elevateMN

Equine Inspired Soul w/ Tanya

Episode Title: Healing with Horses – Tanya Dingmann’s Journey with Equine Inspired Soul Hosted by: Michelle Marotzke, Kandiyohi County Economic Development & Elevate CBA Guest: Tanya Dingman, Founder of Equine Inspired Soul, Elevate Graduate (Fall 2023)   Introduction: In this episode of the Elevate Community Business Academy podcast, host Michelle Marotzke talks with Tanya Dingmann, founder of Equine Inspired Soul and a Fall 2023 graduate of the Elevate program. Tanya shares how her lifelong connection with horses turned into a powerful business that helps people find healing, mindfulness, and empowerment through equine-assisted empowerment and healing.   Key Discussion Points: 🔹 How It All Began: Tanya’s love for horses began at age four, rooted in her mother’s passion and a barn full of memories. After receiving her first horse in 2007, Tanya experienced how horses helped her through difficult times. 🔹 The Power of Equine: Equine Inspired Soul is based in Belgrade, MN, where Tanya and her family care for a herd of therapeutic horses on their 45-acre ranch. Horses help clients develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mindfulness by teaching them how to respond instead of react. Tanya discusses the science behind equine healing and how horses naturally balance energy, reduce stress, and offer unconditional presence. 🔹 Involving the Whole Family: Tanya’s husband and kids play an active role in supporting the business and caring for the animals. Entrepreneurship has become a family lifestyle centered on purpose and passion. 🔹 Launching a Dream: Tanya transitioned from a different career to pursue equine healing full time. She shares the emotional and logistical challenges of starting a purpose-driven business. 🔹 How Elevate Helped: The Elevate CBA program gave Tanya the foundational tools, mentorship, and resources to develop her business. She continues to benefit from Elevate’s ongoing support, including networking, professional development, and technical assistance. Tanya credits the program with giving her the confidence and connections to pursue her dream. 🔹 Looking Ahead: Tanya is expanding Equine Inspired Soul with youth camps, women's programming, and community partnerships. She emphasizes the importance of valuing her time and services while also creating opportunities for accessibility and scholarships through a nonprofit partner. Her word for 2025: Thrive.   Where to Find Equine Inspired Soul: 📍 Location: Belgrade, MN 🌐 Website: EquineInspiredSoul.com [https://www.equineinspiredsoul.com/] 📱 Social Media: Facebook & Instagram @EquineInspiredSoul   Closing Thoughts: Tanya’s story is a powerful reminder that healing often begins with connection—to animals, to ourselves, and to community. Her journey from a horse-loving child to a business-owning healer shows what happens when passion meets purpose. 🎧 Listen now to hear how horses are transforming lives in rural Minnesota. Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com [elevatesba.com]! SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org [https://swifoundation.org]!

FIAFOTO: Capturing Views and Grounding Creativity

Episode Title: FIAFOTO: Capturing Views and Grounding Creativity Hosted by: Michelle Marotzke, Kandiyohi County Economic Development and Elevate Community Business Academy Guest: Fernando Alvarado, Owner of FIAFOTO Episode Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Michelle Marotzke sits down with Fernando Alvarado, a Spring 2023 graduate of the Elevate Community Business Academy and owner of FIAFOTO. Fernando shares his journey from retiring at age 62 to starting a creative business rooted in his passions: photography and art. FIATFOTO—short for Fun, Interesting, and Awesome Photo—focuses on capturing cherished vistas and personal perspectives around homes, ensuring clients have lasting memories of places they love. Fernando also explores his artistic side through unique rock wrapping, driftwood sculptures, and other nature-inspired pieces, blending his love for art and the outdoors. Learn how Fernando transitioned from a corporate career into small business ownership, the impact of the Elevate program on his entrepreneurial journey, and how his art creates meaningful connections and conversations. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE: FIATFOTO’s Mission: * Capturing meaningful views of clients' homes, such as sunsets or favorite spots, to preserve memories that endure even after moving to a new location. * Offering a personalized photography experience that reflects each homeowner’s unique story. Artistic Ventures: * Fernando combines driftwood, rocks, and other natural materials to create one-of-a-kind sculptures. * His goal is to ground viewers, connect them to nature, and inspire imagination and relaxation through his art. Elevate Community Business Academy Experience: * The program provided Fernando with a supportive network of peers, refreshed business knowledge, and tools to successfully launch his business. * Collaboration with other students helped him refine his approach and build confidence in his artistic pursuits. Challenges and Opportunities: * Time management remains a challenge as Fernando balances volunteer work and his creative business. * Future opportunities include collaborating with interior designers, expanding his art into retail spaces like North Shore galleries, and partnering with décor shops. Upcoming Events: * Fernando’s artwork will be showcased at Rick’s Cycling and Sports in Willmar during mid-November. Keep an eye on his Facebook page for specific dates and updates. CONNECT WITH FERNANDO: * Business Name: FIATOTO * Services: Personalized home photography and nature-inspired art pieces * Social Media: Follow FIATOTO on Facebook for event updates, art sales, and new projects Special Thanks To: * Rick’s Cycling and Sports for hosting Fernando’s art pop-ups. * The Elevate Community Business Academy, a program supported by Southwest Initiative Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). About Elevate: The Elevate Community Business Academy is designed to help aspiring and current entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to succeed. With a curriculum from Rising Tide Capital, Elevate offers practical tools, resources, and a supportive network for business growth. Listen Now: Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about creativity, community, and turning passion into a business! Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com [elevatesba.com]! SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org [https://swifoundation.org]!

Visualizing Progress w/ Willmar Hypnosis

KCED's Elevate Podcast: Featuring Jessica Hansen of Willmar Hypnosis Host: Michelle Marotzke, Kandiyohi County Economic Development & Elevate Community Business Academy Guest: Jessica Hansen, Owner of Willmar Hypnosis, Spring 2022 Elevate Graduate   Introduction Michelle introduces Elevate, a program designed to help entrepreneurs enhance their business knowledge. Elevate is supported by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Rising Tide Capital. Today’s guest is Jessica Hansen, owner of Willmar Hypnosis, a 2022 graduate of Elevate CBA.   Jessica’s Business Journey Jessica has always been an entrepreneur, running several small businesses before starting Willmar Hypnosis. She had already established an LLC before joining Elevate but knew she could improve her business operations. She discusses how hypnosis is often misunderstood and how she uses it for personal transformation rather than entertainment.   The Work of Willmar Hypnosis Hypnosis is a natural life skill often dismissed due to misconceptions. Jessica does not focus on entertainment hypnosis but rather on helping clients with behavioral changes. Common reasons clients seek her services include smoking cessation, weight loss, overcoming fears and phobias, and confidence building. Medical hypnosis is another area of focus, particularly for pain management and reducing medication dependency. She also helps people navigate life transitions, such as retirement or career changes.   Michelle’s Personal Experience with Hypnosis Michelle shares her experience of being hypnotized by Jessica and her students. She discusses how hypnosis has helped her make small behavioral changes and reflects on a vivid time-traveling session.   Jessica’s Path to Teaching Hypnosis Jessica became a certified hypnosis instructor after her own instructor retired. She worked with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists to rewrite their training manual. Becoming a certified school in Minnesota was a rigorous process, as private schools are held to the same standards as public institutions. Her goal is to provide her students with business skills, which led her to Elevate.   The Role of Hypnosis in Other Professions Hypnosis can be integrated into medical professions such as nursing and dentistry to help patients manage fear and stress. Many healthcare professionals have used hypnosis to avoid burnout and improve patient interactions.   Impact of Elevate on Jessica’s Business Jessica credits Elevate for expanding her business knowledge, especially regarding structuring her business and considering future growth. The program helped her realize the importance of self-care as a single-member LLC since she is the core of her business. Networking has been beneficial, though her smaller class size limited ongoing interactions. She continues to revisit Elevate materials to refine her business strategy.   Future of Elevate & Business Assistance Services Michelle announces a new business assistance program launching in early 2025, designed to help Elevate graduates deepen their skills in marketing, bookkeeping, and business expansion. Jessica expresses interest in continuing education opportunities through the program.   How to Contact Jessica Website: WillmarHypnosis.com [http://willmarhypnosis.com/] Location: MinnWest Technology Campus, Willmar, MN Services: Private hypnosis sessions and hypnosis training courses   Conclusion Michelle thanks Jessica for being part of the Willmar business community and for sharing her journey. Listeners are encouraged to check out future Elevate podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and the KCED website (kandiyohi.com [http://kandiyohi.com/]). Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com [elevatesba.com]! SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org [https://swifoundation.org]!

Mainstream Boutique

Episode Title: Building a Business with Friendship & Fashion – Mainstream Boutique’s Journey Hosted by: Jean Geselius, Owner of Ten Oaks Design Studio Guests: Dawn Lippert, Co-owner of Mainstream Boutique, Elevate Graduate (Spring 2022) Rochelle Peterson, Co-owner of Mainstream Boutique Introduction: In this episode of the Elevate Community Business Academy podcast, host Jean Geselius, stepping in for Michele, sits down with longtime friends and business partners, Dawn Lippert and Rochelle Peterson, owners of Mainstream Boutique in Willmar, MN. They share their journey of turning friendship into a thriving business, how the Elevate program helped them get started, and the unique mission behind their boutique.   Key Discussion Points: 🔹 Friendship to Business Partners: Dawn and Rochelle have known each other since childhood—their moms were friends, they raised their kids together, and now they run a business together. They describe their relationship as “family that we got to pick.” 🔹 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Dawn transitioned from mortgage lending, and Rochelle had a background in children's mental health. Dawn’s personal journey after losing her husband in 2017 led her to seek a new path, which resulted in the launch of Mainstream Boutique. 🔹 Why Franchising? They chose a franchise model for the built-in support, marketing, and structured operations. Mainstream Boutique is a Minnesota-based franchise that aligns with their values of uplifting women and building community through fashion. 🔹 What Sets Mainstream Boutique Apart? A multigenerational shopping experience where customers feel celebrated and empowered. A focus on personal connections and making shopping feel like an experience with friends rather than just a transaction. Weekly live shopping events on social media to showcase new arrivals. 🔹 Challenges & Growth Opportunities: Adapting to changing technology and social media marketing. Understanding their local demographic and curating the right inventory. Exploring opportunities for growth and expansion in the Willmar Lakes Area. 🔹 The Role of Elevate Community Business Academy: Dawn shares how Elevate provided crucial tools, resources, and networking opportunities. Connections with local business experts, including accountants and the chamber of commerce, played a significant role in their early success. 🔹 Partnership & Business Advice: Communication and transparency are key to a successful business partnership. Understanding each other's strengths and naturally dividing responsibilities. The importance of shared goals and revisiting them often. 🔹 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners: Be transparent with your business partner—discuss finances, goals, and expectations openly. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and play to each other’s skills. Focus on the long-term vision, not just short-term profits.   Where to Find Mainstream Boutique Willmar: 📍 Location: Bearpath Plaza, Willmar, MN (Behind Grizzlies, Next to Cub Foods) 🌐 Website: MainstreamBoutiqueWillmar.com [https://www.mainstreamboutiquewillmar.com/] 📱 Social Media: Follow them on Facebook & Instagram for live shopping events and updates! Closing Thoughts: Dawn and Rochelle’s journey is a testament to the power of friendship, perseverance, and community support. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, take a page from their book—build something you love, stay connected to your community, and embrace the journey! 🎧 Listen now and get inspired by their story! Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com [elevatesba.com]! SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org [https://swifoundation.org]!

Elevate Educational Series Ep. 5: Financing Your Business

Hosts: * Sarah - Business Development Manager, Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County * Michelle - Economic Development Professional, Mid Minnesota Development Commission Key Topics Discussed: 1. Business Grants: * Understanding that business grants are rare and often very specific to certain projects, industries, or business owners. * The importance of staying informed about available grants and applying when applicable. 2. Operational Support and Investors: * Deep diving into your business plan and financials to improve revenue and reduce expenses. * Considering investors for operational support, which could include family members, former business partners, or other trusted individuals. 3. Loan Options: * Both organizations offer revolving loan funds to support businesses. * Emphasizing the importance of building a relationship with your bank or financial institution and shopping around for the best fit. 4. Personal Finance and Credit: * Working on personal finance and credit history as they impact your ability to secure business loans. * Understanding that improving credit history involves timely repayments and consistent financial behavior. 5. Five C's (or Seven C's) of Credit: * Capital: The money you can invest in your business. * Collateral: Assets that can be leveraged in case of business closure. * Capacity: Your ability to manage personal and business finances. * Character: Your reputation for paying bills on time and maintaining good relationships. * Context: The market demand and competition for your business. * Conditions: Terms of the loan, including interest rates, loan length, and other requirements. 6. Building a Strong Foundation: * Setting up your business for success by understanding financials, creating a sound business plan, and thinking strategically about your business context. Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Sarah and Michelle explore the critical topic of financing for businesses. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of securing business grants, loans, and investor support. The hosts provide practical tips on improving personal finance and credit history, building relationships with financial institutions, and understanding the key factors that lenders consider. They emphasize the importance of setting up a strong financial foundation to ensure the success and longevity of your business. Hosts: Sarah and Michelle Production: Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County; Mid Minnesota Development Commission Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep elevating your business! Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com [elevatesba.com]! SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org [https://swifoundation.org]!