Training Angels

Tomorrow, The Power of Angel Investing Workshop is being held in Grand Forks, ND. It is the fifth such seminar aimed at prospective angels in ND/MN, having trained 300 angel investors in previous workshops. There is a great deal of interest in entrepreneurism with “angel funds being organized in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Fargo, Fergus Falls and St. Cloud in this region,” wrote Bruce Gjovig, Entrepreneur Coach and CEO of the University of ND Center for Innovation.

RAIN (Rural Accredited Investor Network) Source Capital out of St. Paul, MN is the lead investor in these rural initiatives. They have 13 angel investor networks established to date with funds in MN, IA and ND. These funds range from 7 to 61 members with investment pools of from $500,000 to $2 million.

The care and feeding of entrepreneurs is going to grow in importance for rural areas. Entrepreneurs are mobile and will go where they have access to capital, are well treated and can put down roots. What are you doing to cultivate your entrepreneurs?