Entrepreneur Lead

Development

Where New Currents Begin

At Greater St. Cloud, we believe in entrepreneur-led economic development. Whether that means supporting founders as they bring an idea to life or guiding entrepreneurship through acquisition, we offer the tools, resources, and connections to help make it happen.

Start Up Resources

At the core of our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan are three guiding pillars that shape how we strengthen our region. Each one reflects a focused commitment to collaboration, leadership, and measurable progress—ensuring our collective efforts flow toward lasting growth and shared success.

Thrive Minnesota

A regional network that brings founders together with mentors, resources, and collaborators to help ideas move forward.

Thrive MN provides free, one-on-one coaching  with experienced strategists, supporting entrepreneurs and business owners at any stage. 

A statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

Trailblazer Challenge

Greater Support

This is a regional pitch competition where the founders showcase business ideas to accomplished entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from across West Central, Minnesota.

The Greater St. Cloud region offers a wide range of entrepreneurial resources that provide guidance, funding, mentorship, and support to help business owners launch, grow, and strengthen their ventures.

A regional network that brings founders together with mentors, resources, and collaborators to help ideas move forward.

Trailblazer Challenge

This is a regional pitch competition where the founders showcase business ideas to accomplished entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from across West Central, Minnesota.

A statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

Greater Support

The Greater St. Cloud region offers a wide range of entrepreneurial resources that provide guidance, funding, mentorship, and support to help business owners launch, grow, and strengthen their ventures.

Thrive Minnesota

Thrive MN provides free, one-on-one coaching  with experienced strategists, supporting entrepreneurs and business owners at any stage. 

Ready to be a part of 

something Greater?

Connect with us to explore open career opportunities, board positions, and other ways to help make our region stronger—together.