elevateMN

About elevateMN

"ElevateMN" is a podcast that celebrates the spirit of rural entrepreneurship in West Central Minnesota, showcasing the remarkable stories of individuals who are making a difference in their communities through innovation and determination. Each episode invites listeners to discover the inspiring journeys of rural entrepreneurs, from farmers to artisans to tech pioneers, as they turn their dreams into reality. Through engaging interviews and insightful discussions, "Elevate" not only shares these uplifting narratives but also provides valuable lessons and practical advice for anyone looking to start their own business. Join us on this journey through the heartland, where resilience, creativity, and a can-do attitude reign supreme.

Publisher

Presented by Kandiyohi County Economic Development and supported by MN Department of Employment and Economic Development and Southwest Initiative Foundation

Category

business · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 May 2024

Latest episode

28 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Mar 2025

   Equine Inspired Soul w/ Tanya

   In this episode of the Elevate Community Business Academy podcast, host Michelle Marotzke talks with Tanya Dingman, 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 therapy.

2. 

   14 Feb 2025

   FIAFOTO: Capturing Views and Grounding Creativity

   In this episode of the Elevate Community Business Academy Podcast, Michelle Marotzke interviews Fernando Alvarado, owner of FIAFOTO and a Spring 2023 graduate of the Elevate program. Fernando shares his inspiring journey of turning his passion for photography and artistic rock wrapping into a thriving small business. He discusses the origins of his company name, his unique approach to capturing meaningful photographs of homes and vistas, and the therapeutic value of creating his art pieces. Fernando highlights the support he gained from the Elevate program, the challenges of time management, and his vision to collaborate with interior designers and expand his reach to showcase his one-of-a-kind art. Through heartfelt anecdotes and creative insights, Fernando encourages others to embrace their passions and the joy of expressing themselves through art.

3. 

   7 Feb 2025

   Visualizing Progress w/ Willmar Hypnosis

   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.

4. 

   3 Feb 2025

   Mainstream Boutique

   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.

5. 

   16 Jul 2024

   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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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)!

6. 

   16 Jul 2024

   Elevate Educational Series Ep. 4: Succession Planning

   Welcome to the Elevate Podcast - a journey through the Heartland where resilience meets innovation. In this special five-part series, Sarah and Michelle guide you through every crucial step of launching your own business, offering practical advice, expert insights, and inspiring stories from successful entrepreneurs. Hosts: Sarah - Business Development Manager, Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County Michelle - Economic Development Professional, Mid Minnesota Development Commission Key Topics Discussed: Importance of Succession Planning - Understanding why planning for the future of your business is crucial, even at the startup phase. Thinking long-term about the legacy you want to leave behind. Different Succession Options: Passing the Business to a Family Member - Preparing a relative to take over the business. Selling the Business - Planning to sell the business to sustain and grow it long-term. Closing the Business - Setting aside enough money for retirement and planning for the end of the business. Apprenticeships and Mentorships - Finding and training potential successors, whether they are family members or employees, through apprenticeships and mentorship programs. Employee-Owned Businesses - Transitioning to an employee-owned business model as a succession strategy. Exploring educational resources and support available in Minnesota. Legacy Planning - Viewing succession planning as legacy planning. Ensuring your vision, values, and business practices continue after you step away. Financial Considerations - Keeping track of your financials, understanding tax implications, and working with trusted advisors to maximize the value of your business. Creating a Vision - Defining your vision for the future of your business and sharing it with advisors to ensure a successful transition. Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Sarah and Michelle delve into the crucial topic of succession planning. They emphasize the importance of having a clear vision for the future of your business and explore various options for passing on or selling the business. The hosts provide practical tips on preparing for succession, including mentorship programs, employee ownership, and financial planning. They also stress the significance of legacy planning, ensuring that your business values and practices endure beyond your tenure. 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)!

7. 

   16 Jul 2024

   Elevate Educational Series Ep. 3: Customer Service Matters!

   Hosts: Sarah - Business Development Manager for the Economic Development Commission in Kandiyohi County. Michelle - Academic Development Professional with the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Customer Service: Sarah and Michelle express their enthusiasm for customer service, emphasizing its importance beyond retail settings. External vs. Internal Customer Service: They define external customer service as interactions with customers buying a product or service, while internal customer service focuses on relationships within the organization, including employees, staff, and professional connections. Building Strong Relationships: Effective customer service involves understanding and catering to different personalities. Techniques like StrengthsFinder and DISC training can help tailor communication styles to individual preferences. Workforce Retention: Retaining a workforce is crucial and is influenced by understanding employees' work-life balance, communication preferences, and what motivates them. Team Dynamics: A strong team can support each other, especially when individual members are not at their best. Trust and collaboration are key to maintaining high standards of customer service. Reflecting Values in Customer Service: As a business owner, your values should be reflected in your business plan, including how you approach customer service. This ensures consistency and alignment with your overall vision. Practical Tips: Sarah and Michelle share practical advice on how to manage customer service effectively, ensuring both internal happiness and external satisfaction. Conclusion: Join Sarah and Michelle as they explore the intricacies of customer service and provide actionable insights to help you create a successful business. Stay tuned for the next episode in this series, and remember to reach out with any questions or feedback. 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)!

8. 

   16 Jul 2024

   Elevate Educational Series Ep. 2: Know Your Financials!

   Hosts: Sarah - Business Development Manager, Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County Michelle - Economic Development Professional, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission Key Topics Discussed: Startup Budget - Identifying initial costs such as equipment, space, and marketing. Tips on researching and making informed financial decisions. Financial Projections - Importance of forecasting and the fluidity of projections. Building working capital and preparing for unexpected expenses. Balance Sheets - Understanding assets, liabilities, and overall financial health. Assessing whether the business is financially stable. Profit and Loss (P&L) Statements - Tracking monthly revenue and expenses, comparing projections to actual results, and identifying financial trends. Cash Flow Management - Differentiating between monthly cash flow and ending cash balance. Importance of having a financial cushion. Communication with Financial Advisors - Building a trusted relationship with accountants or bookkeepers. Knowing when and how to ask questions about your financials. Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Sarah and Michelle explore the critical aspects of business financials. They emphasize the importance of creating a detailed startup budget and making accurate financial projections. The discussion includes understanding balance sheets and P&L statements, managing cash flow, and effectively communicating with financial advisors. This episode is packed with practical advice for new and existing business owners to ensure financial stability and success. 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)!

9. 

   16 Jul 2024

   Elevate Educational Series Ep. 1: It's All Your Business!

   Welcome to the Elevate Podcast - where resilience meets innovation in rural Minnesota. In this special five-part series, Sarah and Michelle guide you through every crucial step of launching your own business, offering practical advice, expert insights, and inspiring stories from successful entrepreneurs. Hosts: Sarah - Business Development Manager, Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County Michelle - Academic Development Professional, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission Key Resources Discussed: Secretary of State - Business registration and basic setup information. Minnesota DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) - Workforce development, grants, and the Launch Minnesota program. Economic Development Commissions (EDCs) - Local business support, revolving loan funds, and community development projects. Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) - Multi-county support for broader regional projects including housing, childcare, and broadband. Initiative Foundations - Large-scale regional support and philanthropic projects. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Federal resources, loan guarantees, and online educational tools. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) - Business planning, financial projections, and startup advice. Industry Organizations - Networking and support specific to various industries. Higher Education Institutions - Training and continuing education opportunities through community colleges and university extensions. Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Sarah and Michelle provide a comprehensive overview of essential business resources available to Minnesota entrepreneurs. They cover organizations such as the Secretary of State for business registration, DEED for workforce development and grants, and various local and regional economic development commissions. They also highlight the importance of industry organizations and higher education institutions in supporting ongoing business growth. This episode offers invaluable insights and practical tips for both new and established business owners. 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)!

10. 

    3 May 2024

    Rendezvous Axe Throwing w/ Hans & Victoria

    Rendezvous on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/p/Rendezvous-Axe-Throwing-61555237496495/) Learn More About Elevate (elevatesba.com) Sarah Swedberg, the Elevate program manager, celebrates three years of the program with Hans and Victoria, entrepreneurs from the second-ever class. They discuss their journey from meeting at Pizza Ranch to venturing into entrepreneurship, including real estate investing and the decision to start an axe-throwing business. Despite initial doubts, they explored the idea, did research, and adapted their business plan based on market trends and their target demographic. Hans and Victoria share their experience of diving into the world of axe throwing, despite limited prior experience. They focused on catering to casual throwers rather than hardcore enthusiasts, which influenced their choice of location and the size of their lanes. Their journey also involved challenges in finding the right space, transitioning from renting to owning a building, and clarifying partnership agreements. They emphasize the importance of complementary skills, risk assessment, and flexibility in adapting their business plan to meet evolving needs. The couple discusses their commitment to providing a positive work environment by offering competitive wages, drawing from Victoria's recruitment experience and recognizing the correlation between pay and company reputation. They believe that investing in their employees is essential for the success of their business and prioritizing work-life balance to avoid burnout. Their story reflects the journey of navigating challenges, making informed decisions, and staying true to their vision while catering to the needs of their community. 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)!

11. 

    1 May 2024

    Building Elevate w/ Scott Marquardt

    In this episode of "Hi Everybody!", Sarah Swedberg, one of the program managers for Elevate, is joined by Scott Marquardt from Southwest Initiative Foundation, a key champion for Elevate CBA (Community Business Academy). Together, they dive into the heartwarming origin story of Elevate, its significance in rural Minnesota, and its impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Sarah and Scott reminisce about the inception of Elevate, highlighting the journey from its conceptualization to its implementation. Scott shares insights into the mission of Southwest Initiative Foundation and how Elevate aligns perfectly with their vision of empowering entrepreneurs in rural communities. They discuss the unique challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs and the need for tailored support systems like Elevate to bridge the gap. The conversation delves into the essence of Elevate's curriculum, emphasizing its holistic approach to entrepreneurship education. Scott emphasizes the importance of nurturing diverse entrepreneurial dreams and creating a supportive ecosystem where every dream is valued. They reflect on Elevate's role in fostering confidence and resilience among participants, ultimately transforming their entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. Sarah and Scott also explore the interconnectedness of rural and urban entrepreneurship, highlighting the valuable lessons both communities can learn from each other. They celebrate the camaraderie and collaboration fostered within Elevate's community, where entrepreneurs uplift and inspire each other to succeed. Throughout the episode, Sarah and Scott underscore the significance of trust, community, and cultural competence in the Elevate experience. They emphasize that Elevate is more than just a program—it's a movement that empowers individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams while building lasting relationships and trust within their communities. Join Sarah and Scott as they share inspiring stories, insights, and lessons from the transformative journey of Elevate CBA. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a community supporter, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the power of education, community, and trust in driving rural entrepreneurship forward. 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)!

12. 

    1 May 2024

    ElevateMN Podcast - Ep. 0 - the intro!

    🎙️ elevateMN Podcast 🎙️Ep. 0 - the intro! What is Elevate? 🎙️ Elevate provides business education and coaching specifically tailored to underserved minority entrepreneurs, with the guiding objective of creating economic opportunity for all businesses or residents of, or near, Kandiyohi County, MN. The program offers hands-on training in business planning and management. Elevate allows new or growing businesses to engage with established community members and leaders and build a network of support and accountability. Who are Sarah and Samantha? 🗣️ Sarah, while working for Kandiyohi County Economic Development, helped launch the Elevate program in collaboration with the Southwest Initiative Foundation.  She also serves as one of the program coordinators!  Samantha is an Elevate Alumn who has started multiple businesses in the area.  She now serves as an instructor and mentor for current Elevate students! What will we learn from the elevateMN Podcast? 📚 Each episode delves into the personal and professional experiences of these ambitious individuals, offering listeners a glimpse into the challenges they've overcome and the triumphs they've achieved. The podcast serves as a platform to celebrate the diversity of entrepreneurial endeavors within the local community while providing valuable insights, lessons, and motivation for aspiring business leaders. Whether discussing innovative startups, strategic business decisions, or the transformative impact of the Elevate Entrepreneur Launch Program, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on the path to entrepreneurial success. 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)!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

32,609

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 48 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

52

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

32

Contact elevateMN

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.