Business Plan Recognition Program – The Thirsty Fox
The Albert Lea Business Development Center (ALBDC) advisory board has selected The Thirsty Fox to receive a loan award from the Business Plan Recognition Program. The Business Plan Recognition Program, created by the ALBDC, local lending institutions, the Albert Lea – Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Mayo Clinic Health Systems, and the City of Albert Lea over 10 years ago, is an economic development tool focused on supporting entrepreneurship in Freeborn County by providing low-interest loans to businesses that meet the required business plan criteria. After reviewing The Thirsty Fox’s business plan, the ALBDC Board chose to award them a $40,000 loan for 48 months. The Thirsty Fox is a new pub and grill opening in Albert Lea in August 2019 (1105 South Broadway Ave). The owner, Karl Milliron, was a finalist in the Tiger Cage business competition sponsored by Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) and it’s ALEAP program, the ALBDC, and local businesses.
A business plan is a detailed description of a business including future objectives and strategies to achieve them, a market analysis, the management team and financial projections. The business plan submitted by The Thirsty Fox demonstrated technical competence, market knowledge and organizational ability. It will be a valuable management tool for them to help establish goals, identify tasks, and to recognize the financial and physical needs of their new business.
In 2018, four local businesses have received loans through Albert Lea Economic Development programs.
The Albert Lea Business Development Center (ALBDC), housed under the ALEDA umbrella, serves as a place for entrepreneurs and small business owners of Freeborn County to gain access to the resources they need; such as SCORE mentoring, financing, entrepreneur programming through the Albert Lea Entrepreneur Advancement Program (ALEAP), and incubator space. If you are a business needing some guidance please feel free to contact Noelle Hagen at 507-373-3930.
ALEDA is the local economic development organization made up of two separate entities – the Albert Lea Port Authority and Greater Jobs, Inc. If you are a new or expanding business looking for assistance or potential help with gap financing, contact ALEDA at 507-373-3930.