New Year, New ALEAP
The beginning of a new year often involves resolving to change different habits to have a happier, healthier, and more successful year. The ALEAP team would like to make a commitment to the ALEAP participants to have an exciting year filled with education opportunities and meaningful connections. They will begin that commitment by asking for new ideas and feedback for the ALEAP at the January networking event.
Join them January 19th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Outlet for the 2017 ALEAP Kickoff Event. As the ALEAP team kicks off 2017, they want to harness the creative power of our local entrepreneurs and get their input on what they would like to see from ALEAP in 2017. All local entrepreneurs and small business owners are invited to attend monthly ALEAP networking events as well as educational trainings.
The ALEAP program is an initiative to promote and assist Albert Lea and Freeborn County entrepreneurs through a multi-faceted approach. Features of the program are monthly networking gatherings on the third Thursday of the month, educational and training opportunities, available incubator and co-working space shared with other entrepreneurs, and micro lending/gap financing options. The program is housed under the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) umbrella and is a partnership between ALEDA, the local Blandin Community Leadership cohort, Riverland Community College and the Riverland Foundation. Since the program started in June of 2015, ALEAP participants have started 5 new businesses and created 18 new jobs.
ALEDA is the local economic development organization made up of two separate entities – the City of Albert Lea Port Authority and Greater Jobs, Inc. If you are a new or expanding business looking for assistance, or are interested in more information about the ALEAP program, please contact ALEDA at 507-373-3930.