The Albert Lea Entrepreneur Advancement Program (ALEAP) was created by ALEDA and local leaders, to encourage growth of entrepreneurs and small business owners in Freeborn County. Albert Lea is an intersection, at the center of two major highways in southern Minnesota. With this intersection there is an opportunity to take a road already traveled or take a road that leads to bigger and better things. We want the bigger and better things for this community, and allow the members of our community to help build our own thriving society.
We have already exceeded our 2015 goal to start 5 new businesses and 15 new employees in 2 years.
ALEAP is built on Five Pillars:
The Tiger Cage: A venture capital event modeled after "Shark Tank".
ALEAP U: An educational training program for beginning and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Evening with ALEAP: A monthly networking and mentor program.
The ALBDC: A business incubator.
Micro-lending: A gap financing program through ALEDA.
Tiger Cage 2018
Tiger Cage is brought to you by ALEAP, sponsored by Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, area businesses, and community members with a strong passion for thriving entrepreneurship in Albert Lea. Entrepreneurs can enter into two categories; new business or existing business (see contest rules for more information).
Start Your Entrepreneurial Journey