Potential business owners have the opportunity to “discover what it takes to be successful” at an upcoming event by the city of International Falls and the Koochiching Economic Development Authority.
“Some of the most successful and happy people are entrepreneurs who created a business that’s in perfect harmony with what they want out of life,” said Jenny Dougherty, business consultant for the Small Business Development Center, who is organizing the event. “Why not learn from someone else’s experience? Everyone becomes a winner.”
The panel of local business owners sharing insight is slated to be the first “International Falls Works” event. The event is the beginning of a series of events exploring business-related opportunities, and will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on April 19 at the Backus Community Center dining room. The event is free to the public.
For more information or to register for the event, contact the Koochiching Economic Development Authority at 283-8585 or send an email to KEDA@businessupnorth.com. Registration is due by Thursday.
The idea was spurred by the city of International Falls Economic Development Authority.
“The city’s EDA looks at all avenues for generating economic activities and improving the economy,” said Cynthia Jaksa, International Falls City Council and EDA member. “We thought we’d shift to focus on helping individuals who want to start a business. Ultimately, the city’s health depends on the health of each one of our citizens; if they’re successful, we’re successful.”
Panelists sharing their business success stories include Patti Ballan of Ballan Furniture; Stephanie Heinle of the Coffee Landing Cafe; RaeAnne Conat of Swanky Sweet Pea; and Jeff and Maria Morrison of I Falls PC.
“Often times, people have ideas (about starting a business) but don’t know where to begin,” Jaksa said. “This panel will share the pathways of people who have gone down that road.”
Jaksa brought the idea to Dougherty, who will be facilitating the event.
“I thought that it made perfect sense to have good business people share their experiences with potential entrepreneurs,” Dougherty said. “When I meet with clients, they all have similar challenges, even though they may be in completely different industries.”
Depending on the interest at this first event, more specific panels and workshops will be scheduled, according to Jaksa and Dougherty.
“The purpose of the event is to inspire others to create their own employment opportunities and get a reality check from experienced business owners about the necessary skills and challenges of owning your own business,” Dougherty said. “If you do what you love, you’ll work harder, better and be happier. We are targeting people who are passionate about a hobby and have a skill, who have worked for others and have already been successful in their careers.”
Some future ideas include organizing a panel of professionals — financial experts like bankers and accountants; and insurance agents and lawyers — to talk about issues a person should consider when starting a business. Another workshop could address exploring training options for new or potential business owners, Jaksa said.
“This isn’t just a one-event deal here,” Jaksa said. “We have ideas to expand.”
“This event is intended to help people in International Falls and Koochiching County envision a path to better employment opportunities and to foster an entrepreneurial culture or way of thinking in our community,” Dougherty said.
