The Albert Lea Entrepreneur Advancement Program was awarded the Partnership Award at last week’s Economic Development Association of Minnesota winter conference. The award, sponsored by Economic Development Association of Minnesota and Finance and Commerce, is presented annually to an organization that shows strong collaboration among multiple groups to move an economic development initiative forward.

“It was an honor for the ALEAP program to be recognized on the state level by EDAM,” said Ryan Nolander, Executive Director of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. Nolander added, “This is a great example of collaboration between multiple community stakeholders to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to follow their dreams.”

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 co-working space shared with other entrepreneurs, and micro lending/gap financing options. The program is housed under the Albert Lea Economic

Development Agency umbrella and is a partnership between ALEDA, the local Blandin Community Leadership cohort, Riverland Community College and Riverland Foundation and The Marketing Plant. The two-year goals for the ALEAP program are to create five new businesses and 15 new jobs. Since the program started in June of 2015, ALEAP participants have started three new businesses and created 12 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, contact ALEDA at 507-373-3930.