Topic Night is a time to come together with other entrepreneurs and share ideas. Albert Lea Entrepreneur Advancement Program participants were able to vote on the topic of the night in a survey and have chosen to discuss managing employee relationships.

The ALEAP Topic Night will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at The 112 on Broadway. As always, the event is open to everyone with a passion for entrepreneurship and small business growth in the community.

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, education and training opportunities, available incubator and coworking 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 the Riverland Foundation. Since the program started in June 2015, ALEAP participants have started five 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. Those who have a new or expanding business and are looking for assistance, or are interested in more information about the ALEAP program, may contact ALEDA at 507-373-3930.