Newsletter Sign Up
Latest News
Upcoming Events
Check back soon for upcoming events.
Latest Social Media Updates
📢 Attention small business owners! Join the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for its Monthly Small Business Call to stay updated on essential resources, new programs, and expert insights to support your business growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, this is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and gain valuable knowledge. Don’t miss out! 🗓 Date: Second Tuesday of the Month 🕒 Time: 2:00 pm Learn more and find links and numbers for the monthly calls from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development at https://mn.gov/deed/business/help/sbao/small-business-call/
Last year, the City of New London was privileged to host the 🤝 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities🏬 conference. This year's 6th annual will be held at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia from Thursday, March 20, to Friday, March 21. ◀️ This is a great networking opportunity to learn how other communities support and create entrepreneurial success! Learn more and register at:
Have you or a loved one been affected by a scammer? 😥 😡 💵 These scammers take more than information and money; they take dignity and pride. Today is NATIONAL SLAM THE SCAM DAY! Hosted by the Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov/scam), you can learn about tools that will help you recognize Social Security-related scams. Our partners at the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission also have a great video that gives you even more ways to protect your money and information. Check it out at https://mmrdc.org/ (the video is in the scroll bar near the top of the page).
📢 Podcast alert! 📢 Michelle had the pleasure of interviewing Fernando Alvarado, owner of FIAFOTO. Fernando is a talented photographer and rock wrapper (not to be confused with "rapper") based out of Willmar. You can follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FIAFOTO and check out his work. 🎧 To listen to the full podcast, go to one of the links below and subscribe NOW! 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://ow.ly/kCif50S0RZs Spotify Podcasts: https://ow.ly/Lvys50S0RZr
Looking for connection? Kandiyohi County has a warm, welcoming community waiting for you! Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, there are endless ways to find great company here—from local events to cozy coffee shops and vibrant gatherings. Come find your place in Kandiyohi County! 🌄💛 Visit Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to find activities throughout Kandiyohi County for you and your family.
📣 This week's Business Highlight is 👩🏽🌾 Grandpa's Granary at Gatewood Farm 🚜, located in rural Willmar. Gatewood Farm is a fourth-generation family affair 👩👩👦👦. Gene Gatewood grew up on the farm and he and his wife, Shelly, raised their family there. Now their son Jordan, with his wife Kristi, all work together on the farm. Over the years, there have been many changes on the farm. Originally a 🥛dairy farm🐄, the family decided a few years ago to offer for sale to the public select 🥩beef and lamb cuts and farm-raised chicken. Family members agreed when asked about the best part of now being a public-facing farm, saying, "We enjoy meeting people and offering a quality, home-grown product." In addition to picking up fresh meat products 🐮 at the farm, you can sign up for their newsletter and follow them online to learn when they are hosting farmer's markets 🛍️, a fall festival 🍂, and a spring barn dance 🌱 👒! ➡️ You can follow Grandpa's Granary at Gatewood Farm on social media, find them online at https://www.grandpasgranary.com/, email at grandpasgranary@gmail.com or give them a call at (320) 995-6247. You can even schedule a visit to the farm! ⬅️
📣 This week's Business Highlight is 👩🏽🌾 Grandpa's Granary at Gatewood Farm 🚜, located in rural Willmar. Gatewood Farm is a fourth-generation family affair 👩👩👦👦. Gene Gatewood grew up on the farm and he and his wife, Shelly, raised their family there. Now their son Jordan, with his wife Kristi, all work together on the farm. Over the years, there have been many changes on the farm. Originally a 🥛dairy farm🐄, the family decided a few years ago to offer for sale to the public select 🥩beef and lamb cuts and farm-raised chicken. Family members agreed when asked about the best part of now being a public-facing farm, saying, "We enjoy meeting people and offering a quality, home-grown product." In addition to picking up fresh meat products 🐮 at the farm, you can sign up for their newsletter and follow them online to learn when they are hosting farmer's markets 🛍️, a fall festival 🍂, and a spring barn dance 🌱 👒! ➡️ You can follow Grandpa's Granary at Gatewood Farm on social media, find them online at https://www.grandpasgranary.com/, email at grandpasgranary@gmail.com or give them a call at (320) 995-6247. You can even schedule a visit to the farm! ⬅️
Members of the public are welcome to attend a Meet and Greet and the interviews of the candidates for the KCED Executive Director position. When: Friday, March 21, 2025 What: Meet & Greet at 8:00 - 9:30 am Interviews begin at 1:15 pm Where: The Commons at MinnWest Technology Campus, 1707 Technology Drive NE, Willmar A bus tour with invited stakeholders and the candidates will take place in between the Meet & Greet and Interviews. For more information, visit KCED's website, https://kandiyohi.com/kandiyohi-county-economic-development-executive-director-search-finalists-and-interviews/.
SCORE Mentors offers a variety of recorded trainings 📽️ that are searchable 🔎 by topic, industry, business stage and even entrepreneur type based on personal identification. 🧑🏾🤝🧑🏾 🏭 📚 🏪 Visit today to explore the knowledge that is at your fingertips:
👨🌾 Attention small-scale farmers! 👩🌾 Are you looking for funding to access capital 💲, equipment 🚜, and land 🌾 for your farm? Check out this 3-day FREE virtual webinar 🎤 hosted by Emily Reno, owner of Mezclada. Register today at https://mezclada.co/land-loans-grants-the-3-day-farm-funding-challenge/!
🚜 The Central Minnesota Farm Show🌽 will take place at the St. Cloud Convention Center Tuesday, February 25th - Wednesday, February 26th. Register today:
