Creative Capital

Lifelong educational opportunities, arts & culture are investments necessary to generate creativity and develop new knowledge. They are elements crucial to entrepreneurial development and are essential to business and citizen retention over the long-term.

Here are some resources that can help you develop and showcase creative capital:

• Efolio This online tool allows you to create and showcase your personal accomplishments on a web page, accessible (with or without the option of using a password) to those using the internet.
• ISEEK Minnesota's gateway to career, education, employment and business information
• The Role of Arts in Minnesota's Economy An article by Rachel Hillman from DEED

Four Community Cornerstones

To create an environment for small businesses, a community must provide four solid cornerstones to build a base that supports small businesses:

Health Care - people need affordable access to doctors, which means providing access to affordable health insurance and medical care

Community Design - most of our communities were physically designed to support economic activities and engines of an earlier era -- whether driven by the railroad or the auto or heavy industry. 21st century economies are more diverse and often dependent on the growth of creative small businesses. Community design should foster both planned and spontaneous connection places -- from social hubs like community centers, coffee shops and downtown post offices, or shared areas for business process, such as community business centers with access to copiers, office supplies, and office assistance. Communities need to plan for interrelated use and personal and community enrichment -- from libraries that work for schools and citizens alike to recreation areas and trails that promote healthy active living opportunities for residents of all ages and attract visitors, too.

Finance - businesses need to access and understand lenders, investors, and grantors

Creative Capital - Lifelong educational opportunities, arts & culture are investments necessary to generate creativity and develop new knowledge. They are elements crucial to entrepreneurial development and are essential to business and citizen retention over the long-term.

Interesting in having your logo here?

MEG is a nonprofit initiative. We are looking for sponsors. If you are interested please contact Jane Leonard by email or phone (651-645-9403).

Order a Community Playbook to guide your community towards better support of entrepreneurs.