Events &
Trainings

Small Business Seeds for Growth event – October 6, 2026

What: Northeast Minnesota small business owners, entrepreneurs, those aspiring to start a business, and area organizations that support small business development are invited to Small Business Seeds for Growth. There is no cost to attend. Lunch is provided.

When: Tuesday, October 6 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: Clyde Iron Works Event Center
2920 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55806

Who: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, those aspiring to start a business, and area organizations that support small business development.

Description: The agenda includes a panel presentation on navigating the lending process, a small business owners’ panel discussion, a local Vendor Marketplace, and an expo featuring organizations that support small businesses including the Northland Small Business Development Center, Huntington Bank, the Small Business Administration, Duluth Economic Development Authority, Duluth 1200 Fund, Entrepreneur Fund, LegalCorps, and Northspan.

• 10:00 AM – Registration, Vendor Marketplace shopping, Small Business Resource Partner Tables, and Networking
• 10:45 AM – Welcome
• 11:00 AM – Community Partner Panel, “Access to Financing”
• 12:00 PM – Lunch Buffet
• 12:30 PM – Small Business Owners’ Panel
• 1:15 – 2:00 PM – Networking, Vendor Marketplace, Resource Tables

Advance registration is required. If the event fills up, registration may close early.

This event is hosted by the Northland Foundation, Northland Small Business Development Center, and Huntington Bank. Each year, Huntington hosts “Seeds for Growth” events across the country to help small business owners and community members learn more about starting and growing a business, leveraging support resources, and understanding local pathways to financing.

Thrive Initiative – October 30, 2026: Virtual Training with Rick Griffin

“Helping Little Brains Through Big Moments“

When: Friday, October 30, 2026 | Noon – 2:00 PM

Where: Virtual via Zoom

Who: Thrive Participants/Partners and other professionals working with young children and their families

Description: Rick Griffin presents Helping Little Brains Through Big Moments: Young children often show stress through hitting, yelling, refusing, running away, or struggling with transitions. This practical training helps early childhood educators and caregivers understand what may be happening beneath the behavior and respond in ways that build safety, connection, and new skills. Participants will learn simple strategies for calming, co-regulation, clear expectations, predictable routines, sensory support, and helping children recover and try again after difficult moments.

Rick Griffin is a neuroscience educator and the Founder of Neuro Leadership Academy. His work helps professionals, educators, parents, and leaders better understand behavior through the lens of predictive processing and brain energy. Drawing from decades of experience in leadership, education, and trauma informed care, Rick translates neuroscience into practical, usable insights that help people build safer, healthier, and more effective environments for learning, leadership, and human connection.

Register: Please register in advance https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wJrjt_r0TRODDcXqDBW1Hw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This meeting will be recorded and can be shared following the live session.

If you have questions about registration, email us at info@northlandfdn.org