February 5, 2025

The February issue of the Developing News will cover:  

• My Town Series - Season 2 Announcement
• GSDC Q4 Spotlight
• New Investors - CAIRO (Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization) and Sartell - St. Stephen ISD 748
• Initiative Foundation Enterprise Academy Spring Cohort 

The GSDC, in partnership with the CentraCare Health System, are excited to share that Greater St. Cloud will be featured in Season 2 of the acclaimed docuseries My Town. Hosted by Emmy-winner Cory Hepola, the series highlights the charm, opportunities, and livability of rural communities.  The episode will showcase Greater St. Cloud’s strong economy, healthcare excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and vibrant cultural scene. CentraCare’s partnership with the University of Minnesota to establish a Regional Medical School Campus will also be featured, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of rural healthcare in our community.  Production begins Summer 2025, with release in early winter.

Watch Season 1 at and stay up-to-date on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube via @MytownSeries.

The March 5 issue of the Developing News will showcase the 2024 GSDC Annual Report along with an engaging video highlighting key achievements, milestones, and the collective impact of GSDC and its investors over the past year. 

In January, we welcomed two new investors: CAIRO (Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization) and Sartell-St. Stephen ISD 748. They join our nearly 170 investors who are making a significant impact in the Greater St. Cloud community!

Applications are now open for the Initiative Foundation's Enterprise Academy Spring Cohort 2025.  The 12-week business training program helps underserved entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. Participants receive entrepreneur training, one-on-one business consulting, and access to microloans of up to $50,000 for viable business plans. The program covers key business topics like recordkeeping, marketing, branding, and legal aspects.  The academy is the largest early-stage entrepreneur training program in Central Minnesota.

Apply Now

Other Notable News & Links

GSDC Led

• The January 15 - Part 3 of the Elevate Your Workplace Webinar Series presentation and webinar are available here.   A big thank you to Stearns Bank for leading this webinar!
• March 19 - 11:30 AM - 1 PM - Part 4 of the Elevate Your Workplace Webinar Series - Tailored Benefits: Customizing Compensation and Benefits for Maximum Impact.  Park Industries will lead the session that focuses on optimizing compensation and benefits strategies to enhance employee satisfaction and organizational success.  Register here.  

GSDC Supported

• The December 2024 St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report is available here.

State Partners - MN Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Minnesota Youth at Work Competitive Grant - This grant provides workforce development and training opportunities to economically disadvantaged or at-risk youth ages 14-24.