Meet the Partners
Collaborating to support new and existing Food and agriculture businesses
MBFFA uses an innovative and collaborative approach to identify, plan and deliver services to identified clients. The power of this model is the collaborative approach with each organization building on its established strengths, resources, networks and regional reputations to achieve the intended results and goals.
MBFFA Regional Partners will:
- Engage in direct outreach, including 1:1 loan consulting and technical assistance
- Focus on exceeding goals for participation and reaching underserved communities
- Conduct grassroots outreach through phone calls, emails, texts, meetings, etc.
- Drive data collection in accordance with required metrics to drive technical assistance plans
In addition, the Regional Partners will be responsible for providing community leadership, executing "in-language" technical assistance, supporting overall mission, and contributing to strategic planning. They will also identify local partners that provide insights and programs or identify gaps to capitalize on the MBFFA goals and objectives.
Blue Earth REV
REV is an entrepreneurial development program that strengthens small-town economies through a strategic, business-focused approach. The program offers coaching, resources, and connections, guiding communities through the process of defining and implementing their unique economic development goals. Blue Earth launched its participation in REV through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in 2018 as part of the program’s inaugural cohort. Since then, Blue Earth REV has embraced the "Grow Your Own" model, focusing on identifying, supporting, and empowering local entrepreneurs. By connecting them with essential resources, the program fosters sustainable business growth and long-term economic resilience.
GreenSeam
GreenSeam’s mission is to elevate our region as the world-class food and agribusiness epicenter. With a vision to shape the future of agriculture, businesses and communities in the region. GreenSeam does this through four areas of focus: Business Retention and Expansion, Business Attraction and Creation, Talent development and Regional Branding and Promotion. GreenSeam is a strong partner due to their direct connection to Greater Mankato Growth the local Chamber of commerce, visitors bureau and economic development organization. Together they leverage one another’s strength to share team members and have access to additional expertise. They surround themselves with business and community leadership, which are very active.
Owatonna Area Business Development Center
The Owatonna Area Business Development Center (OABDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering small business growth and entrepreneurial success in the Owatonna area and Southeast Minnesota. The OABDC offers free business consulting services - including assistance with business planning, budgeting and financial projections, and pitch coaching – as well as affordable workspace solutions such as business addresses, offices, and manufacturing space. The Center also hosts various programs, workshops, and events aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners, and is home to the Southeast Minnesota Makerspace.
Southern Agriculture Center of Excellence (SACE) at South Central College
SACE is a Minnesota State Center of Excellence. South Central College serves as the lead institution for the Center. The Center serves to promote and establish agricultural education excellence in Minnesota across the industry. SACE works to establish partnerships with key businesses and organizations in the agriculture industry to meet workforce demands and training needs. The mission of SACE is to align students with the resources of academic institutions and industry to develop and sustain the workforce needs of agriculture in Southern Minnesota. SACE targets veterans as well as other students. While it’s often challenging for veterans to find their career path after service, agriculture offers a wide range of opportunities.
