WILLMAR

— The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission received a grant of more than $200,000 to put toward expansion of the

Elevate Community Business Academy

.

The grant was first announced during the EDC’s 2023 fall Elevate graduation ceremony.

The $203,500 Small Business Assistance Partnership Grant was awarded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to support the continuation of the Elevate program.

“This grant allows us to invest in the expansion of offerings for Elevate alumni, as well as continue to offer classes free of charge for participants,” said EDC Business Development Manager Sarah Swedburg in a news release.

Elevate has received a grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development in the past, though the previous grant was for half of the amount received in the current grant.

Elevate, the only community business academy in Minnesota currently, is a 12-week course which provides aspiring entrepreneurs with knowledge and resources required to start, continue or acquire a business.

Many graduates of the program operate businesses in the area, according to the news release, and others have expanded.