Business Services

Virtual Entrepreneurial Network

BizPathways Extends Economic Development Reach; Fosters Entrepreneurship

Economic development professionals can be overwhelmed by requests for business assistance - from how to start a business to financing growth of existing enterprises.

BizPathways (www.bizpathways.com) is a great blend of high tech and high touch, using technology to streamline the assistance process while maintaining high quality face-to-face interactions. Developed by Minnesota Rural Partners and funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, BizPathways provides online, virtual support to business service providers and entrepreneurs trying to thrive in any community seeking to increase the rate of business start-ups and diversify its economic base.

The BizPathways Network was built to help take the guesswork out of when and where entrepreneurs should seek assistance. It also provides an easy and inexpensive way for service providers, economic development organizations, and communities to organize and promote their resources.

Internet technologies are used to organize online resources based on an individual's business profile and location. Biz Pathways maps out a development plan, links users to the providers who offer personal help along the way, and reminds registered users of upcoming seminars, events, and new resources that may be helpful to their unique business needs. There is even an online "Ask the Expert" function.

BizPathways and its companion site, www.financeavenue.org, not only provide specific financing information - but also create a matchmaking service between business resource providers and entrepreneurs needing timely, targeted assistance. Its customization tools give users personalized service that encourages face-to-face support at the right time. BizPathways users easily navigate the on-line assessments and on-line business, financial, marketing and technology planning tools.

BizPathways can be licensed to other states, and personalized gateway pages for economic development organizations can be created so that BizPathways becomes a customized tool for those organizations.

For more information, contact:
Jane Leonard, President
Minnesota Rural Partners
651-645-9403
jleonard@minnesotaruralpartners.org