Representative Angie Craig Secures Nearly $2 Million in Entrepreneurial Development Funding for Red Wing Ignite

RED WING, MN – This week, U.S. Representative Angie Craig helped secure nearly $2 million for Red Wing Ignite to expand their start-up and entrepreneurship support program. The funding will enable Red Wing Ignite to provide increased resources and support to entrepreneurs in underserved communities across Southeast Minnesota. In April, Representative Craig wrote a letter in support of Red Wing Ignite’s application for the grant.

“In every corner of the Second District, Minnesota’s entrepreneurs work hard to build our communities,” said Representative Angie Craig. “I’m proud to have worked with Red Wing Ignite to secure federal grant dollars and look forward to the benefit it will bring to emerging entrepreneurs across Southeast Minnesota.”

As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Representative Craig has worked to ensure entrepreneurs and small businesses across Minnesota’s Second Congressional District have access to the resources they need to expand and thrive. The federal funding secured by Craig will help Red Wing Ignite expand their start-up and entrepreneurship support program across Southeast Minnesota. With this funding, the program will have an increased capacity to leverage their state-wide and local partnerships, address geographic dispersion of resources and increase opportunities for mentorship and workforce development education to support emerging entrepreneurs in underserved areas.

A copy of Representative Craig’s letter to the Economic Development Administration can be found copied below.

April 6, 2022

United States Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration

Build to Scale Program

ATTN: Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo

1401 Constitution Avenue NW

Suite 71014

Washington, DC 20230

Dear Assistant Secretary Castillo,

I am writing in strong support of Red Wing Ignite’s application for the Venture Challenge grant opportunity under the Economic Development Administration’s Build to Scale Program. Red Wing Ignite’s proposal, totaling $3,000,000, seeks to leverage state-wide and local partnerships, address geographic dispersion of entrepreneurs and resources, and increase opportunities for mentorship and workforce development education.

As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, I am working diligently to ensure entrepreneurs and small businesses across Minnesota’s Second Congressional District have the necessary resources to expand and thrive.

In 2019, Red Wing Ignite was awarded the i6 Challenge Grant which allowed for an investment in regional workforce development, enhanced regional connectivity, and expanded programming. Since receiving this grant, Red Wing Ignite provided over 1,800 entrepreneurs with 1-on-1 technical assistance, launched the E1 (Entrepreneurs First) Collaborative with 15 partners across the state, and provided skills training to 77 students.

Red Wing Ignite’s growth and successful track record demonstrate the organization’s dedication to investing in our future workforce. By leveraging infrastructure, building and broadening relationships, and instituting new programs for underserved entrepreneurs in Southeast Minnesota, Red Wing Ignite has become a model for rural regions.

I fully support Red Wing Ignite’s application for the Build to Scale Program’s Venture Challenge grant. This opportunity will permit Red Wing Ignite to accelerate their work, further a commitment to rural economic development, and provide support to underserved communities seeking entrepreneurial assistance across Minnesota.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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