Economic downturns bring out more entrepreneurs as layoffs and job-stability fears give impetus to put an idea into action.
On Monday, those who are starting a business, or who’d like to, can get information, support and share their ideas.
The Minnesota Marketplace for Entrepreneurs at the Alltel Center has a variety of information sessions, a keynote speech by “Famous Dave” Anderson and booths manned by startup business owners.
“It has almost a career fair feel to it now,” said Brian Stading of the Riverbend Center for Advanced Entrepreneurial Facilitation in Mankato.
He said there is a supportive atmosphere among those who know the struggles of trying to turn a dream into a viable business.
“We’re seeing a lot of entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs. That’s a sign of challenging times. They’ll go the extra mile to help a fellow entrepreneur,” Stading said.
Sessions will focus on technology, product creation, marketing, eBay, sustainability and other issues.
Anderson, the founder of Famous Dave's BBQ, will share his experiences as a lifetime entrepreneur.
One entrepreneur who will have a booth at the show isn’t new to business startups and entrepreneurial endeavors. Milt Toratti has had a lifetime of business experience and mentoring other entrepreneurs.
He’ll be at the Marketplace for Entrepreneurs pushing his newest endeavor, Botanic Oils Inc.
“A buddy of mine and I worked on this years ago, and now it’s come to fruition,” Toratti said. The company has a patented cold-press technology that extracts the oil from the seeds of hundreds of fruits and vegetables.
Toratti said the oils, alone and in various combinations, relieve a broad range of ailments. The company is working in conjunction with the University of Minnesota to conduct further research, including cancer research. They have secured a $480,000 National Institute of Health grant for further human studies.
He said the event is a good place for entrepreneurs to network, get their idea out and find information.
“You meet a lot of entrepreneurs there with a lot of good ideas.”
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