Amplifying stories from the Rochester, MN entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Q&A with Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara of Griot Arts
Take a moment to meet Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara, founder of Griot Arts and current participant in our first incubator program!
Q: Share a bit about your business and who your target customers are!
A: Griot Arts is a community arts hub that celebrates and centers Black art, joy, and cultural expression. We are opening a gallery and bookstore that will showcase art and literature by BIPOC artists and writers.
Q: What do you hope to learn from the incubator program?
A: I hope to learn how to design and operate a business that connects with community members. I'm also looking forward to connecting with and learning from fellow entrepreneurs in the incubator program who are building their businesses.
Q: What is your motivation and inspiration for pursuing your business idea?
A: I love the arts and have been working as an arts writer for several years. I have a passion for amplifying the voices and work of BIPOC and emerging artists. Much of my work in this space has been in other parts of Minnesota. I wanted to create a space and opportunities for community members and artists right here in my community in Rochester to engage with, learn from, and be empowered and inspired by Black art and culture. Often, people of color leave Rochester feeling like they are not reflected in the city-- can't see themselves in our civic, arts, and cultural life. Instead of leaving, I wanted to see what it would look like to really commit to and dedicate myself to growing something beautiful and intentional right here that might be a small part of changing the narrative around how communities of color can thrive and feel seen in the arts and cultural life of our growing city. I believe art connects and heals. Art is for everyone. Centering BIPOC communities in our city's arts and cultural life cultivates spaces where we can ALL engage, grow, and transform.
Q: Share a little bit about yourself, your background, and your hobbies and interests!
A: I'm the founder of Griot Arts as well as a writer and anthropologist. Originally from New York City, I've lived in Rochester for almost a decade and am raising my two children here with my husband. I hold a BA from Swarthmore College and a graduate degree from Oxford University. I'm currently working on my first novel, an historical fantasy epic based on ancestral myths from the Cross River region of Cameroon and Nigeria.
Collider Foundation Q1 Quarterly Report
Want to support Collider’s ongoing work with the Rochester entrepreneurial community? Follow this link to donate!
Collider Foundation is Awarded Funds by the Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation for Coworking Improvements
Rochester 501(c)3 nonprofit Collider Foundation was recently awarded $6,000 by the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation. These funds were utilized in the maintenance and improvement of the amenities provided by Collider Foundation to its coworking members, supporting our mission to create a warm and welcoming space where innovative individuals can gather, work, and spark new ideas.
Since its inception as a coworking space in 2016, Collider has been dedicated to fostering connections within its walls though its member community, networking, and educational events. Now, as a non-profit organization, our mission has grown to support the growth and education of early stage entrepreneurs. Collider aims to identify and assist local innovators in overcoming barriers to success by empowering an impactful, inclusive, and entrepreneur-first ecosystem. We believe that providing a low-cost, accessible space for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and visitors is vital to creating that ecosystem. This funding from the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation has greatly contributed to improving and building upon a welcoming, productive workspace for our community of coworkers and entrepreneurs.
The Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation was established in Minnesota in 1958 and has since focused its giving on public libraries, health associations, volunteer fire departments and human services. They have additionally provided funding for the arts, natural resource conservation, animals and wildlife.
"Collider has always fostered a collaborative and welcoming community," said Collider's Community Manager Sam Gill. "These upgrades, made possible thanks to the generosity of the Carla and Verna Schmidt Foundation, will allow us to serve even more coworkers in a space that promotes creativity, encourages productivity, and develops meaningful connections."
If you have any questions about Collider or our work within the community, please contact Amanda Leightner at amanda@collider.mn or call (507) 722-0306.
SWOT Analysis: A Guide to Informed Decision-Making
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, decisions aren't just made; they're strategically crafted. Whether you're an entrepreneur getting your startup off the ground, a seasoned executive navigating market shifts, or a small business owner seeking growth opportunities, the importance of informed decision-making cannot be overstated. At the heart of this strategic prowess lies a simple yet effective tool: the SWOT analysis.
SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis isn't just a fancy acronym; it's a game-changer, offering a structured approach to understanding the factors influencing your business decisions. Whether you're a novice entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, SWOT analysis can transform the way you approach decision-making.
When conducting a SWOT analysis to evaluate internal factors like financial resources, physical resources, human resources, access to natural resources, trademarks, patents, copyrights, and current processes, begin by assessing each factor's strengths and weaknesses. For financial resources, consider factors such as the stability of funding sources, the diversity of income streams, and potential investment opportunities. Evaluate physical resources by analyzing the adequacy of location, the condition of facilities and equipment, and their alignment with business goals. Assess human resources by examining the skills and expertise of employees and volunteers, as well as their alignment with the needs of target audiences. Delve into the accessibility and uniqueness of natural resources and intellectual property, identifying both advantages and limitations. Finally, scrutinize current processes, including employee programs, department hierarchies, and software systems, identifying areas of efficiency and areas for improvement. By analyzing these internal factors, businesses can gain a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, laying a solid foundation for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Next, use SWOT analysis to evaluate external factors influencing your business decisions. Begin by scrutinizing market trends, including new products, technological advancements, and shifts in audience needs, identifying opportunities for growth and potential threats to market relevance. Evaluate economic trends on local, national, and international scales, recognizing opportunities for expansion and vulnerabilities. Assess funding sources such as donations and legislative support, recognizing their strengths in providing financial stability and potential weaknesses in dependence on external factors. Demographics play a pivotal role, offering insights into target audience preferences and market segments, while relationships with suppliers and partners provide strengths in collaboration and weaknesses in dependency. Finally, consider the impact of political, environmental, and economic regulations, recognizing both opportunities for compliance and threats to operational freedom. By looking at these external factors, businesses can develop a stronger understanding of their market position, enabling informed decision-making and strategy development.
Conducting a SWOT analysis offers businesses a holistic view of internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats, empowering informed decision-making by illuminating potential pathways to success while mitigating risks. By leveraging this strategic tool, businesses can navigate the complexities of the market landscape with clarity and confidence, ultimately paving the way for sustainable growth and resilience in an ever-changing business environment.
Q&A with Jessica Olson of Life with Extra Heart
Take a moment to meet Jessica Olson, prior CO.STARTERS graduate and current participant of our first incubator program!
Q: Share a bit about your business and who your target customers are!
A: Life with Extra Heart is inspired by the unique way parents of children with special needs navigate the world, wearing their hearts on their sleeves and fostering deep connections.
Multiple studies have shown that parents of children with special needs experience greatly Increased stress levels, and Life with Extra Heart Is here to support them In meaningful ways.
Future offerings:
Holistic retreats, Including activities such as yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, nature, education
Postpartum support for parents with a new diagnosis
Opportunities for parents/caregivers to pursue their own passions
Monthly parent group
Respite care
Our first mini-retreat is planned for May 11th!
Register here: https://lifewithextraheart.myflodesk.com/cwrkpxict7
Visit @lifewithextraheart on instagram or email jessica@lifewithextraheart.com
Q: What do you hope to get out of the incubator program?
A: I hope to continue to dedicate time to launching other pieces of Life with Extra Heart, and to continue to learn from entrepreneurs before me.
Q: What is your motivation and inspiration for pursuing your business idea?
A: I’ve always been drawn to helping parents, and when my youngest was born with Down syndrome, I knew this would be part of how I wanted to help. With an educational background in mental wellness and as a yoga instructor, I am passionate using my knowledge to help others care for themselves and connect with each other in authentic and sustainable ways.
I want to provide holistic wellness support to parents and caregivers of people with special needs and complex medical needs. We help parents discover and address “root cause” areas instead of bandaid solutions, and have resources to take care of themselves in healthy ways.
Q: Share a little bit about yourself, your background, and your hobbies and interests!
A: I live in Rochester with my husband, Ryan, and our three sons and dog. I’ve worked in a variety of fields, most recently as a school counselor and yoga teacher. I’m currently home with my two youngest boys.
I am currently on a path of more intentional and meaningful living and enjoy music, being outdoors, and connecting with others.
Q: How has being involved in Collider programming and CO.STARTERS been of assistance to you so far in your business journey?
A: CO.STARTERS opened my eyes to what was actually needed to start a successful business. It gave me support and accountability, and I’ve also met some amazing people! I am looking forward to continuing to grow with the incubator program and am grateful for the opportunity.
