In November, an informal gathering of home-based business is planned. The one-day event is expected to include roundtable discussion and networking. Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation's (BLAEDC) Executive Initiative, or EXECs, experienced business executives, will be there.
"I think it will be very worthwhile for these folks, I know in my own experience you can think you are out there alone," said John Gunstad.
Gunstad is a former BLAEDC economic development specialist, who works with the EXECs and has a home-based business.
"To really be successful you really have to be passionate about what you are doing," Gunstad said, adding it helps to be business savvy and there are a lot of helpful resources. Financing is important, but Gunstad noted a lot of home-based businesses start on a shoestring and expenses are low.
Gunstad said he knew a guy who loved taking old golf clubs and regripping them. The gentleman started a good business doing that. It grew to bring in more business than he could handle. Gunstad said he didn't realized there were more than 5,000 home-based businesses in Crow Wing County alone.
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"If we help them grow that's great," Gunstad said of the fall event, adding that home-based business could grow into a major employer one day. "That would be wonderful."
