News
Starting Smart: Key Investments for New Fergus Falls Business Owners
Launching a business in Fergus Falls is more than setting up shop—it’s planting the seeds for community connection and long-term resilience. Whether you’re opening a café downtown or building a local services brand, early investments made today will determine your momentum tomorrow.TL;DR Invest early in accounting, branding, and local networking. Secure digital systems for contracts, marketing, and online sales. Plan for visibility—offline and online—to build trust and traffic. Lean into
Four-Way Stop Pilot Program Project Downtown Fergus Falls
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release For more information, please contact Lynne Olson at 218-332-5404 FOUR-WAY STOP PILOT PROJECT DOWNTOWN FERGUS FALLS The City of Fergus Falls is launching a 4-way stop pilot project in downtown Fergus Falls. From November 1 through December 1, 2025, the traffic signals at the intersections of Lincoln Ave & Mill St and Lincoln Ave & Court St will operate in flashing red mode, functioning as four-way stops. This temporary change will demonstrate how a four-way stop
News Release: 10/23/2025
LEGALIZATION TIMELINEBeing hometown - homegrown boys of Fergus Falls, we are incredibly thrilled to announce that Elevate has officially secured its retail registration with the City! We greatly appreciate the ability to serve our community and view this monumental step as the start of our final transition to Full Recreational Sales. We know you are excited to see our doors open for adult-use retail. While we are currently in the final stages of preparing our facility and operations, we project that we are
Essential Legal Steps for Entrepreneurs to Launch a Business (and Avoid Early Pitfalls)
Starting your first business is an exciting transition, but it comes with legal responsibilities that can shape your future success. From choosing the right entity to protecting yourself with contracts, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Step 1: Register Your Business Entity The first major step is deciding how your company will be structured. Common options include: Sole proprietorship – simplest form, but offers no liability protection. Limited Liability Company (LLC) – shields
Stop the Scroll On the Sidewalk
A storefront isn’t just a physical barrier between inside and out—it’s a psychological gateway. When someone walks by your business, they’re scanning for reasons to stop, peek in, and maybe cross the threshold. And in a world flooded with distractions, you have about five seconds to make that happen. The right storefront display doesn’t just decorate—it persuades. It speaks to curiosity, rhythm, season, even nostalgia. This isn’t about expensive fixtures or flashy tech. It’s about intention, attention,
Going Global: Smart Moves for SMBs Expanding Internationally
Expanding your small or medium-sized business into global markets isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about reshaping how you operate, communicate, and deliver value. You’re no longer serving just one type of customer or cultural context. Each move introduces new risks and opportunities, from regulations and logistics to customer expectations and brand messaging. The good news? With the right structure, global expansion is entirely within reach. Here's how to approach it with clarity and control. Research
Global Freelance Team Success: Key Strategies for Unity and Productivity
In the dynamic world of business, assembling a global team of freelancers is a strategic pivot toward innovation and flexibility. The diverse talents from various corners of the world bring a wealth of perspectives and skills. However, the real challenge lies in smoothly integrating these individuals into a cohesive, productive, and happy team. This article discusses a few best practices for cultivating such a team, highlighting effective strategies for a harmonious, efficient, and successful global