A Fargo-Moorhead area task force has been created to help prepare and encourage students to become future entrepreneurs.
Tony Grindberg, executive director of the NDSU Research and Technology Park, announced Thursday the launch of the regional Youth Entrepreneurship Task Force.
The task force will consist of area educators, business leaders and entrepreneurs, many of whom have spent several months discussing how to create more entrepreneurship in the region, said Grindberg.
One of the group's roles will be to "brainstorm and dream about what we could do to enhance further opportunities for kids to embrace this whole notion of entrepreneurship," he said.
Paul Tefft, a retired West Fargo teacher, will lead the task force. A key focus will be providing expanded learning opportunities for area students.
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"We need to have programs available to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit," said Tefft.
Tim Flakoll, who is the provost of Tri-College University, a collaborative among North Dakota State University, Concordia College and Minnesota State University-Moorhead, likened the initiative to seed-planting efforts he witnessed growing up on a North Dakota farm.
"We need to provide a fertile seed bed where young minds can have the ability to grow and thrive in an entrepreneurial setting," Flakol said.
The success of the local economy is the result of previous entrepreneurship, said Roger Reierson, president and CEO of Fargo's Flint Communications Inc.
"This is an exciting way to take a look at our future, take control of it, be part of it and help us grow as we go," he said.
The task force plans to start meeting in January, empanel focus groups, report back in June and begin implementing initiatives when school begins in the fall, Grindberg said.
Readers can reach Forum Business Editor Craig McEwen at (701) 241-5502
