Team Members
Meet our NoW Innovators Network Navigators! This team of seasoned business professionals has teamed up to help you find the resources you need to advance your business idea.
Brian Huch
NoW Innovators Network Navigator
Brian is the Director of the LaunchPad Business Incubator. A leader in identifying finance solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs, Brian works tirelessly to support great ideas and create opportunities for success.
“I am excited to be a part of the NoW Network, whick now provides entrepreneurs even more resources and expertise to tap into.”
Mary Thompson
NoW Innovators Network Navigator
Mary is the Executive Director of Heartland Lakes Development Commission. She works with a variety of organizations to develop innovative approaches to respond to the various concerns entrepreneurs encounter. Mary is also a SCORE mentor and serves as a NoW Innovators Network Navigator for Hubbard County.
“Being part of the network is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect to resources they need and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Sharon James
NoW Innovators Network Navigator
Sharon is Executive Director of 4 Directions Development. She has more than 30 years in business development and brings a diverse background in a wide variety of industries to share with new and existing entrepreneurs. She has been serving the Red Lake Nation since 2012.
Justin Kaney
NoW Innovators Network Navigator
As an Entrepreneur Navigator, Justin draws from his experience as a co-founder of Bemidji Brewing, and from working in product development to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in demystifying the steps to take an idea from concept to viable project to enterprise.
“There are many challenges that face an entrepreneur and NoW Innovators is a fantastic opportunity to remove unnecessary barriers through mentorship, network connection and resources.”
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Michelle Landsverk
NoW Innovators Network Navigator
Michelle is President of Landsverk and Associates and serves as a NoW Innovators Network Navigator for the communities of Fosston and Thief River Falls. She is also a resource on angel investment for the entire Network.
“I love being part of the Network because, together, we can bring so much more expertise and resources to the entrepreneurs we serve.”
Kelly La Venture
NoW Innovators Network Navigator
Kelly is Director of Marketing Assistance and Research Solutions (MARS) for Bemidji State University. MARS provides entrepreneurs valuable information about feasibility, industry trends, competition, and consumers, to help inform decision-making.
“In the long run data-based decision making is important to spot market opportunities and reduce vulnerability. The NoW Network can provide support and help you stay ahead of the curve in this increasingly data-driven world.”
Contact Info
NoW Innovators Network is led by Greater Bemidji. Contact us for more information on the network and available resources.
102 1st St W
Bemidji, MN 56601
LaunchPad@GreaterBemidji.com