For more information contact:
Mike Finger, Executive Director
715-544-7457
Innovation Foundation Announces Major Donation
Mischa Redmond, prominent Minnesota entrepreneur and River Falls resident has pledged $90,000 to the Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin (IFWW). This commitment is not a surprise when you consider Mischa’s background and the Innovation Foundation’s mission.
Mischa started out selling door-to-door, worked his way up the corporate ladder and is now the owner of The Redmond Group which currently houses four of his ventures–the Redwoods Company (small business consulting), Auto Vault (a premier indoor storage and airport service facility in Eagan), Idealcarmatch.com and Sales Mark (a sales training organization).
“Being an entrepreneur is hard, but incredibly rewarding. However, it’s only through incredibly hard work and tenacity that a business owner is going to succeed.” Mischa believes this success is critical, not only to the entrepreneur, but to the entire community. “Successful businesses are the key to creating the resources we need to solve the problems in our community. They create the jobs and financial resources that drive all our other efforts.”
Mischa’s belief about the key role of successful businesses, combined with his commitment to give back to the community, resulted in his gift to the Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin. “The IFWW was exactly the kind of investment I was looking to make,” said Mischa. “Putting that donation to work with an organization that helps businesses grow creates an exponential return for Western Wisconsin.”
The IFWW, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, helps start-up and growth companies by providing access to expertise. “We’re talking real world talent” said Mike Finger, the IFWW’s Executive Director, “we match an entrepreneur up with someone who has successfully dealt with exactly the issue the business owner is facing. We believe proven talent is the ultimate business growth accelerator.”
While the IFWW promotes business growth and innovation through access to talent, it also helps pay for that talent. Grant funds are provided to cover program costs, but clients are required to “pay forward” at least 50% of the project costs to similar outcomes for other businesses in the region. The capital the IFWW provides makes the often difficult decision to grow possible for the business owner.
Like other nonprofits, the IFWW depends on donations to support its mission. “Mischa’s generous contribution will be used to fund several projects with start-up and growth companies,” says Finger. “There are many people who say they believe that successful businesses benefit a community, but Mischa truly showed his level of commitment to that idea. We have projects waiting for funding and would welcome others to follow Mischa’s lead.”
“It’s always going to be challenging to be an entrepreneur,” says Mischa, “but our entire region benefits when we work together to make it a little easier.” To learn more about the Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin please contact Mike Finger and mfinger@ifww.org, or visit the IFWW’s website at: www.ifww.org or on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/groups/GroWIng-Space.
