FINNOVATION Institute Announces Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for Seventh Fellowship Cohort
New one-on-one consulting feature pairs Fellows with seasoned social entrepreneurs Jacquie Berglund and Erik Halaas
ST. PAUL, Sept. 10 2025 – FINNOVATION Institute today announced that Jacquie Berglund and Erik Halaas will serve as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) for the 2025–2026 FINNOVATION Fellowship program (Cohort 7). As a new program feature, these EIRs will provide one-on-one leadership and business consulting through regular office hours, giving Fellows personalized support from experienced entrepreneurs, enhancing the Fellowship’s robust mentorship model. This addition aligns with the FINNOVATION Fellowship’s mission to support impact-driven entrepreneurs as they launch sustainable, innovative businesses. As seasoned social innovators, Berglund and Halaas bring complementary expertise to the program.
Jacquie Berglund, founder of FINNEGANS Brew Co., FINNOVATION Lab, and FINNOVATION Institute, has over 25 years of experience building ventures that blend profit and purpose. She made FINNEGANS the first beer company in the world to donate 100% of its profits to charity, exemplifying a community-focused approach to business. Berglund also serves as Board Chair of the FINNOVATION Institute and will share her strategic vision and leadership insights with Cohort 7’s aspiring founders.
Erik Halaas is a graduate of the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program whose startup Live On Minnesota was a 2023 MN Cup finalist. His venture aims to establish Minnesota’s first natural organic reduction (“human composting”) facility, expanding end-of-life options in the state. In addition to his social enterprise, Halaas currently serves as Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program Manager at Macalester College. As an EIR, Halaas will mentor Fellows from the perspective of a founder who has recently navigated the program, providing guidance on the ups and downs of early-stage entrepreneurship.
“We’re thrilled to expand our support for Fellows this year with two seasoned entrepreneurs who understand both the risk and reward of building ventures with impact at their core,” said La Juana Whitmore, Contract Program Director of the FINNOVATION Fellowship. “Jacquie and Erik have each built community-driven ventures, and their guidance will be invaluable as our Fellows navigate the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship.”
The FINNOVATION Fellowship, now entering its seventh cohort, remains focused on empowering early-stage social entrepreneurs in Minnesota. The 9-month program offers curriculum, coaching, and capital to help participants develop mission-driven ventures addressing local and global challenges. With the introduction of entrepreneurs-in-residence, Cohort 7 Fellows will benefit from an extra layer of coaching and leadership development, further distinguishing the Fellowship as a launchpad for sustainable impact businesses.
The FINNOVATION Fellowship Program is made possible through the generous support of the Bush Foundation.
###
About FINNOVATION Institute
FINNOVATION Institute is an inclusive community inspiring social change, growth, innovation, and experimentation. FINNOVATION Institute empowers social entrepreneurs to make a positive change in the world through the power of business. For more information, visit https://finnovationinstitute.org.