Discovery Module in Review
|
|
The Discovery Module is where big ideas get tested, stretched, and sharpened. Over the last few weeks, our Fellows and alumni have been doing what they do best: listening, learning, and building ventures that center impact, not just growth.
In case you missed it, here is a look at what's been happening around the FINNOVATION Fellowship.
|
|
FINNOVATION Founders' Stories
|
|
|
Do I Have What It Takes? A Lesson From Farm Aid 40
Cohort 7 Fellow and founder of Taiga Farm & Seed, Caroline Hegstrom, took us behind the scenes of Farm Aid 40, where a missed radio interview became an unexpected mirror for what it means to be a founder.
In “Do I Have What It Takes? A Founder’s Lesson at Farm Aid 40,” Caroline wrestles with opportunity, safety, and the pressure to “always say yes,” while landing on a new framework: Faith, Family, Farm, Founder.
|
|
Leading With Both Head and Heart
Cohort 7 Fellow, Dr. Sheila Sweeney shares how the Discovery Module challenged her to look at the “saboteurs” that show up in both her life and her company, and to find antidotes that honor rest, empathy, and presence alongside strategy.
In “Balancing Head and Heart in Social Entrepreneurship,” Sheila offers a powerful reminder that social impact work is as much about how we lead as what we build.
|
|
New One-on-One Support: Entrepreneurs in Residence
|
|
|
|
The Fellowship now includes Entrepreneurs in Residence, pairing Cohort 7 founders with seasoned social entrepreneurs Jacquie Berglund and Erik Halaas for one-on-one consulting and office hours.
These EIRs bring decades of experience in building impact-driven ventures and will continue to walk alongside Fellows as they navigate the realities of early-stage entrepreneurship.
Learn more about our EIRs in this feature:
https://finnovationinstitute.org/blog-and-news/finnovation-institute-announces-entrepreneurs-in-residence-for-seventh-fellowship-cohort
|
|
What We Learn:
Business Model Generation
Inside the Discovery Module, Fellows are not just testing ideas, they are building the skills to reinvent business models over time. One of the core books on our reading list this year is Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur, a handbook that Fellows use to map, challenge, and redesign the way their ventures create and capture value.
|
|
|
Where We Gather:
The Coven & Flava Café... Community in Motion
This year’s Fellowship is hosted at The Coven St. Paul, a mission driven co-working and community space rooted in equity, abundance, and belonging. From neon pink floors to local art and parent and prayer rooms, it gives Fellows a daily reminder that inclusive design is a business decision, not a nice to have.
We also brought current and alumni Fellows together at Flava Café in St. Paul for an open house style Alumni Mixer, hosted by FINN alum and café owner Shaunie Grigsby. It was an evening of reconnection, new collaborations, and “oh wait, you should meet…” moments that only happen when founders share space.
|
|
Alumni In Action:
The Price Dynamic Expands To Serve Youth
 Our alumni community continues to grow and evolve! Recently, former Fellow Alysha Price, founder of The Price Dynamic, announced a new youth division focused on supporting families and helping young people ages 10 to 17 stay well, safe, and supported.
The Price Dynamic is hiring for: Program Manager | Youth Specialist | Parent Specialist
If you or someone you know is passionate about youth and family wellbeing, inquiries can be sent to HR@thepricedynamic.com.
|
|
|
|
Stay Connected!
While the Discovery Module is ending soon, the Fellows module will begin in January 2026!
To follow our progress and receive future updates:
- Visit our website
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Share this newsletter with someone who cares about social entrepreneurship in Minnesota and beyond!
If you are curious about the FINNOVATION Fellowship for a future year, you can learn more about the program and upcoming application cycles by keeping an eye on our website here: https://finnovationinstitute.org/fellowship
|
|
|
The FINNOVATION Fellowship program is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation, whose mission is to invest in great ideas and the people who power them.
|
|
|
|
|
