In small towns, entrepreneurs play a critical role in propelling communities forward by deploying reimagined business models and breathing new life into community anchors. This field trip offers a firsthand look at the momentum building across Benson, from its main street to its industrial corridors. The event is ideal for civic leaders, economic development professionals, and business owners interested in fostering collaborative approaches to strengthening local economies.

Highlights include:

• The Benson Community Center: Explore the newly renovated former armory, recently reactivated as a multipurpose community center.
• Entrepreneurial Panel: Hear from local business owners who have launched or expanded brick-and-mortar storefronts, including Go Set Ready (coffee roaster), Alma and Mae (gifts/decor shop), and The Box - Studio 24 (fitness gym).
• Site Visits: Tour Mini Sota, a former pharmacy reimagined as a children’s museum, and Abundant Ag, an innovative firm showcasing industrial entrepreneurship.
• Connection & Inspiration: Learn from peers building entrepreneurial communities and gain inspiration to take back to your own town.

This event is held in partnership with the City of Benson and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA).

Date, time, and location

April 16, 2026
9:00am - 3:00pm

Benson Community Center
203 14th St S
Benson, MN 56215

Fees

$25 per person. Lunch is included with your registration.
Please register by Monday, April 13th, 2026. 
No refunds for cancellation requests received after registration closes.

Program questions

Fernando Quijano
fquijano@umn.edu
218-236-2001

Registration help

ext-reg@umn.edu

Please start your registration by either logging in or signing in as a new user below. If you are registering someone other than yourself or if you wish to register multiple people, you must select "I would like to register myself and/or other people."

If you have difficulty logging into an existing account, please contact the University of Minnesota IT Help Line at 612-301-4357. Be sure to mention that you are using a "guest account" to register for a non-credit event.

To register by phone

Paying online using our registration portal is secure, available 24 hours a day, and provides immediate enrollment. However, if you wish to register by phone, Extension registration professionals are here to help. Please contact us using one of the following methods. We will be in touch within three business days.

• Request registration by phone: z.umn.edu/registrationhelp (preferred)
• or call the voicemail line to leave a message at (612) 626-5174