We invite you to join us in our Season of Dreams campaign, a special opportunity to ensure these entrepreneurial journeys continue. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower women entrepreneurs and small business owners to build thriving businesses, achieve economic independence, and create lasting impact—a mission that’s more critical than ever.
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible entrepreneurs we’ve had the privilege to support—dreamers and doers building businesses that strengthen our community. As the only women-focused CDFI in Minnesota and the only WBC in the Twin Cities, we are uniquely positioned to provide the guidance, resources, and capital women entrepreneurs need to thrive.
Dream Big. Shop Small. Support Local.
Explore the 2025 WomenVenture Holiday Shopping Guide—where our clients’ big dreams turn into big achievements! Discover unique gifts and exclusive deals from incredible entrepreneurs across Minnesota, available online and in-person all season long.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Tiffany Calderon, XO’Xocolati
After a 25-year corporate career—mostly in corporate philanthropy—Tiffany made a sweet change in 2020, leaving corporate America to follow her passion for chocolate and open Xo’Xocolati. Since then, Tiffany has been on a mission to spread joy through handcrafted chocolate bonbons. She mills the chocolate and transforms it into a kaleidoscope of globally inspired chocolate bonbon flavors with art in every bite.
A proud graduate of WomenVenture’s Launched & Growing course, Tiffany obtained her Wholesale Retailer License—enabling her to expand into markets, boutiques, and grocery stores—and received a $5,000 grant to invest in supplies, branding, and professional development. She is thriving in her chocolate paradise and aims to build direct relationships with ingredient farmers, focusing on local growers and cacao from Peru and Mexico.
“I am grateful to the WomenVenture team for helping me grow my business acumen and close the knowledge gaps I had in running my own business. The support they provide has moved my company forward in more ways than I can count. As my company grows, I look forward to giving back to WomenVenture and the new entrepreneurs being lifted by their programming.”
This Season of Dreams, your support helps entrepreneurs like Tiffany grow their businesses, achieve their goals, and turn their passion into lasting impact.
Cynthia “CJ” Arnold, 1 Earth United
Small Business Essentials helped women like Cynthia “CJ” Arnold launch her business with clarity and purpose.
CJ built her business from a deep desire to build connections and elevate voices—uplifting Indigenous communities through art, fashion, and economic development. Her company, 1 Earth United, connects Indigenous creators to global markets and fosters meaningful cultural exchange.
CJ’s transformative journey accelerated through her experience in WomenVenture’s Small Business Essentials course.
“WomenVenture opened our eyes to the bigger picture and broadened our ability to look at things more strategically,” she shares.
The course not only helped CJ refine her vision—it connected her with mentors and a community of entrepreneurs who believed in her mission and fueled her momentum.
This Season of Dreams, your support helps entrepreneurs like CJ grow their businesses, achieve their goals, and turn their passion into lasting impact.
Jodi Gruhn, Borealle
Transforming the way we think about sustainable eating, Jodi Gruhn shows that plant-based living is an adventure in abundance. As the founder of Borealle in Hennepin County, Jodi is one of those bold dreamers turning vision into impact. Through our Launched and Growing course, Jodi gained the structure and confidence to build a solid plan for growth.
“It allowed me to re-evaluate my focus and set me on a new path—a path towards revenue to subsidize work that improves human and planetary health.”
This Season of Dreams, your support helps entrepreneurs like Jodi grow their businesses, achieve their goals, and turn their passion into lasting impact.
Emma Boyum & KJ Elaine, Hum Yoga & Barre
This Season of Dreams, we’re celebrating entrepreneurs who are building businesses rooted in wellness, inclusion, and community. Emma and KJ, co-founders of HUM Yoga & Barre, are doing just that—creating a welcoming space in Northeast Minneapolis where people of all backgrounds and abilities can move, grow, and connect.
With a shared passion for yoga, movement, and social impact, Emma and KJ took WomenVenture’s Getting Ready and Small Business Essentials courses to build a strong foundation for their studio.
Their story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when connection meets community.
Your gift to our Season of Dreams campaign by December 31 helps more women and underrepresented entrepreneurs access the resources they need to launch and grow their businesses.
““These courses gave us the confidence to believe in the viability of our business and helped us secure an SBA loan with a local bank to open our yoga and barre studio.””
This Season of Dreams, your support helps entrepreneurs like Emma and KJ grow their businesses, achieve their goals, and turn their passion into lasting impact.
Tyra Payer, CanIHaveSome
One inspiring example is Tyra Payer, owner and operator of CanIHaveSome, a Native- and Queer-owned food canning and preservation business co-founded with their partner, Paige. Rooted in community, shared knowledge, and food sovereignty, CanIHaveSome is driven by a commitment to create meaningful impact through food.
While preparing to launch during their first research year, Tyra discovered WomenVenture at an entrepreneurship expo hosted by Hennepin County. That connection led them to enroll in WomenVenture’s Small Business Essentials and Launched & Growing courses— programs that equipped Tyra with the tools, confidence, and support to move their vision from concept to reality.
“It’s a springboard for us to be like—alright, we’re here; we’re doing it.” — Tyra Payer, WomenVenture Client
From farm-to-table startups to community-focused food businesses, WomenVenture provides tailored training, mentorship, and access to capital that helps women turn their passion into purpose.
This Season of Dreams, your support helps entrepreneurs like Tyra grow their businesses, achieve their goals, and turn their passion into lasting impact.
Ajeet & Manoj, Himalko Tea
Ajeet and Manoj Yadov founded Himalko Tea—a Minnesota-based company bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Himalayan tea to the U.S.
After arriving in Minnesota in 2018 from Nepal, Ajeet and Manoj pursued their dream of sharing their heritage through Himalko Tea. With support from WomenVenture’s food and agriculture specialist, they gained additional tools, resources, and confidence to grow their business.
“WomenVenture has been instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey,” Manoj (pictured) shares. “They provided valuable guidance, resources, and a supportive network that helped me turn Himalko Tea into a thriving business.”
This Season of Dreams, your support helps entrepreneurs like Ajeet and Manoj grow their businesses, achieve their goals, and turn their passion into lasting impact.
Preterra & Delani Altus, Orb Weaver Preschool
Preterra and Delani Altus turned their vision of a nurturing, creative space for families into Orb Weaver Preschool, a Waldorf-inspired program rooted in nature and connection.
With support from WomenVenture—including training, resources, and a grant for playground equipment—they brought their dream to life.
“WomenVenture has been absolutely incredible and integral to our visions for the program being fully brought to life,” they shared.
This Season of Dreams, your support helps entrepreneurs like Preterra and Delani grow their businesses, achieve their goals, and turn their passion into lasting impact.
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact as Women’s Business Center
STANDING WITH WOMEN Thousands of women supported on their path to economic independence.
FUELING GROWTH $25+ MILLION in affordable capital deployed—sparking new businesses, local jobs, and community vitality.
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES Thousands of businesses launched and grown across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
