FINNOVATION Institute and Conscious Capitalism

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Cohort 6 participants

A Discussion with Connie Rutledge, Executive Director

Connie RutledgeFINNEGANS Brew Co. is the first beer company in the world to donate 100% of profits to fund fresh produce for those in need. FINNEGAN’s founder, Jacquie Berglund, also founded the FINNOVATION Lab (now FINNOVATION Institute) in 2017, a social business incubator and venture services company. We talked to Connie Rutledge, Executive Director at FINNOVATION Institute, about success stories from the Institute’s cohorts, conscious capitalism and what other innovative projects are in the works. You can get involved too – keep reading and supporting local businesses that back innovation and what’s best for all community members.

Q:  Can you share more details about Jacquie Berglund’s "potential of conscious companies" idea?

A:  Conscious capitalism is a global movement, and Jacquie is a rambunctious advocate in Minneapolis. Jacquie has been a social entrepreneur for over 20 years and is dedicated to helping others use business for the common good. Conscious capitalism is the idea that we can balance the needs of various stakeholders and still build profitable, thriving businesses. It's a mindful strategy to consider what's best for the environment, workers, and neighbors while making products or delivering services instead of only trying to maximize profit through the exploitation of resources. We all do better when we all do better.

Q:  FINNOVATION Institute has sponsored six cohorts. Can you tell us success stories from the program?

Junita Flowers of Junita's JarA:  We are really proud of all of our founders, so it is hard to highlight just a few! But I'll try to illustrate the breadth of ideas that our founders have and the various types of impact they are having in our communities.

From the first cohort, our most mature company is Junita's Jar. Junita Flowers started Junita's Jar with a mission to end relationship violence, and has become a well-known advocate and speaker - with cookies now being sold nationally in all Target locations. 

Alysha Price, CEO of The Price Dynamic, has become a thought leader in successful co-parenting and has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of families in the Twin Cities.

Marlee James, who founded Reviving Roots to elevate the mental health services available to Black people and to attract more Black therapists to our region; and Hilary Otey will be opening up Queermunity in Uptown Minneapolis this year - the first Queer community center in the Twin Cities!

The list of success stories goes on and on - our Fellows are working hard to preserve and advance the culture and languages of Hmong, Somali, and Native American communities, as well as equipping often overlooked communities with the tools and services they need to thrive.

Some of our newest Fellows are launching businesses this year to advance natural organic reduction (a greener alternative to cremation), to help ADHD college students stay on track, to center the Asian American experience in board games, to improve outcomes for BIPOC farmers, to connect Spanish speakers to resources in their local communities, to engage East African immigrants in both their heritage culture and American culture, to create emotionally intelligent workplaces where a diverse workforce can grow, and to bring the healing powers of sound and nature to those struggling with neurological disorders or poor mental health.

Q:  Has your organization inspired other companies to collaborate with FINNOVATION Institute to come up with their own programs? Can you share any details about their program objectives and history?

A:  We have collaborated with many other parts of our entrepreneurial ecosystem over the years. The Initiative Foundation in greater Minnesota has a program similar to ours for social entrepreneurs, and we have shared ideas and insights over the years. We've also collaborated with ILT Academy to offer early-stage entrepreneurs a way to prepare to apply for the Fellowship program, and we've also consulted with other organizations about fellowship programs they were launching.

Q:  What would you like Mill City Times readers to know about FINNOVATION Lab, and how may they support this initiative?

A:  There is so much good work happening in our city and so many social entrepreneurs to support. The best support they can give is to become customers and advocates for these young companies. Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram), and let us connect you to the cool things happening in the world of entrepreneurship and social impact. 

Our alumni are making a difference in Minneapolis, whether it's providing tools for your child with sensory issues or reducing gun violence by empowering young people to handle conflict constructively. There is power in choosing a new way of doing business, but it is realized through customers willing to use their spending power to nurture and promote innovation and local businesses.