Although Naturally Minnesota joined the Naturally Network in the fall of 2022, the origins of the organization are from 2017. At that time the organization was known as Grow North, and it launched in 2017 as the first dedicated industry-specific initiative of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, with a grant from General Mills. The Holmes Center sits at the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota, and Naturally Minnesota remains affiliated with the University to this day.

Grow North was driven by the passion of community leaders to make Minnesota a globally recognized leader in food and agriculture. Minnesota has more expertise and resources in food and agriculture than almost anywhere in the world, yet its ecosystem and reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship did not match its peer set. The goals of the organization included:

• Cultivating innovative entrepreneurs that will create businesses and opportunities that will elevate Minnesota as well as positively impact our food system

• Catalyze the community to maximize its opportunity

• Increase global visibility of the cluster.

This was done through four strategic areas including education, promotion, accessibility, and connection.

As the Naturally Network grew and the alignment in mission and actions was increasingly evident, leadership at Grow North determined the time was right to join the Network as their 9th chapter, and further elevate and connect the Minnesota ecosystem on a national scale. We are thrilled to be a part of the Naturally Newtork, bringing deep CPG and Agricultural expertise to the table, and sharing our resources, knowledge, and connections with the industry.