Develop DL

Aerial photos courtesy of Brian Merritt • Minuteman Mortgage

Connecting people, ideas, & resources

Becoming a better, stronger, and more vibrant community

Founded on the belief that Detroit Lakes hasn’t reached its full potential, we believe that connecting people, ideas, and resources, we can become a better, stronger, and more vibrant year-round community. Our goal is to help Detroit Lakes become the best place to visit, live, work, start a business, raise a family.

Project 412 white text logo
Start up, Develop & Grow

Our Focus

Jonah Hauser of Hauser Honey and Jonathan Melgaard listening during the • Develop DL • Start Up Series
Jonah Hauser of Hauser Honey and Jonathan Melgaard listening during the • Develop DL • Start Up Series
Project 412 presents Deep Dive DL Entrepreneurship Series

Nurturing New & Existing Businesses

Detroit Lakes is home to many wonderful businesses. As a tourist destination, DL is primed for additional new businesses that cater to visitors and locals alike.

From unique restaurants and retail shops to food trucks, rock climbing gyms, and art galleries, there are so many opportunities to create businesses that give our community character.

We can create an environment that supports our current businesses and encourages entrepreneurs to start-up businesses that will make Detroit Lakes even more unique and memorable.

Entrepreneurial Programming

Project 412 has engaged with community builders from this region and beyond to learn how they’ve supported entrepreneurship in their communities. Project 412 aims to bring these best practices back to Detroit Lakes and put them to work to encourage start-ups.

Connecting People & Resources

Project 412 wants to be the connector that helps entrepreneurs and creatives bring their ideas to reality. We will not be able  to fund every project, but we can mentor and connect creators to people that can help bring their ideas to life. Project 412 will also strengthen our connections to Fargo-Moorhead to create a more vibrant region.

Approach & Values

With community connection as the overarching goal, Project 412’s work will be guided by the following values.

Click each box to read more!

Imagine

Let's Dream
BIG!

Imagine

Let’s think beyond what currently exists in our region and dare to dream of what could be.

Encourage

Support & Celebrate

Encourage

We support and celebrate others who are creating community in different ways.

Inspire

Create & Show Potential

Inspire

Create examples that show potential and demonstrate commitment to community.

Involve

Partner with Supporters

Involve

Partner with like-minded people who want to strengthen our community.

Respect

DL has a Great History!

Respect

We want to honor those who came before us and those currently doing amazing things and build on their legacies for this beautiful community.

Imagine

Let's Dream
BIG!

Imagine

Let’s think beyond what currently exists in our region and dare to dream of what could be.

Encourage

Support & Celebrate

Encourage

We support and celebrate others who are creating community in different ways.

Inspire

Create & Show Potential

Inspire

Create examples that show potential and demonstrate commitment to community.

Involve

Partner with Supporters

Involve

Partner with like-minded people who want to strengthen our community.

Respect

DL has a Great History!

Respect

We want to honor those who came before us and those currently doing amazing things and build on their legacies for this beautiful community.

Our Ecosystem Builder

Sarah Hofmann, Ecosystem Builder

Sarah Hofmann

Project 412 Ecosystem Builder
Do you have a business idea or exciting project you want to bring to life?

Dedicated to helping the Detroit Lakes community turn their ideas into reality, Sarah Hofmann has come on board as our Ecosystem Builder.

A longtime resident of Detroit Lakes, she brings years of experience in marketing, education, and strategic development to the Ecosystem Builder position. Sarah is ready to help get your vision off the ground. 
 
She can help you start, grow, and scale your business by providing coaching and connecting you with the right resources.
 
Ready to Get Started?