2023-2028 Strategic Framework

West Central Initiative Strategic Framework 2023 - 2028

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Bold vision merits even bolder action.

Since West Central Initiative’s founding in 1986, we’ve been a strategic partner to small business owners seeking to launch or expand, local leaders wanting to raise money to fill needs in their communities, aspiring changemakers simply seeking collaborators to help bring an idea to life, and more. During those three decades, we’ve witnessed the power of bold vision—and recognize bold vision is only as powerful as the bold action that follows.

For us, that bold vision is that a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable world starts here in west central Minnesota.

We envision a future where all people feel welcome, appreciated for their unique attributes, and connected to their neighbors, communities, and natural environments. Where our regional economy sparks the imagination of entrepreneurs and bolsters vibrant, prosperous, and growing communities. Where our planet is respected, sustained, and recognized as paramount to our existence.

To get there, we need even bolder action. This strategic framework is our guide.

Our Mission

Serving to improve west central Minnesota through funding, programs, and technical assistance.

Our Vision

A vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable world starts here in west central Minnesota.

Our Values

Neighborliness arises out of a strong belief that our interconnectedness is crucial to our long-term viability.

Town to town, county to county, organization to organization, and certainly person to person, the fabric of our region depends on cooperation, appreciation, openness, and generosity.

Generosity is a dimension of neighborliness, but it flies higher over the region because it speaks to a willingness to embrace a common good that we only can achieve through collective action, through everyone giving of their time, talent, and treasure.

Empowerment in our current context is directed both internally and externally. We encourage both our staff and our fellow citizens to be a part of bold action in our region, and to develop and use power to a good end.

Trend-testing is a dimension of that bold action. We learn from one another while we work together to solve problems. We embrace risk and learn from our mistakes, always.

Our Approach

IO R IT P R AT E G IC IE S ST R

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Our Strategic Priorities of people, planet, and prosperity recognize the interconnection between all three to ensure an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant future for all who call west central Minnesota home.

Regional Community and Economic Development Cornerstones are four pillars that our region and communities need to be strong, resilient, and prosperous for generations. Tied to these pillars is the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, a blueprint for cross-sector collaboration, that outlines specific needs, goals, and strategies for our region’s community and economic development work over a five-year period.

Global Sustainable Development Goals are based on the premise that a healthy, sustainable planet is one where all people belong and can live together in peace and prosperity. The interrelated goals are an urgent call for action by all countries—with an upcoming deadline of 2030. An important principle of the goals is to ensure that “no one will be left behind.”

People

We strive for equity for all people. We tie our strategic framework to the Sustainable Development Goals for that reason. The underlying principle of the global goals is to “leave no one behind.” As an acknowledgment of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we apply this lens to everything we do.

Planet

We lead in thought and in action to sustain our planet. We promote new strategies that increase environmental sustainability and resiliency, honor our unique geographic assets, and ensure our children have the natural environments they need to grow and thrive. We cultivate a greater sense of possibility and confidence in what we can do together, building capacity inside our organization and across our region to protect our environment. With our planet in mind, we encourage everyone to seize opportunities, try new things, and learn from all we do to ensure our one common asset, Earth, is protected for future generations.

Prosperity

We strengthen regional economic prosperity. We’re passionately committed to unleashing the full, dynamic potential of west central Minnesota, in large part by investing in its economic development. By fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business, we further the well-being of our regional economy. Through our affiliate funds, we partner with communities to bring their ideas to life and make our towns bustling, vibrant, and prosperous. Our work is tailored to regional needs and rooted in the belief that a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable world starts here in west central Minnesota.