The project, which is called Innové—a French word meaning “to have broken new ground”—aims to help initiatives that want to better culture and the human condition “in accordance with Christian gospel values of faith, service, grace, justice, love, redemption and reconciliation,” according to a press release from the church.

“This church has long had a passion for missions, and lately we’ve had a passion to do more,” said Daniel Harrell, senior minister of Colonial Church, via the release. “This isn’t just about writing checks though. We will come alongside these social change entrepreneurs and provide them with coaching, mentoring, skills training and a wide range of human capital resources, from incubation to the launch and hopefully beyond.”

Participants will receive hands-on assistance from mentors, finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and potential investors, and winners will receive initial funding, consulting, business-planning help, a stipend and office space.

The church believes that Christian entrepreneurship “seeks opportunities where services or products may be used to help, heal, restore, redeem or bring hope.”

The grant program is open to residents of the Twin Cities who are 35 years old and younger.


ACTIONPOINT: For more information about Innové and to apply, visit www.innoveproject.org.