PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2024

Reuse Minnesota develops training and releases handbook for resale business entrepreneurs

TWIN CITIES, MN, April 9, 2024: In a recent initiative, Reuse Minnesota hosted a cohort of 25 resale entrepreneurs for a specialized training to guide them through launching or expanding a resale enterprise. The training was made possible through a grant from the State of Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Reuse Minnesota hired Cat Polivoda to share her knowledge and experience gained as the owner of Cake Plus-Size Resale and create the training and complementary handbook to help others grow in the resale space. The handbook, which is now available for download from Reuse Minnesota, offers fundamental business insights from a resale perspective and caters to individuals interested in the resale market, specifically those with a focus on selling secondhand and refurbished goods.

Participants of the training had the opportunity to engage with a panel of resale business experts, participate in group discussions, and work through reflection prompts provided in the handbook.

“The resale business development training by Reuse Minnesota was a wonderful experience! I hope this training program continues - it provided a lot of valuable information and connections for resale entrepreneurs,” said one training participant.

"The material and the instructor were very engaging! I'm also grateful that the workshop gave me an opportunity to meet potential partners and colleagues in the resale industry," remarked another participant.

The creation of the training program is part of a broader effort to enhance professional development opportunities and promote the reuse economy in Minnesota. The reuse industry generates significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. A 2022 impact study revealed that the reuse sector in Minnesota not only supports 45,000 jobs but also generates approximately $4 billion in annual revenue.

Reuse Minnesota, founded in 2012, is a member-based nonprofit organization that champions a vibrant network of repair, resale, and rental businesses, as well as government entities working to expand reuse in Minnesota. The organization aims to reduce the state’s environmental impact by promoting reuse through education, advocacy, and promotion. For further information, visit Reuse Minnesota.

Contact:
Carolyn Wieland, Communications Assistant
612-314-6283 | carolynwieland@reusemn.org