In‑Person Problem Lab: Using Continuous Improvement to Navigate Uncertainty

Bring an issue your organization is facing, and leave with clearer options and practical next steps you can act on immediately!  

This training is a facilitated problem-solving lab where participants bring a current organizational challenge and work through it in real time. Using practical continuous improvement tools, peer insight, and guided reflection, they leave with clearer options, a low-risk next step, and a defined path forward they can act on immediately. 

Who is this training for?

• Leaders, directors, program managers, operations/admin staff, and small teams who need practical help now - especially in environments where staffing, continuity, or demand volatility are real pressures. 

Each participant leaves with: 

• A refined problem statement 
• A documented next step or test 
• A small peer network for follow‑up and learning 

More information:

• Date/Time: July 16th, 2026 - 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Initiative Foundation, 405 1st St SE, Little Falls, MN 56345
• Cost: $35 for in-region, $110 for out of region. 

Catered lunch provided!

Presenter: Michael Garner of Performance Excellence Network

This training is offered in partnership with Sourcewell. 

Also check out day two of Continuous Improvement Training: Deepening the Work through Continuous Improvement: Strengthening Systems When Capacity is Thin offered on August 6 (and link to that training, please). 

The Initiative Foundation’s Nonprofit Academy trainings are part of the Foundation’s mission to serve the people of Central Minnesota. Organizations located outside our 14-county and two Native nation service area are welcome to register at the out-of-region rate. 

Cancellation policy: Cancellations requested with more than 72 hours' notice before the start date will receive a refund of the registration fee minus any applicable credit card processing fees. Refunds will not be issued for no-shows or cancellations made within 72 hours of the event. The Initiative Foundation reserves the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel at any time. In the unlikely event that we must cancel, a full refund will be issued. The Initiative Foundation will send a cancellation notification to the email address provided at the time of registration. Please be sure you enter your email address accurately and check your email regularly.

Photo Acknowledgement: The Initiative Foundation may take photographs or recordings of events, trainings, and workshops we sponsor. By attending Initiative Foundation-sponsored events, all participants agree that the Initiative Foundation has permission to take photos and/or recordings and that the Initiative Foundation has an irrevocable right to use these photos and recordings for publicity, advertising, social media posts, and any and all other uses. By attending this event you are releasing the Initiative Foundation from any and all claims relating to the use of your image for any reason. If you wish to be excluded from recording/photography, please email info@ifound.org and identify yourself and the training you will attend. We will work to accommodate reasonable requests.

The Initiative Foundation makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) and Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.4. Members of the general public who require accommodations to attend a public event should complete this form at least 10 business days prior to an event when practical.