Mission:
To provide trusted advice and support to Nordic businesses and business leaders as they successfully launch their products and services in the American Marketplace.
CONTACT
Britt Ardakani bardakani@norwayhouse.org
What is BARN?
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Norwegian and pan-Nordic companies can confidently look to the BARN at Norway House as a vital concierge concerning the intricacies of US markets. Your business can make it abroad, and we have proven success as a springboard for a variety of companies getting their footing in America.
While you establish your roots, the BARN will give your company temporary access to business and meeting space for a nominal fee. Located in the Twin Cities Metro region, the BARN at Norway House provides a friendly and supportive environment while learning and transitioning into a new business culture.
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Our mentors are experienced business professionals with a wide variety of expertise who volunteer their time to connect with BARN clients. Mentors will reach into their network to find the best connections, consultants, and partners to help your business succeed.
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We draw upon our own professional networks and those of the broader Norwegian-American community to connect companies with experienced investors who offer open doors to BARN clients. These experts are willing to look at opportunities, provide feedback, share connections, and when appropriate, consider an investment.
BARN PROVIDES
UNIQUE AND INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT
for companies selling and/or creating products, technologies, or services
PERSONALIZED ACCESS TO SENIOR MENTORS
with successful technical, business leadership, and globalization experience
INVALUABLE INTRODUCTIONS
to strategic partners, service providers, and funding
Watch the “Doing Business in the US” webinar here
BARN IN REVIEW
EXPLORE THE COMPREHENSIVE BARN BOOKLET
and discover how we can help your business succeed and thrive in the U.S. marketplace
Supporting Sponsors
Larkin Hoffman works with many global companies in Minnesota and throughout the United States. For nearly seven decades, the firm has provided counsel to a wide variety of organizations, from small businesses and nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, in many areas of practice including corporate and governance matters, litigation, real estate, government relations, labor and employment, intellectual property, information technology, franchising and taxation. The firm also serves the needs of individuals in many areas including trusts and estates and family law.
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 U.S. locations, and a global vision, we help Nordic companies in their expansion into the American market. For more information, visit CLAconnect.com. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.
Participating Companies
Our Network
The Oslo Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization with more than 100 years’ experience working to protect and promote our members’ interests. With an international focus we offer insights and contacts via the world’s largest business network. Our aim is to help maintain Norway’s competitiveness in a global world. Our focus is primarily on relationship building and competence enrichment to develop a business community with an international perspective.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Norway (AmCham Norway) is a non-profit business advocacy, services and meeting organization comprised of leading US, Norwegian, and international member companies. Through AmCham’s cross-industry community, members connect, collaborate and transition – together! Proudly advancing transatlantic business for over 65 years, AmCham receives no government subsidies
Norway Health Tech is one of Norway’s largest health technology clusters that accelerates and supports innovative technology in healthcare. Norway Health Tech's mission is to improve quality in treatment and care by developing and industrializing world class health solutions though our members and eco-system. We are a non-profit member organization with more than 220 members from Norway and abroad. Market entry programs to international markets such as the Nordics, Germany, the UK and the US are one of the key services the Cluster offers.
NACC: more than 100 Years of Service to the Norwegian-American Business Community
The Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce is active several major U.S. business regions. Members include leaders of Norwegian and American firms successfully pursuing business in the dynamic Norway-U.S. markets. Over the years the Norwegian economy has created attractive opportunities for trade relations with the U.S. in banking/finance, energy, the maritime and offshore industries, technology and environmental resource management, among others. Today, Norwegian entrepreneurs are coming to the U.S. creating a thriving environment of new ideas and networking opportunities. Membership in the NACC offers access to the vibrant Norwegian-American business community.
Medical Alley Starts is a venture platform that accelerates the formation and growth of healthcare startups worldwide. Since inception it has helped hundreds of startups raise capital, find strategic markets, and grow new markets.”
StartUSA provides On-the-ground Management to Prepare, Enter, and Scale in the US Market. Success in the US market requires extraordinary effort and strong allies. We bring local expertise and a relentless focus on growth to ensure your business thrives in the USA.
Augsburg MBA students are required to complete a project-based capstone course that brings together all the components of their graduate business education in a summative project. The Management Consulting Project provides the opportunity to apply practical learning to an actual business organization. MBA teams are assigned to teams of four to five students who work as management consultants on projects for businesses, international companies or community organizations. The final deliverables is a comprehensive document with final recommendations along with a power-point file delivered to the organization's leadership team
Augustana University’s School of Business is home to a number of highly talented students guided by faculty with significant real-world experience. One of the goals of the university is to bring experiential learning to the classroom and and as such we often invite speakers from our fields of study to the classroom as well as inviting companies to effectively submit projects to our classes for students to work on under the supervision of their faculty. Classes in marketing and finance often bring in these types of projects. For you it means determining the question you want answer or problem you want worked on, presenting that at the outset of class and then being able to answer questions via email throughout the semester. Finally, to be available for a final presentation of the results of the project.
BVU’s Management & Entrepreneurship program teach students about starting new business ventures, entering global markets, managing production and operations systems, and developing strategic plans for future growth. As part of the curriculum in upper-level business and management courses, students and faculty collaborate to provide practical and actionable market research for excising companies looking to expand their operations, enter new markets, and enhance organizational performance. This market research will be tailored to meet the needs and requirements of the BARN clients seeking to expand their operations in the United States. BVU business professors have extensive industry experience in the United States, having worked for entrepreneurial startups and global corporations in a wide range of sectors. They can ensure that market research projects are well-crafted and meet the standards of partnering firms.
The mission of Yeshiva University is to educate, empower and inspire our students to become the next generation of leaders, guided at all times by our core values. We do this through a transformative, world-class, and interdisciplinary education that is deep and broad and that cultivates in our students a sense of meaning, purpose and drive to make the world a better place — for themselves and for future generations.
The University of North Dakota's Department of Marketing is committed to providing students with experiential learning opportunities to enrich their education. A key part of this goal is working with industry partners to identify projects for the students to take on. Such collaborations offer a win for both sides. Participating in industry projects allows the students to apply classroom lessons to real world situations and showcase their abilities. On the other side, it provides the industry partner with a means of completing projects they might not be able to do on their own. The linkage also provides the industry partner with access to research resources such as databases, reports, etc. that they might not normally have access to due to their cost.
Working with an individual Executive MBA student who is guided by an experienced professor or industry expert, our individual spring consulting engagements range in discipline, industry, and outcomes. Projects tend to focus on innovation and growth opportunities or change issues in the organization that are strategic and important, but they are often not addressed because of operational priorities.
Testimonials
EpiGuard is a Norwegian Medtech company founded in 2015 by doctors and paramedics at the Oslo University Hospital. We launched the EpiShuttle patient isolation transportation unit in 2017, which is the safest way to transport infectious, contaminated, and vulnerable patients by land, by sea, and by air.
The EpiShuttle has been sold in over 30 countries, but the US market presents both huge opportunities and unique challenges. As EpiGuard develop our strategy and plan our approach for US market entry, it has been critical to identify trusted partners on our journey. We have found this and more at BARN, where we have received support, insight, and mentorship that has been extraordinarily valuable.
We look forward to continuing to work with Britt, Dale, and the rest of the BARN team moving forwards.
In 2020 Sylvsmidja started a project looking into if there could be a market for us in the US. By chance we came across Norway House and BARN, Business Accelerator Resource Network" with its network of mentors and relevant resources based in Minneapolis. We started our project just as Covid hit full force, but that did not stop BARN. We began with digital meetings, and suddenly we had a home in the US.... that we were not able to actually see until nearly 2 years later. BARN has given us a safe and controlled start-up with their good advice, and they have shared a network that we would never have found on our own. We also gained access to an analysis tool for our potential market that was carried out by Augsburg University. This has been invaluable for our further work. As it turns out, our cooperation with BARN has been exclusively positive, a great and we hope we still can get support there in our work towards new ambitions and goals for growth in the United States.
Good to spend time with folks at Norway House in Minneapolis. An impressive organization, and exciting to visit its spectacular facilities and see how it has grown. Their mentor and network program is excellent.
The BARN program is wonderful for helping Norwegian businesses find a foothold in the US market, and we would highly recommend it!
Britt de Lange Ardakani
Director of Business Outreach
bardakani@norwayhouse.org
Britt Ardakani, Director of Business Outreach
Britt has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Minnesota Duluth and has vast experience as a developer and project lead.
In 2011 she joined the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General as Vice Consul with the responsibility for business development. During this time she served on the Minnesota Consular Corps, as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice president, and as President. She has also been a Board Member of the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce - North Chapter from 2014. May 2020 Britt joined the team at Norway House as Director of Business Outreach, and as of January 2024 she she is now full time with Norway House. Britt has through her roles formed a strong connection with the government of Norway and the Minnesota State Government and elected officials.
Britt is a native of Bergen, Norway, and has lived in Minnesota since 1990.
Leadership Committee
The BARN at Norway House has a wide breadth of contacts to help take your business to the next level. We start with our dedicated volunteer committee. Get to know a little bit more about our BARN Committee Members by clicking on their names.
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James Farstad served from 2018 to 2022 as Executive Director of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, which owns and oversees the operations of U.S. Bank Stadium.
Prior to his appointment to the role of Executive Director, he served as the stadium’s Chief Technology Advisor from 2013 through 2018, where he managed the design, procurement, and implementation of all stadium technologies, facilitated technology contract negotiations and financial planning, and prepared a 30-year technology investment strategy and procurement plan.
As an industry consultant beginning in 1984, he led more than 300 complex technology initiatives across the U.S. and Western Europe. He also supported the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as a community consultant for broadband infrastructure and adoption activities across many U.S. communities.
Community Service:
Board Member, Norway House
Past Board Member and Chair, Intermedia Arts
Past Board Member, Forecast for Public Art
Past Board Member, Housing Link
Past Member, Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities
Past Board Member, Society of Telecommunications Consultants
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Susanna Ojo is committed to facilitating the realization of the full potential of both individuals and organizations. Drawing upon an extensive reservoir of experience and expertise, Susanna boasts a track record of not only surviving but flourishing within the fiercely competitive business landscape. Over the course of a 25-year career, Susanna has meticulously honed her skills, cultivated a profound comprehension of various industries, and perfected the art of strategic thinking. Through tailored mentorship, illuminating guidance, and an unwavering dedication to kindling the entrepreneurial spark, Susanna empowers both individuals and organizations to surmount obstacles, seize opportunities, and accomplish their business objectives. Her training with the elite Goldman Sachs headquarters team, coupled with her work in healthcare and with New York City's premier real estate group, underscores her versatility and depth of knowledge. Susanna's collaborative approach, combined with her profound insight into the distinctive challenges that confront modern businesses, positions her as a highly sought-after mentor and a catalyst for achieving success.
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For over 30 years, I have been leading Risdall Marketing Group, a full-service agency that applies technology, content, and creativity to help clients build dynamic digital marketing engines. As the Chairman and CEO, I oversee the strategic direction, growth, and performance of the company, as well as the development and retention of our talented team.
My mission is to continue to move the evolving role of marketing and technology into the future by leveraging my expertise in online marketing, new business development, and marketing communications. I have a proven track record of delivering innovative and effective solutions for a diverse range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. I also have a passion for serving the community, as evidenced by my involvement in various boards, organizations, and causes.
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Mr. Honour is an experienced executive with a strong background in entrepreneurship and the medical technology industry. With over 30 years of expertise, he currently provides consulting services to the medical device industry through NAMSA's global strategy service group. Throughout his career, Mr. Honour has successfully built two startups as co-founder and CEO, namely Yapstone Inc (1998 to 2001) and EVO Transportation & Energy Services (2011 to 2017) and has held key positions such as COO for Castlewood Surgical (2008 to 2011) and VP of RA, QA, and Clinical Affairs for MedicalCV (2006 to 2008), where he played instrumental roles in driving successful outcomes.
Mr. Honour's experience spans all phases of product development, from concept to commercialization. His focus areas include global regulatory strategy, market access, pre-clinical and clinical study design, physician training, and post-market sales and services. Mr. Honour has been involved in bringing over a dozen medical devices from concept to market. His expertise lies in providing tactical and strategic Regulatory Affairs leadership for international medical device companies like Ecolab Inc., St Jude Medical Inc., American Medical Systems Inc., and Collagen Corporation, as well as various startups. He has also been actively engaged in the development and support of numerous U.S. and international regulatory submissions, new product development strategies, and financial market assessments.
Mr. Honour is versed in target acquisition, due diligence, and corporate deal structure. He holds multiple patents and earned a BS in Genetics and Cell Biology, as well as a Master of Biological Sciences, both from the University of Minnesota.
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Liz’s experience is in marketing and strategic planning, having worked on both the corporate and agency sides. She's held VP positions for Fortune 100 companies (American Express) and senior positions for ad agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather, servicing multi-billion dollar tech clients (Microsoft). Since 2007, she has had her own consulting practice specializing in healthcare, having launched the United Healthcare/AARP Medicare Advantage Plan at UHG, as well as a Medicare Part D plan, SmartDrx, funded by Walgreens and a private equity firm. In the clinical arena, Liz rebranded Walgreen's Take Care Clinics, as well as launching new clinic service offerings tied to chronic disease management.
In 2017-18, she launched Best Buy Health’s “Assured Living”, a key initiative to broaden BBY’s offerings in the healthcare space. Liz developed partnerships with senior communities, home care and social service agencies to pilot the design of this sensor-based product to help seniors better age in place. She has also worked with several Blue Cross plans to incorporate AIP services/technologies into MA plans, as well as creating BCBSMN’s Caregiver Strategy focusing on limiting health care costs and maintaining workforce productivity.
Liz has consistently worked with F100 brands as they navigate healthcare frontiers to drive greater efficiencies and improved outcomes through innovative technology and partnerships. She has her Master’s in International Business from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), and has helped build brands both nationally and internationally.
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Item descBill is principal founder of PaulinNeal and PathMasters LLC, an international consulting firm specializing in high-growth start-ups and international market entry with a Nordic USA focus. Dr. Paulin has served as an active advisor, mentor, or board member of over 40 companies in North America, Europe, and Asia. Prior to founding PaulinNeal, Dr. Paulin was a senior sales, marketing, and turn-around executive in several large and companies. Academically, Professor Paulin has co-founded four prominent university entrepreneurism programs in the USA and Finland. In 2006, Dr. Paulin received the prestigious honorary Ph.D. from Finland for his “body of work and contributions to business, government and the academy” in that country. Currently Dr. Paulin is an adjunct professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Prior to entering the business world, Dr. Paulin was an aerospace engineer at Boeing. He holds a BS degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, an MBA in Finance and a Ph.D. in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Washington in Seattle.ription
Conversations Series
Conversations is designed to be an event series to take place 4 times per year at Norway House. The series will feature current and former business leaders from major businesses in our region. The format will be a fireside chat between 2 individuals, sharing stories and experiences from the early days of some of our flagship businesses in Minnesota. We envision a casual conversation over 30 to 40 minutes, and will encourage audience questions at the end, keeping the program to 60 minutes total.
Conversations: Part 1
The first Conversations event was on the medtech industry and Medtronic, featuring Norm Hagfors, employee number 4, and Tom Schumacher, Vice-President and Chief Legal Counsel, Data and Privacy, on Tuesday October 7th. The same day there was a Business Summit on medtech and defence, held at Norway House in collaboration with Innovation Norway with 120+ business leaders from Norway and the US.
Conversations: Part 2 with Kjell Bergh
Kjell Bergh immigrated to the United States from Norway in 1965 at the age of 19. He began his career as a freelance journalist for two Norwegian Publications while also working as a long-haul truck driver. After completing a year of study at the University of Oslo, he returned permanently to the United States in 1967, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in International Relations.
Kjell built a distinguished career as a business owner with ventures spanning Minnesota, Florida, Tanzania, and Norway. He now owns a travel agency, Borton Overseas, and a car dealership in Golden Valley, Borton Volvo. He also served as Honorary Consul for Tanzania to the State of Minnesota and, in recognition of his contributions, has been awarded several royal honors.
Read about BARN in
Norway House’s own monthly newspaper, The Norwegian American, regularly features stories about our projects and participating companies.