How to Start a Business in Minnesota
Are you looking to turn your business idea into a reality? Do you know what it takes to turn your skill into a successful business? This four-part series on Starting a Business in Minnesota is designed for individuals who are considering starting a business. This introductory step-by-step informational series helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, evaluate the market and sales potential for their products/services, assess the start-up costs, financing options, and business planning, along with the necessary steps to get your business started.
Additional Trainings
Register for live training workshops with the Northland SBDC, SCORE, and SBA on a multitude of topics — how to start a business, marketing, profit mastery, writing a business plan, building a website, using Microsoft Office, Gmail, and more!
Register once for all 5 webinars and attend as many sessions you’d like! Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Is Starting a Business Right for You? Our economy is powered by people like you – the bold who see a new way of building – the dreamers who see the world as it could be and want to do more for themselves, their family, and their community. We don’t need to tell you, making your dream come true takes a lot of planning and personal effort. Get the basics to making that dream a reality by attending this FREE five week series Simple Steps to Start Your Business. In this powerful series, you’ll learn how to: Each participant gains access to all the SCORE materials used in this series along with the full complement of SCORE business development tools and templates to make starting your business as efficient as possible. You’ll also have experienced SCORE mentors on hand who are prepared to help you realize your dream of entrepreneurship! Webinar Dates: Start Up Basics – Wednesday, August 2, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Business Concepts – Wednesday,August 9, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Marketing Plan -Wednesday,August 16, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Financial Projections -Wednesday, August 23, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM Funding Sources -Wednesday, August 30, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM An easy-to-understand guide to basic accounting principles with explanations and examples. Participants will learn what is: In this joint presentation by CPA and Virtual CFO, Valerie Mondesir and recovering corporate attorney turned coworking space owner and Relationship Marketing Consultant, Michelle Y. Talbert, attendees will engage both hemispheres of their business brains. Valerie will provide the nuts and bolts of ensuring that your business finances are attractive to lenders (and other stakeholders). Participants will gain a clear understanding of funding options, become familiar with the documentation necessary to secure funding, and enhance financial management practices in order to remain funding ready. Michelle will provide your business playbook for creating and nurturing the key relationships that all business owners need to develop for their success. Wherever you are along your business journey, there will be takeaways that can be implemented TODAY, such as: By the end of this workshop, you will have the tools necessary to evaluate and forge the best banker relationship for your business goals. Bring your questions! Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording. A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC Register once for all 5 webinars and attend as many sessions you’d like! Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Is Starting a Business Right for You? Our economy is powered by people like you – the bold who see a new way of building – the dreamers who see the world as it could be and want to do more for themselves, their family, and their community. We don’t need to tell you, making your dream come true takes a lot of planning and personal effort. Get the basics to making that dream a reality by attending this FREE five week series Simple Steps to Start Your Business. In this powerful series, you’ll learn how to: Each participant gains access to all the SCORE materials used in this series along with the full complement of SCORE business development tools and templates to make starting your business as efficient as possible. You’ll also have experienced SCORE mentors on hand who are prepared to help you realize your dream of entrepreneurship! Webinar Dates: Start Up Basics – Wednesday, August 2, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Business Concepts – Wednesday,August 9, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Marketing Plan -Wednesday,August 16, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Financial Projections -Wednesday, August 23, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM Funding Sources -Wednesday, August 30, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM Business Taxes: Keep your business out of trouble with the IRS No one wants a “friendly” letter from the IRS. Taxes are an important part of starting a business and it’s not as difficult as you think! But where do you start? How should I set up my business: as a sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, or partnership? What can I deduct and how do I track my expenses? How do I report my business income and expenses? This webinar will answer all of these questions and more! Presented by: Ruth Ann Michnay,CPA, MBT, EA, USTCP Register once for all 5 webinars and attend as many sessions you’d like! Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Is Starting a Business Right for You? Our economy is powered by people like you – the bold who see a new way of building – the dreamers who see the world as it could be and want to do more for themselves, their family, and their community. We don’t need to tell you, making your dream come true takes a lot of planning and personal effort. Get the basics to making that dream a reality by attending this FREE five week series Simple Steps to Start Your Business. In this powerful series, you’ll learn how to: Each participant gains access to all the SCORE materials used in this series along with the full complement of SCORE business development tools and templates to make starting your business as efficient as possible. You’ll also have experienced SCORE mentors on hand who are prepared to help you realize your dream of entrepreneurship! Webinar Dates: Start Up Basics – Wednesday, August 2, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Business Concepts – Wednesday,August 9, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Marketing Plan -Wednesday,August 16, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Financial Projections -Wednesday, August 23, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM Funding Sources -Wednesday, August 30, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM Got a business based on your talent?Whether you’re an artist, writer, baker, or someone who monetizes your unique skills and knowledge, it’s time to unleash the true business potential of your creativity. Join renowned creative business expert Robin Blakely as she reveals invaluable insights and strategies to help you navigate the business side of your creativity. Discover how to effectively position, promote, and cultivate your creative brand, allowing it to thrive in today’s competitive market. In this webinar, you’ll learn: Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording. Register once for all 5 webinars and attend as many sessions you’d like! Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Is Starting a Business Right for You? Our economy is powered by people like you – the bold who see a new way of building – the dreamers who see the world as it could be and want to do more for themselves, their family, and their community. We don’t need to tell you, making your dream come true takes a lot of planning and personal effort. Get the basics to making that dream a reality by attending this FREE five week series Simple Steps to Start Your Business. In this powerful series, you’ll learn how to: Each participant gains access to all the SCORE materials used in this series along with the full complement of SCORE business development tools and templates to make starting your business as efficient as possible. You’ll also have experienced SCORE mentors on hand who are prepared to help you realize your dream of entrepreneurship! Webinar Dates: Start Up Basics – Wednesday, August 2, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Business Concepts – Wednesday,August 9, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Marketing Plan -Wednesday,August 16, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Financial Projections -Wednesday, August 23, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM Funding Sources -Wednesday, August 30, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM In this interactive workshop, attendees will gain an introduction to risk management and recognizing hazards, resources to protect their interests and mitigate risk and ideas to kick-start their risk management program. In addition, attendees will work through 3 types of workplace scenarios (restaurant, construction and office) to discover how to practically apply the knowledge and resources and plan the next steps. The topics that will be covered include: Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording. Presented By:Wayne Baruch Being registered in SAM.gov is required to bid on federal government contracts and to receive grants. Join us to find out how and why to get registered, or if your current registration is correct. We’ll also cover renewals in the system and how to bolster your registration to get better visibility through the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS). Presenters:Minnesota Experts on Microsoft Teams Join us for a training on how to get registered for SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program which helps eligible women-owned small businesses to qualify for federal contracting opportunities. The session will also include an overview of the self-certification process, how to register in certify and the NAICS codes that qualify as a WOSB and EDWOSB. Register once for all 5 webinars and attend as many sessions you’d like! Simple Steps for Starting Your Business Is Starting a Business Right for You? Our economy is powered by people like you – the bold who see a new way of building – the dreamers who see the world as it could be and want to do more for themselves, their family, and their community. We don’t need to tell you, making your dream come true takes a lot of planning and personal effort. Get the basics to making that dream a reality by attending this FREE five week series Simple Steps to Start Your Business. In this powerful series, you’ll learn how to: Each participant gains access to all the SCORE materials used in this series along with the full complement of SCORE business development tools and templates to make starting your business as efficient as possible. You’ll also have experienced SCORE mentors on hand who are prepared to help you realize your dream of entrepreneurship! Webinar Dates: Start Up Basics – Wednesday, August 2, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Business Concepts – Wednesday,August 9, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Marketing Plan -Wednesday,August 16, 2023 -11 AM – 1 PM Financial Projections -Wednesday, August 23, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM Funding Sources -Wednesday, August 30, 2023 -11 AM – 12:30 PM This is for business owners who are looking to get organized and gain insights into how prospects and customers are engaging with your marketing, sales, and service efforts. We will dig into what a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is and the habits and processes that complement the technology. We will look at what structures are needed in order to attract more prospects, engage and convert more leads, and delight your customers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way businesses determine and execute their marketing strategy. In this webinar, we’ll explain the basics of AI and how it can improve your digital marketing, from helping you find the right audience to optimizing your social media content. Discover how AI can make your blog and website easier to find online and gather strategic insights about your industry and competitors. Whether you’re new to digital marketing or just want to improve your digital marketing strategy, we’ll show you how to use AI effectively and confidently. Presenters: A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC Are you struggling to create a cohesive visual language for your brand? Join our Build a Marketing Framework workshop where we will guide you through the process of developing a consistent and active brand acrosstraditional media, digital media/online, word of mouth, anddirect experience. Our experienced presenters Bryan Mann-Entzel and Sara Harrell of Greater Thought will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to sort out your visual language and create a marketing framework that truly represents your brand. At Greater Thought their specialty is their 360˚ approach to strategically understanding the space your business operates in| your industry/market | your business | your audience | your competition |. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your brand to the next level! Presented by: Hispanic-owned businesses are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs in the United States, but access to capital continues to be a pressing challenge for Hispanic entrepreneurs. In this webinar, business funding expert Hannah Fernandez will break down the alternative funding options available to Hispanic small businesses and help you identify which option(s) is best for you. You will learn: Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.
Hannah Fernandez is the first woman Chair of SCORE Chicago and currently serves as the Illinois Assistant District Director at SCORE. Need help finding the funds to start your business? Learn about all the different sources of funding available depending on your industry and preferences–from crowdfunding to angel investors and grants. Take away tips and tricks for how to best approach each funding route, and how to avoid potential pitfalls. Presented by: Michelle Maryns Founder & CEO ofWe Sparkle Co. Free to attend, register for our upcoming Smart Rural Seminars in beautiful Grand Rapids, MN on Future-Proofing Your Rural Community with Transportation and Innovative Technology Solutions. During these seminars, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from cutting-edge presentations, and gain practical insights into how you can future-proof YOUR rural community. We’ll cover topics like smart transportation, mobility equity, workforce and education, rural transportation case studies, future mobility topics and policies and programs to support rural innovation, and more – all with a focus on practical solutions that can help your community thrive. Join us for lunch and learn about all the regional non-traditional lending sources and programs. Bankers, lenders, for-profit business owners, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend this free event! Presenters May Include: Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), East Central Regional Development Commission (ECRDC), Area Partnership for Expansion (APEX), Entrepreneur Fund, Great River Energy, Innovate 218, Northland Foundation, Initiative Foundation, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Minnesota Business Finance Corporation (MBFC), Northspan Group, Inc. The 3rd Annual Equity Summit is returning to the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia, MN! The summit is part ofNorthspan’s Welcoming Communityprogram with the goal to increase the belonging of underrepresented community members and trust between people from different backgrounds and lived experiences in northeast Minnesota. This year’s summit will feature an enhanced focus on providing interactive engagement and learning opportunities to equip attendees in supporting inclusion and belonging in their organizations and communities. A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC Free to attend, register for our upcoming Smart Rural Seminars in beautiful Grand Rapids, MN on “Future-Proofing Your Rural Community with Transportation and Innovative Technology Solutions”. During these seminars, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from cutting-edge presentations, and gain practical insights into how you can future-proof YOUR rural community. We'll cover topics like smart transportation, mobility equity, workforce and education, rural transportation case studies, future mobility topics and policies and programs to support rural innovation, and more – all with a focus on practical solutions that can help your community thrive. Join us for lunch and learn about all the regional non-traditional lending sources and programs. Bankers, lenders, for-profit business owners, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend this free event! Presenters May Include: Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), East Central Regional Development Commission (ECRDC), Area Partnership for Expansion (APEX), Entrepreneur Fund, Great River Energy, Innovate 218, Northland Foundation, Initiative Foundation, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Minnesota Business Finance Corporation (MBFC), Northspan Group, Inc. A healthy, vibrant local economy depends largely on the strength of existing businesses. Community leaders can help local businesses grow and thrive through business retention and expansion (BRE) programs. Held on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus, this two-day class is a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) immersion that includes presentations, videos, individual and small group work, and peer discussion. A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDC A Platform to highlight topics and ask questions to experts and peers. Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business Developmenthas started a monthly meeting for small business owners! This meeting is intended to be a resource for small business owners to have conversations with business experts and their peers. Better Business Bureau | Minnesota Chamber of Commerce | Small Business Administration | Northland SBDCAugust 2023
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Click to Register
The federal government is a great customer to add to your business – but competition can be fierce and the process has become increasingly difficult. Join us for this session to learn about the most common acronyms in contracting; the difference between solicitations and unsolicited proposals; the parts of a solicitation; and more, so that you can become a competitive and competent bidder ready to position yourself for success.
Deadline for registrations is August 28th at 8 AM.
Point of Contact:Christina Nebel-Dickerson(651) 201-2629
Training Covered: Government Contracting, SAM Registration, Selling to Government
September 2023
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Presenter:
Louis Garcia is a tech data geek with a decade of corporate IT experience and built a company while working full time. He transitioned out of his professional career and built a five-person team that is out to educate owners on how to grow their business with ease using a CRM.
Patty Ross – Over 20 years of experience in marketing and has been in the online space since 1998 when she developed an e-commerce program for a gourmet gift company into a million-dollar business.
Bryan Mann-Entzel,Creative Lead, Strategist & Brand Storyteller &
Sara Harrell,Client Success Lead, Strategy & Communication of Greater Thought.
About the Presenter
Hannah Fernandez
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For the first time, we will have a session on entrepreneurship with Extension specialist, Neil Linscheid.
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Expand Your Traning
Grow Your Business Faster and Stronger
Use the tools around you to to Start, Grow, and Manage your business most effectively. Join or reach out to a local organization for guidance or networking, browse online courses provided by the SBA, request a personalized one-on-one no-cost consultation with a Northland SBDC professional business consultant in your area. We work with you and where you are to help you succeed in your business ventures.
Stay Connected for Upcoming Trainings and Information!