The Hibbing Business Edge program is currently full and is not accepting new applications at this time.
The Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is excited to partner with the Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce, Hibbing Economic Development Authority, and Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation to offer Hibbing Business Edge – an intensive technical assistance program designed to help Hibbing businesses thrive through advanced marketing strategies and artificial intelligence adoption.
This specialized program provides nearly double the consulting hours of our regular services, offering in-depth, hands-on training to help your business gain a competitive advantage in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.
What is Hibbing Business Edge?
Hibbing Business Edge is a comprehensive technical assistance program that provides Hibbing businesses with intensive, one-on-one consulting in two critical areas. Both tracks provide extensive hands-on training with expert consultants who will work closely with you to implement real solutions for your specific business needs.
Choose Your Focus Area
Select either Marketing Excellence or AI Integration as your primary track. Marketing assistance may include AI workflow training, and AI assistance may include marketing-focused projects.
Marketing Excellence Track
Master the fundamentals and advanced strategies of modern marketing, including social media content creation, website development, comprehensive marketing planning, and online analytics to grow your customer base and increase sales.
- Social media content creation and strategy
- Website creation or comprehensive updates
- Development of overarching marketing plans
- Online marketing analytics and optimization
- Integration of AI tools for marketing efficiency
AI Integration Track
Discover how artificial intelligence can transform your business operations. Our consultants will analyze your daily workflows and help you implement AI solutions designed to save your business at least 100 hours annually while improving the quality and efficiency of your work.
- Comprehensive analysis of your current business workflows
- Identification of 1-2 high-impact tasks perfect for AI integration
- Hands-on training with commercially available AI platforms
- Implementation support to ensure successful adoption
- Goal: Save your business at least 100 hours annually
Program Eligibility
- Business must be physically located within Hibbing city limits
- Business must be an existing, operating business (startups should explore our regular SBDC services)
- Business must request services from Northland SBDC if not already a client
- All Northland SBDC services are confidential and provided at no cost to
businesses
How can I sign up for Hibbing Business Edge?
Step One
Complete our online application form to express interest and provide basic business information.
Step two
Northland SBDC will review your application to confirm eligibility and contact you within approximately one week.
Step three
If you’re not already a Northland SBDC client, you’ll be asked to sign up for our services (always free and confidential).
Step four
Get connected with your dedicated business consultant and begin your intensive technical assistance.
step five
Complete your customized training program over approximately one month, with ongoing support as needed.
step six
Complete a short feedback form to let us know how we did and how we can improve this program in future years.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but you will need to sign up for Northland SBDC services if you aren’t already a client. Our services are always provided at no cost and are confidential.
You’ll choose one primary focus area, but there may be overlap. Marketing assistance can include AI workflow training, and AI assistance may focus on marketing applications.
Consultants will set up a time to meet with you virtually over video conference (Zoom or Teams) at a time that works for both of you.
This program is specifically for businesses within Hibbing city limits. However, businesses outside the city limits are welcome to access our regular Northland SBDC services at no cost.
Yes, all Northland SBDC services are completely confidential. Your business information and our discussions will never be shared without your permission.
Since selection is first-come, first-served, we encourage early application. If program funding is expended before your application, you can still access our regular SBDC services for technical assistance.
Hibbing Business Edge provides nearly double the consulting hours of our regular services, allowing for more comprehensive training and in-depth project implementation. The AI integration track is also a specialized new offering exclusive for Hibbing businesses.
This program is designed for existing, operating businesses. Startups are encouraged to work with Northland SBDC through our regular services and programming.
The program is designed to work around your schedule. Most businesses complete their intensive assistance over approximately one month, with flexible scheduling for meetings and training sessions.
About Northland Small Business Development Center
Northland SBDC provides confidential, no-cost business consulting and training to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout northeastern Minnesota. Our experienced consultants help businesses start, grow, and succeed through expert guidance in areas including business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and operational improvements.
Thank You to Our Program Partners
Hibbing Business Edge is made possible through the generous support and collaboration of:
Hibbing Economic Development Authority
for their commitment to supporting local business growth and innovation
Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation
for their investment in the economic development of the Iron Range region
Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce
for their ongoing partnership in strengthening the local business community