Our Small Business Assistance Office places a special emphasis on providing the in-depth information that is so crucial to business success yet too costly for many businessmen and women to obtain on their own.
Overview
We help reduce the expense in terms of money, time, expertise, and lost opportunity for startups and established businesses alike by offering individual consultation services along with a comprehensive series of business guidebooks.
Small Business Call
We offer a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month for small business owners. See information on the Small Business Call below.
The Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED), Office of Small Business & Innovation is offering a monthly meeting for small business owners.
The meeting, which is the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., is an opportunity for small business owners to have a conversation with business experts and their peers.
August - Business succession planning with the North Central MN Small Business Development Director, Katie Heppner; Mike Paulus, MN CEO; and Michael Darger, UMN Extension
July - Andrew Donahue, State Director, Small Business Development Center and Brian McDonald, Minnesota District Director, Small Business Administration spoke about how existing businesses can take advantage of the "Are You Lender Ready" event on July 23rd. Andy and Brian discussed details about the events, panels and speakers, along with how you can be lender ready for accessing capital.
June - Members from different MN Pollution Control Agency (PCA) business loan programs joined the call to provide an overview of their loan and grant programs.
A representative from the Minnesota Secretary of State Office joined to talk about their Interactive Reports for the Minnesota Business Snapshot
May - The Regional Director of the West Central MN Small Business Development Center (SBDC) discussed how AI (Artificial Intelligence) can enhance businesses and shared aspects of their AI Resource Lab.
April 2025 - A member of the Minneapolis office of the U.S. Small Business Administration spoke about services for Veterans and their spouses that includes access to capital and government contracting. SBA -Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs
March 2025 - A member of the Minnesota Office of Trade will speak on the subject of tariffs and some of the impacts to Minnesota businesses.
February 2025 - A representative from the MN Chamber of Commerce will discuss their Waste Wise program. Waste Wise offers free or low cost site consultations for businesses, waste bill analysis, grant and funding assistance, employee training and more. Contact information.
January 2025 - A representative from the MN Dept. Labor & Industry, Labor Standards Division will present on topics wage theft, tipping, WESA, and more.
December 2024 - Season of Small Business Campaign -This campaign aims to encourage widespread support for these businesses and showcase the robust support network available across the state.
November 2024 - A representative from the MN Chamber of Commerce discussed their Energy Smart program. Energy Smart offers free energy efficiency consultations for commercial properties.
October 2024 - Representatives from a MN broker enrollment center, which partners with MNsure, will join the meeting to discuss the aspects of purchasing health care for small businesses.
September 2024 - Staff from the Paid Leave program, managed by DEED, presented updates on the program, rulemaking procedures, and implementation
August 2024 - Deputy District Director of the Minneapolis District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) joined the meeting to give an update on SBA programs
July 2024 - DEED's Economic Analysis Unit presented highlights of data accessible and useful to businesses on the DEED website
June 2024 - Apex Accelerator and GREATER MSP Partnership’s
May 2024 - New rules being implemented that may impact small businesses. MN Pollution Control Agency (PCA)
Our consultants field all kinds of inquiries, ranging from basic process questions (What form do I need to file, where do I get it, and with whom do I file it?) to addressing far more complex regulatory, financial, managerial, business structure and other questions.
Far from generic advice, our business guidebooks are written specifically for companies that will be doing business in Minnesota and operating under Minnesota laws and regulations.
Our guidebook A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota is the most comprehensive reference of its kind and a must read for anyone contemplating the startup or purchase of an existing business.
Our other in-depth guidebooks are produced in collaboration with major Minnesota law firms and subject matter experts on such topics as employment law, Internet commerce, securities offerings, franchising, debt financing, loan documentation and intellectual property protection.
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, A Guide To STARTING A BUSINESS IN MINNESOTA 43rd Ed. 2025
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, An Employers Guide To EMPLOYMENT LAW ISSUES IN MINNESOTA
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, EMPLOYING SERVICEMEMBERS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT USERRA
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, First Considerations for the Financially Distressed Business
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, First Considerations in Starting a Family Child Care Business
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, LOAN DOCUMENTATION: AN INTRODUCTION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here RAISING CAPITAL: SECURITIES LAW AND BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, MINNESOTA'S ANGEL TAX CREDIT 2024
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, A Guide to Intellectual Property Protection
Introduction to Franchising (3rd Edition, January 2008) (A collaborative effort with the law firm of Briggs and Morgan, P.A.)
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, A Legal Guide to Technology Transactions A COVID-19 Update 2020
Updated format - The Guide is available in a improved searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing. Check it out here, A Legal Guide To PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY 2025
Small Business Notes is a monthly newsletter that provides timely, accurate and useful information on topics of interest to small businesses in Minnesota.
New Survey of Small Businesses Confirms Continuing Concerns with Supply Chain and Inflation
The Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Provide Technical Guidance to Employers on Avoiding Disability Discrimination When Using AI Technologies
From the Minnesota ELicensing web portal you can access licensing information on over 920 licenses / permits / registrations / certifications administered by over 48 state agencies in Minnesota. You can find the licenses you need, whether business, professional, recreational, or vehicle in one spot. Information is accessible in a variety of ways: by topic, by agency, name of license, or using a keyword search. Features on this portal include online application and renewal forms, electronic payment options, license look-up links, and detailed contact information.
As the state agency that purchases goods and services and manages construction projects and leased space for the State of Minnesota, the Department of Administration has a number of resources for vendors. Whether you currently do business with the State of Minnesota or are interested in working with us, the links below can help you connect with the state and find what you need.
Minnesota small businesses can be certified as Targeted Group, Veteran-owned, or Economically Disadvantaged businesses to receive preferences when selling and bidding with the state.
The Office of Equity in Procurement helps ensure greater equity in state contracting and construction. It promotes opportunities to do business with the state, and provide assistance to small businesses owned by women, minorities, people with substantial physical disabilities, and veterans as they seek state contracts.
Navigate the state's certification program for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged areas.
Resources
Resources to help your business navigate the complicated government marketplace.
Events and Training
APEX Accelerator training series, upcoming events, and community partner events.
APEX Accelerator Program video
Video about the Department of Defense's APEX Accelerator Program, which helps businesses compete for government contracts.
The Small Business Assistance Office has created videos to assist businesses. Choose from a variety of topics on the Small Business Assistance playlist.
Our Small Business Assistance Office places a special emphasis on providing the in-depth information that is so crucial to business success yet too costly for many businessmen and women to obtain on their own.
