Small Business Assistance Office
The Small Business Assistance Office (SBAO) reduces the time and cost of finding reliable business information by providing prompt answers, practical guidance, and access to trusted resources. Our role is to help you find the resources you need, and connect you to the right experts when you need more in-depth support.
Overview
The SBAO provides straightforward answers to common business questions, from licensing and registration to regulatory requirements and available resources.
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.
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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.
Sign up for reminders and access to the call.
Upcoming Topics
2026
April - Chris Henjum from the Minnesota Department of Revenue will share resources from the Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office (TRA). The Advocate Office is an independent office within the Department of Revenue, and may be able to help those who have exhausted all other administrative remedies. ~Upcoming offerings from TRA - Tax Pro Education. Program is dedicated to empowering tax professionals with knowledge and tools to excel and enhance skills as a tax preparer. The aim to help deliver accurate and dependable service to tax professional clients with expert insight and engaging educational resources.
May - Founders carry vision, pressure, and responsibility. EOS shows how high-performing companies create clarity across people, priorities, and execution. This session, hosted by Dan Mallin, offers a preview of the operating model behind healthier, more scalable businesses. Ideal for founders curious about running the company with less friction and more control.
Recorded Calls
2026
March (Passcode: cRrQ+!^6 ) - Permanent changes to the U.S. federal tax code, enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) (H.R. 1), offer expanded support for child care. These changes provide new opportunities for employers to invest in child care solutions, making quality care more accessible and affordable for working families. Joining us from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn, Executive Director, Workforce & International Labor Policy to discuss some of those changes.
February - Paul Richardson with MB Mentors shared strategies for leveraging social media marketing to generate tangible business results.
- Here is the presentation
January - Local entrepreneurs shared insights into operating small businesses in Minnesota.
2025
December - Topics: Business Identity Recovery with representatives from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Office and Business Roundtable - Season of Small Business discussion with small business owners.
October - Marilyn Nash with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) will speak about patent and trademark basics and resources.
September - Pauline Allison, Mentor and Facilitator at MB Mentors, gave a presentation regarding The Essentials of Marketing (PPTX) for small businesses
August - Business succession/Legacy planning with the North Central MN Small Business Development Director, Katie Heppner; Mike Paulus, MN CEO; and Michael Darger, UMN Extension
- Here is the North Central SBDC Legacy Planning Checklist
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 23. 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.
- Here is a slide deck representing the Environmental Assistance loans
- 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.
2024
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)
April 2024 - Workforce Issues
March 2024 - Exporting -Minnesota Trade Office
February 2024 - Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
January 2024 - A Guide To Starting a Business in Minnesota and Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF)
2023
December 2023 – Earned Sick and Safe Time
November 2023 - Paid Leave
October 2023 - Resources
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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 more complex regulatory, financial, managerial, business structure and other questions.
Contact one of our consultants:
- Fill out the Small Business Assistance Intake and Order Form
- 651-556-8425 or 800-310-8323
- Book time to meet
- Email: smallbusiness@state.mn.us
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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.
All are available to view, download or print.
Here are our current offerings:
- A Guide to Starting A Business in Minnesota (43rd Edition January 2025)
Fill out the Small Business Assistance Intake and Order Form to receive an electronic copy.
Flipbook 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
Flipbook 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
- First Considerations for the Financially Distressed Business (A collaboration with the law firm Lathrop GPM)
Flipbook 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
Flipbook 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
- Loan Documentation: An Introduction for Small Businesses (A collaborative effort with the law firm of Krass Monroe, P.A.)
Flipbook 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 hereg and sharing. Check it out here, LOAN DOCUMENTATION: AN INTRODUCTION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Flipbook 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
- A Guide to Intellectual Property Protection (13th Edition, October 2015) (A collaborative effort with the law firm of Merchant & Gould P.C.)
Flipbook 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.)
- A Legal Guide To Technology Transactions A COVID-19 Update 2020 (A collaborative effort with the law firm Lathrop GPM)
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
- A Legal Guide to the Use of Social Media in the Workplace (July 2013) (A collaboration with the law firm Lathrop GPM)
- A Legal Guide To Privacy and Data Security 2026 (A collaboration with the law firm Lathrop GPM)
Flipbook 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 2026
- A Legal Guide to the Internet (7th Ed, 2016) (A collaborative effort with the law firm of Merchant & Gould P.C.)
- Single Member Limited Liability Company (SMLLC)
- Joint Ventures
- Business Plans - Markets and Prices
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Small Business Notes is a monthly newsletter that provides timely, accurate and useful information on topics of interest to small businesses in Minnesota.
Fill out the Small Business Assistance Intake and Order Form to be added to the mail list.
April 2025
FinCEN Removes Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements for U.S. Companies and U.S. Persons, Sets New Deadlines for Foreign Companies
Small Businesses Should Consider Looking Again at the Five Forces of Competition
March 2025
U.S. Treasury Department Announces Suspension of Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Against U.S. Citizens and Domestic Reporting Companies
Minnesota Department of Revenue Updates the Minimum Fee Table
February 2025
Federal Court Reinstates Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Enforcement
December 2024 UPDATES
UPDATE: 12/27/24 Federal Court Order Enjoins Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Enforcement Again
UPDATE 12/23/24: Federal Court Reinstates Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Enforcement
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Enjoined Again; This Time Nationally
November 2024
A Last Pre-Filing Look at Filing Individual Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (BOIR) with the Treasury Department
October 2024
Update on Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Litigation
September 2024
Reminder: Federal Corporate Transparency Act Still in Effect with Reporting Deadlines Tied to Date of Business Entity Formation
August 2024
Newly Introduced Federal Legislation Seeks to Pair Rural Development Efforts of U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Small Business Administration
June 2024
Department of the Treasury Seeks Information and Comment on Use of Artificial Intelligence by the Financial Services Sector
April 2024
U.S. Treasury Appeals Federal District Court Decision on Constitutionality of Corporate Transparency Act
March 2024 *Special Issue*
Federal Judge Permanently Enjoins Enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act by Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
February 2024
Q&A On Complying With Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Requirement of the Federal Corporate Transparency Act
January 2024
Look for New Standards for Testing Banks' Community Reinvestment Compliance
Users of Intuit's Turbo Tax Software, Take Note of Federal Trade Commission Action
Survey of Small Businesses by National Federation of Independent Businesses Reports Little Awareness of Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements
November 2023
Minnesota Secure Choice Board of Directors
President Biden Signs Executive Order on Development of Protections for Artificial Intelligence
October 2023
Update on Corporate Transaction Act (CTA) Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting
September 2023
Federal Trade Commission Reminds Businesses of Identity Theft Responsibilities
IRS Continues Enforcement of 1099 Reporting Requirements to Reduce Under-reporting of Business Income
IRS Suspends Processing of New Claims for Employee Retention Credit
August 2023
Minnesota's Corporate Net Operating Loss Deduction Changes…and May Change Again
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Cautions on Increased Compliance Scrutiny for Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
July 2023
The U.S. Supreme Court's 3rd Decision of June 29, 2023
New Federal "Pregnant Workers Fairness Act" (PWFA) Effective as of June 27, 2023
Reminder: New Minnesota Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Effective July, 2023
Frequent Issues for Small Businesses in IRS Tax Compliance Audits
June 2023
Working Your Passion? Pay Attention to IRS For-Profit Business Definitions
April 2023
No Exception for Small Research and Experimental Expenditures Under New Internal Revenue Code Section 174 Changes
Briefly Noted: Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Addresses Franchise Fee Issue
March 2023
Federal Trade Commission Seeks Report on Business Credit Reporting Organizations' "Methods and Manners"
New NFIB Survey Shows Cost of Employee Health Insurance Remains an Issue for Small Businesses
February 2023
New Minnesota Law Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Hair Texture and Hair Style
Consumer Privacy Issues Continue to Increase in Importance
U.S. Treasury Requests Comment on Proposed Form for Corporate Transparency Act Reports
Internet Sellers Face New Disclosures and Transparency Requirements Under New Law
January 2023
Minnesota Enacts New Tax Conformity With Federal Tax Law
Regulation of Data Practices and Consumer Privacy to Reach Into Business Processes
New Guidance for Sellers and Marketers of Health Related Products
Federal Agencies Release Principles to Guide Definition of "Good Jobs"
December 2022
Reminder: Minnesota Minimum Wage Rates to Increase in 2023
Small Business Administration (SBA) Publishes Proposed Rule to Allow More Non-Depository Institutions, Including FinTechs, to Become 7(a) Lenders
U.S. Supreme Court Hears A New Case Involving a Small Business and Public Accommodation
U.S. Small Business Administration Releases December 2022 Economic Bulletin
November 2022
New "Reasonable Person" Standard for Determining Disadvantaged Status in U.S. Department of Transportation Infrastructure Construction Program
A Reminder for Businesses Undergoing SBA Review of PPP Loans and Loan Forgiveness
Cost of Capital and Inflation Driven Barriers to Growth Develop the Need for Business Valuation
Corporate Transparency Act Challenged in Federal Court
Changes to Implement Provisions of the Trademark Modernization Act
October 2022
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Proposed Rule on Employee/Independent Contractor Test
Social Security Administration Releases 2023 FICA and Medicare Rates
September 2022
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Releases Two New Proposed Rules Intended to Facilitate Small Business Federal Contracting
Inflation Reduction Act Doubles Payroll Tax Credit Available for Start-ups
State Attorneys General Comment in Support of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Proposed Changes to the Telemarketing Sale Rule
National Labor Relations Board Proposes Changes to Joint Employer Rule
August 2022
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Seeks Comments on the Need for Regulation of Consumer Privacy and Data Security
President Signs New Inflation Reduction Act
July 2022
New Minnesota Law on Use of Cannabinoids May Affect Employer Testing
Consumer Products Manufacturers Take Note: Federal Trade Commission(FTC) Enters Consent Agreement with Grill Manufacturer Weber Over "Right to Repair"
June 2022
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Announces Plans for Rulemaking on Various Business Uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Office of Management and Budget Publishes Guidance on Buy American Requirement
Reminder: Calculations for Determination of Small Business Status Must Include Affiliates
May 2022
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
April 2022
Revisiting Tax Liability for Receipt of Crowdfunding Donations and Government Grants
March 2022
U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Holds Against Minneapolis Landlords in Rental Application Case
U.S. Treasury to Investigate Possibility of a United States Digital Currency
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Issues Brief Guidance – But Not Regulations – on Website Accessibility Under the Americans With Disabilities Act
February 2022
New Legislation Revives Workers' Compensation Presumption For Certain Frontline Workers Who Test Positive For The COVID-19 Virus
Wall Street Journal Reports on Deepening Challenges for Small Businesses
January 2022
New SEC Report: Debt Capital Far Outweighs Equity Capital as a Financing Source
Minneapolis and Saint Paul Issue Mask Mandates
"Coping" Not "Prospering" May be the Status of Small Businesses Into 2022
2022 Edition of A Guide to Starting A Business In Minnesota Published
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Review our Business Compliance Checklist
Business Registration
- Register business name and organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Identify and apply for any necessary business, occupational, and environmental licenses and permits
Tax Compliance
- Federal Taxes
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- State Taxes
- Register for a Minnesota Tax ID Number from the MN Dept. of Revenue.
- Sales Tax
- Collect and remit sales tax if applicable. Register for a Minnesota Tax ID Number from the MN Dept. of Revenue.
- Income Taxes
- File federal and state income tax returns.
- Withhold and remit federal and state FICA and Medicare taxes
Unemployment Insurance
- Register with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program.
- File quarterly wage reports and pay unemployment insurance taxes.
Workers Compensation
- Obtain workers' compensation insurance for your employees.
- Report any workplace injuries and illnesses.
Paid Leave
- Comply with Minnesota's Paid Leave requirements for employees. (Effective 2026)
Employment Standards
- Wage and Hour Laws
- Comply with Minnesota's minimum wage, overtime, and child labor laws.
- Comply with Minnesota's Employees Safe and Sick Time (ESST)
- Provide paid sick and safe time to employees as required by local ordinances
Occupational Health and Safety
- Comply with Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) standards.>li>
- Maintain a safe workplace and conduct regular safety training.
Recordkeeping and Reporting
- Maintain accurate financial records
- File an annual business activity report with the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
- Keep employee records, including payroll and tax documents. See A Guide To STARTING A BUSINESS IN MINNESOTA.
Environmental Regulations
- Comply with state and federal environmental regulations if applicable to your business.
Data Privacy and Security
- Implement measures to protect customer and employee data.
- Comply with data breach notification laws.
If you are selling stock
- Registered Securities Offerings
- Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Exempt Offerings Under Regulation D (Rule 504; Rule 505; Rule 506(b); Rule 506(c)
- Intrastate Exemption (Rule 147)
If you are Crowdfunding
Local Regulations and Zoning
- Contact your city and county offices
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From the Minnesota ELicensing web portal you can access licensing information on approximately 970 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.
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State of Minnesota
Vendor 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.
- Vendor Registration
Vendors interested in doing business with the State of Minnesota must register through the state's Supplier Portal. Here's where you can get started.
- Vendor FAQs
- Find answers to some commonly asked vendor questions.
Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP)
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.- Small Business Certification
- Navigate the state's certification program for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged areas.
- Certified Business Directory
- Explore the state's directory of certified businesses via our searchable database or download the entire directory in list form.
- Solicitation Announcements
- Track solicitations for goods and services, construction contracts, and professional/technical service contracts, as well as other public postings.
- About the Office
- Learn more about the Office of Equity in Procurement and connect with members of the team.
- Training and Events
- MN OEP training and upcoming events.
- Resources
- Check out reports, brochures, email newsletters, hyperlinks, and other resources created and curated by the Office of Equity in Procurement team.
- Request OEP Assistance
- Sign up for one-on-one counseling assistance with state government certifications, contracting, and more.
- Contact the Minnesota Office of State Procurement
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- If you have other questions about how the State works with vendors, view our contact page to find Admin contacts who can help.
MNUCP (Minnesota Unified Certification Program)
The program is group of state and local agencies who work together to certify DBE's (Disadvantaged Businesses).
Current certifying agencies are:
- City of Minneapolis
- Metropolitan Airports Commission
- Metropolitan Council
- Minnesota Department of Transportation
Review
State and Federal Government
Apex Accelerator
- Request Services
Sign up for one-on-one counseling assistance with local, state, and federal government contracts. - Services
One-on-one counseling assistance with government contracting. - About APEX Accelerator
APEX Accelerator assists businesses in securing government contracts. - Counselors
Find an APEX Accelerator Counselor close to you. - 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.
- Vendor Registration
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The Small Business Assistance Office has created videos to assist businesses. Choose from a variety of topics on the Small Business Assistance playlist.
The University of Minnesota Extension Office has created a new YouTube channel addressing topics related to Biz Succession and Transition.
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Your Recently and Frequently Asked Questions for the Small Business Assistance Office.
Fill out the Small Business Assistance Intake and Order Form