Small Business Assistance Office (SBAO)

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

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 (44rd Edition January 2026)

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 44rd Ed. 2026

• Employing Servicemembers: What You should Know About USERRA (August 2017)

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

• First Considerations In Starting A Family Child Care Business (2017)

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 here and sharing. Check it out here, LOAN DOCUMENTATION: AN INTRODUCTION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

• Raising Capital: Securities Law and Business Considerations (8th Ed.)

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

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

• Minnesota ELicensing

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
    • IRS - Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide
    • MN Dept. of Revenue: New Employer Guide

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

• Minnesota Crowdfunding Offerings
• MN Vest: MN Department of Commerce Securities Division

Local Regulations and Zoning

• Contact your city and county offices

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.

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
• • 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

• DBE Program FAQ's
• Contracting Opportunities
  
  

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.

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.

Your Recently and Frequently Asked Questions for the Small Business Assistance Office.

Fill out the Small Business Assistance Intake and Order Form