[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today celebrated Small Business Development Centers Day in Minnesota, recognizing the integral role Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) play in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed.

“Small businesses are at the heart of Minnesota’s economy, and we want to see each of them thrive,” said Governor Walz. “Our budget will build on Minnesota’s strong economy and invest in small businesses across the state so that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s SBDCs, located across the state, provide professional expertise and guidance to business owners – whether the business is just an idea or already established and ready to expand. To help clients overcome the challenges of running a small business, counselors provide confidential, no-cost consulting. They are experienced professionals in the private sector and can be found at the nine statewide regional SBDCs available in Minnesota.

In 2022, Minnesota SBDC consultants provided 32,000 hours of professional consulting to more than 5,200 businesses. These clients helped the state’s economy flourish by:

• Developing 152 new businesses
• Accessing $100.3 million in new capital investment
• Creating or saving more than 4,500 jobs
• Growing revenues by more than $232 million

The Governor’s

includes new funding for Small Business Development Centers, the Small Business Navigation Program, the Small Business Partnerships Program, expansion for Launch Minnesota, and additional funding for an Expanding Opportunity Fund, which would vastly accelerate capital into small businesses through partnerships with nonprofit lenders. More information on the Governor’s plan to invest in Minnesota’s economic future can be found