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Business Resources for Self-employment
Do you need to develop business strategies, attract customers, increase sales, and improve profitability?
Minnesota entrepreneurs will benefit from the many resources offered by locally and nationally organizations.
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Planning Resources
State of Minnesota
Business & Economic Development Publications
Review the Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota, information about employment law issues, employee handbooks, and other useful publications.Business Resources
Locate compliance assistance, job-skill analysis services, job accommodation network, tax credits, and other resources for businesses.License Minnesota
Access licensing information for more than 500 licenses administered by more than 40 state agencies in Minnesota.Small Business Assistance Office
Answers questions about the start-up, operation, or expansion of a business in Minnesota. Check out the valuable FAQs which include topics such as women or minority-owned firms.National Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Offers services to help businesses start, grow, and succeed.Business.gov
Offers guides for regulatory assistance and contacts at federal regulatory agencies. Also includes fact sheets, guidelines, answers to frequently asked questions, interactive tools, and training resources.Small Business Planner
Access this U.S. Small Business Administration planner for help with any stage of the business lifecycle. Resources include how to plan, start, manage, and close out a business. -
Do You Have a Finance Strategy?
Business Financing
Find loans, tax incentives, training grants, and other finance programs. Learn if you qualify for start-up capital or assistance to expand or relocate in Minnesota.Financial Assistance
Learn about the financial assistance programs for small businesses including 7(a), 504, and disaster assistance loans. Review eligibility requirements, loan programs, surety bonds, special purpose loans, and more.Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Review the most accurate information on federal tax responsibilities for people who are starting a business.Small Business Finance
Find information on loans, managing finances, extending credit, and insuring your business. -
Training and Consulting Resources
Minnesota Online Corporate Services, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Offers access to a wide variety of continuing education and customized training programs.Minnesota SCORE
Provides counseling and training from experienced business people to existing and prospective small business owners. Also offers tutorials and direct access to services in several Minnesota locations.Office for Business & Community Economic Development, University of Minnesota
Provides training and employment opportunities for community residents in the skilled "trades" professions. It plays an active role in the economic development of diverse businesses, especially those owned by women, people of color, and people with disabilities.Small Business Development Center (SBDC), University of St. Thomas
Provides free business consulting assistance to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities area. Learn how to develop strategies, attract customers, increase sales, and improve profitability.Small Business Training Network (SBTN)
Offers online courses, publications, and other forms of technical assistance. Courses are self-paced and take about 30 minutes to complete. -
Starting Young
Junior Achievement (JA)
Offers hands-on programs about the economics of life for elementary, middle, and high school students. Middle and high school programs focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Partners with business and educators.Teen Business Link
Use the expertise of the Small Business Administration to find out if your idea has potential. Learn to write a business plan. Discover how much money it takes to run a business. Connect with groups in your community that can help you succeed. See how your ideas can lead to success.
