Non-profit groups which provide services and technical assistance to emerging businesses and entrepreneurs:
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded two-year grants totaling $2.8 million to 11 nonprofit groups that provide services and technical assistance to emerging businesses and entrepreneurs in Minnesota. View the press release.
- African Development Center, Minneapolis – provides training, lending and technical assistance to help African immigrants and refugees achieve economic prosperity in Minnesota
- Central Lakes Community College Small Business Development Center, Brainerd – provides programs and services for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Brainerd area
- Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, Minneapolis – an association of community development groups that focus on housing and economic development initiatives
- Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Minneapolis – provides assistance to businesses owned and managed by entrepreneurs of color
- Minnesota Inventors Congress, Redwood Falls – offers resources for Minnesota entrepreneurs and sponsors two annual shows, the Invention and Idea Show and the Minnesota Student Inventors Congress
- Minnesota State University Small Business Development Center, Mankato – The center provides programs and services for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Mankato area
- Neighborhood Development Center, St. Paul – offers small-business training and consultation in low-income neighborhoods
- Northside Economic Opportunity Network, Minneapolis – The goal of this group is to expand economic opportunities and build wealth for north Minneapolis residents through the creation, growth and development of small businesses.
- Southwest State University Small Business Development Center, Marshall, – provides programs and services for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Marshall area.
- WomenVenture, St. Paul – helps women entrepreneurs, low-income entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses to develop and expand businesses and create jobs.
Small Business Administration: Contracting Support for Small Businesses & 8(a) Business Development Program
The government offers many tools to help small businesses build their potential to successfully compete in the federal sector. Contracting Support for Small Businesses The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.