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Technical Assistance
Whether you are a current business owner or just getting started in opening your business, you will more than likely run into roadblocks and challenges along the way. Technical assistance is offered to guide you in developing a relevant and functional plan for your business, and address issues specific to your business.
Services
Our office or our partners can provide you with the following services:
- Business Incubation
Programs may provide facilities where small start‐ups and microenterprises can operate for no or low rent, and share access to equipment and / or office services. - Workforce development and training assistance
Clients often need individual help to work out specific aspects of their business plans. - Loan applications
Program staff may help clients prepare loan applications (for their own or other finance products). - Mentoring
Programs match new entrepreneurs with experienced ones for advice and support. Financial Literacy / Credit Counseling: Clients may need individualized counseling in financial management and overcoming issues with past debt. - Site selection assistance for new business facilities
- Specialized help / ”coaching”
Offered after training and through the life of the client’s loan (if there is one) specific problem solving is needed in many areas including: legal issues, accounting, and accessing markets. - Strategic Planning
- Technology Services
Programs may help to enhance entrepreneurs’ technology capabilities including internet access, website, and business software or data. - Workforce development and training assistance
Help with Challenges
We will support you as you improve and grow your business. Our staff or partners will work with you to provide you with assistance in any business challenges that you might be facing, including:
- Customer acquisition and retention
- Financial management
- Improving the customer experience
- Inventory systems
- Marketing and branding
- Planning for growth
Partner Organizations
Partner Organizations that provide additional technical assistance are:
- Entrepreneur Fund
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development who have staff as well as publications related to business assistance
- Northland Foundation which is also the host site for the region’s federally funded Small Business Development Center