St. Paul -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Small Business and Innovation is working with partners across the state to host a series of events to highlight the many organizations and resources available to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start and succeed.

The events are opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet one-on-one with local, regional and state economic development experts who serve small businesses, main streets and start-ups. At the events, DEED is convening Launch Minnesota partners, Small Business Development Center consultants and other local partners that provide services to entrepreneurs in their areas of Minnesota.

"Supporting the vital contributions small businesses provide for state and local economies is a core priority at DEED, and these events are among the many ways we're delivering for entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Minnesota," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "We are thrilled to offer this new event series showcasing regional experts and resources that are eager to help existing and new small businesses to launch, grow and thrive."

"Small businesses not only have a big impact on the state's economy -- comprising 99.4% of businesses in Minnesota and employing about 75% of the state's workers – they also contribute to the vibrancy of their communities," said DEED Office of Small Business and Innovation Director Neela Mollgaard. "We developed this event series to help make it easier for small businesses throughout Minnesota to learn how our state serves them and to showcase local, regional and statewide resources available to support businesses."

All of the events are free and open to the public. To register, visit Small Business Resource Connection Registration. Event dates, locations and details are outlined below and can also be found on the JoinUsMN.com website.