Our Small Business Assistance Office places a special emphasis on providing the in-depth information that is so crucial to business success yet too costly for many businessmen and women to obtain on their own.
Overview
We help reduce the expense in terms of money, time, expertise, and lost opportunity for startups and established businesses alike by offering individual consultation services along with a comprehensive series of business guidebooks.
We're offering a monthly meeting for small business owners. Learn more about the Small Business Call.
Our consultants field all kinds of inquiries, ranging from basic process questions (What form do I need to file, where do I get it, and with whom do I file it?) to addressing far more complex regulatory, financial, managerial, business structure and other questions.
Far from generic advice, our business guidebooks are written specifically for companies that will be doing business in Minnesota and operating under Minnesota laws and regulations.
Our guidebook A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota is the most comprehensive reference of its kind and a must read for anyone contemplating the startup or purchase of an existing business.
Our other in-depth guidebooks are produced in collaboration with major Minnesota law firms and subject matter experts on such topics as employment law, Internet commerce, securities offerings, franchising, debt financing, loan documentation and intellectual property protection.
New this year - The Guide is available in a new searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing.
Check it out here, A Guide To STARTING A BUSINESS IN MINNESOTA 42nd Ed. 2024
New this year - The publication is available in a new searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing.
Check it out here, First Considerations in Starting a Family Child Care Business
New this year - This guide is available in a new searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing.
Check it out here, A Guide to Intellectual Property Protection
Introduction to Franchising (3rd Edition, January 2008)
(A collaborative effort with the law firm of Briggs and Morgan, P.A.)
New this year - The Guide is available in a new searchable, interactive format. The user friendly format allows for searching, note taking, downloading and sharing.
Check it out here A Legal Guide To PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY 2024
Small Business Notes is a monthly newsletter that provides timely, accurate and useful information on topics of interest to small businesses in Minnesota.
New Survey of Small Businesses Confirms Continuing Concerns with Supply Chain and Inflation
The Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Provide Technical Guidance to Employers on Avoiding Disability Discrimination When Using AI Technologies
From the Minnesota ELicensing web portal you can access licensing information on over 920 licenses / permits / registrations / certifications administered by over 48 state agencies in Minnesota. You can find the licenses you need, whether business, professional, recreational, or vehicle in one spot. Information is accessible in a variety of ways: by topic, by agency, name of license, or using a keyword search. Features on this portal include online application and renewal forms, electronic payment options, license look-up links, and detailed contact information.
As the state agency that purchases goods and services and manages construction projects and leased space for the State of Minnesota, the Department of Administration has a number of resources for vendors. Whether you currently do business with the State of Minnesota or are interested in working with us, the links below can help you connect with the state and find what you need.
Minnesota small businesses can be certified as Targeted Group, Veteran-owned, or Economically Disadvantaged businesses to receive preferences when selling and bidding with the state.
The Office of Equity in Procurement helps ensure greater equity in state contracting and construction. It promotes opportunities to do business with the state, and provide assistance to small businesses owned by women, minorities, people with substantial physical disabilities, and veterans as they seek state contracts.
Navigate the state's certification program for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged areas.
Resources
Resources to help your business navigate the complicated government marketplace.
Events and Training
APEX Accelerator training series, upcoming events, and community partner events.
APEX Accelerator Program video
Video about the Department of Defense's APEX Accelerator Program, which helps businesses compete for government contracts.
The Small Business Assistance Office has created videos to assist businesses. Choose from a variety of topics on the Small Business Assistance playlist.
Our Small Business Assistance Office places a special emphasis on providing the in-depth information that is so crucial to business success yet too costly for many businessmen and women to obtain on their own.