Business Assistance Services
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is sponsoring a new website, www.business.gov, to serve as a one-stop shop for information about compliance with Federal rules and regulations, such as licensing, permits and tax questions. It’s organized in a sensible manner and allows for searches by topic (e.g. environmental compliance) or by industry sector. It will not eliminate Federal rules and regulations, but should help make the compliance process a little smoother.
The SBIR/STTR federal programs provide financing for your high-risk research and development, focusing only on science and technology. Management and fiscal responsibilities are equally as important before and after the awards are made. The State of Minnesota offers two exemplary small business assistance services that assists with all the nuances of starting or expanding your business.
Nine Small Business Development Centers across the state offer free counseling services through expert consultants to assist in analyzing your business situation and helping you develop tools for growth: a good business plan, financial analysis, and a marketing strategy that's right on target. They can also help you identify sources of financing and develop a financing proposal.
The Small Business Assistance Office offers business related publications and technical assistance free-of-charge. Their list of publications is extensive. They have collaborated with very well known law firms to produce high quality assistance tools to guide you in growing and expanding your business.
Both services are provided free-of-charge. Please utilize them as you focus on developing and expanding your business.