Business Resources for Self-Employment

Do you need to develop business strategies, attract customers, increase sales, and improve profitability?

Minnesota entrepreneurs will benefit from the many resources offered by locally and nationally organizations.

Minnesota Planning Resources

A Guide To Starting a Business in Minnesota
The 2020 guide provides help to anyone starting a business in Minnesota.
Business Resources
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) offers many resources to entrepreneurs and business owners, including help for starting a business, financing your business, and experts who can help you create and grow your business.
License Minnesota
Access licensing information for more than 500 licenses administered by more than 40 state agencies in Minnesota.
Small Business Assistance Office
Answers questions about the start-up, operation, or expansion of a business in Minnesota.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Offers services to help businesses start, grow, and succeed.
Small Business Planner
Access this U.S. Small Business Administration planner for help with any stage of the business lifecycle. Resources include how to plan, start, manage, and close out a business.

Launch Minnesota
A statewide initiative to help Minnesota's startup economy. Launch Minnesota offers Innovation Grants for startups and entrepreneurs.
Business Financing
Find loans, tax incentives, training grants, and other finance programs. Learn if you qualify for start-up capital or assistance to expand or relocate in Minnesota.
Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program
This program provides loan capital for businesses owned by minorities, low-income people, women, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Financial Assistance
Learn about the financial assistance programs for small businesses including 7(a), 504, and disaster assistance loans. Review eligibility requirements, loan programs, surety bonds, special purpose loans, and more.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Review the most accurate information on federal tax responsibilities for people who are starting a business.

Twin Cities SCORE
Provides counseling and training from experienced business people to existing and prospective small business owners. Also offers tutorials and direct access to services in several Minnesota locations.
Location and Expansion Assistance
Get help expanding your business, relocating from another state, or with regulatory and permit guidelines.
Office for Business & Community Economic Development, University of Minnesota
Provides training and employment opportunities for community residents in the skilled "trades" professions. It plays an active role in the economic development of diverse businesses, especially those owned by women, people of color, and people with disabilities.
Small Business Development Centers, Department of Employment and Economic Development
Find professional expertise to help your business grow.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC), University of St. Thomas
Provides free business consulting assistance to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities area. Learn how to develop strategies, attract customers, increase sales, and improve profitability.
Small Business Training Network (SBTN)
Offers online courses, publications, and other forms of technical assistance. Courses are self-paced and take about 30 minutes to complete.

Junior Achievement (JA)
Offers hands-on programs about the economics of life for elementary, middle, and high school students. Middle and high school programs focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Partners with business and educators.
Young Entrepreneurs
Resources from the Small Business Administration including a free online course with guidance on creating a business plan and a tool to help youth find local counselors or mentors.