If you're a business owner looking for ways to grow your business, the Small Business Development Center can help.
You don't have to have all the answers. Take advantage of the expertise our Small Business Development Center provides. Our seasoned consultants can analyze your business situation and help you develop your tools for growth: a good business plan, financial analysis, a marketing strategy that's right on target. We can also help you identify sources of financing and develop a financing proposal.
And the good news is that we provide our services at no or low cost to you. Put your business on the right track today by contacting the Small Business Development Center located within the Center for Research and Innovation. We look forward to helping you succeed.
Small Business Development Centers have experts to guide you every step of the way. Here are several ways to access our services.
One-on-One Consulting
Small Business Development Centers are leaders in business consulting. Through private sector, faculty, and staff consultants, we can connect you with experts to guide you as you expand your business.
We work with you one-on-one, and our consulting services are free. Along with answering your specific concerns, our consulting services focus on five areas that are essential for growing your business.
- Business Information. Our consultants can help you obtain information on regulatory requirements, market conditions, industry trends, technologies, and more.
- Business Assessment. We can review your current business situation and make recommendations that will help you capitalize on your strengths.
- Business Plan. From determining the capital you need to grow, to successfully marketing your business, a business plan is your blueprint for success. We can review your plan and suggest improvements to help you reach your business goals.
- Financial Analysis and Loan Packaging. If additional financing is one of your growth needs, we can help you analyze your financial situation, identify sources of financing, organize the necessary documentation, and assist you in preparing a loan application.
- Marketing. Knowing your customer is one of the hardest parts of business. We offer strategic market analysis to help you clearly understand the characteristics of your customers and develop a solid marketing plan that will not only maximize your current business, but also allow you to take advantage of opportunities in new markets.
While these five areas are key to business growth, we also offer assistance with other specific needs. If we haven't mentioned your area of concern here, call to find out how you can get the advice you need.
Seminars for Growing Businesses
Small Business Development Centers offer short, practical seminars that business owners need to stay current. They are designed to strengthen your management skills with topics including:
- Access to Capital
- Understanding and Using Financial Statements
- Market Analysis and Planning
- Workplace Communication
- Employment Issues
- Quality
- International Trade
- Selling to the Government
- Taxation
Pre-Business Workshops
If you think you have a good idea for a business, but aren't sure, a pre-business workshop will help you explore the possibilities and determine whether or not to embark on a new venture. These workshops provide the foundation for developing a sound business plan to guide your growth.
Where to Find Us
Northland Community & Technical College is a regional Sub-center for the Northwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center located in Bemidji, MN. We are located on the east side of Northland Community & Technical College in the Center for Outreach and Innovation.
To set up an appointment with a Small Business Development Center Counselor call or email:
Dale Umlauf
SBDC Counselor
Tel: (218) 683-7053
Email: Dale Umlauf
