This page links you to web sites that provide free information and tools for business owners and self-employed people. Minnesota entrepreneurs will benefit from the many resources offered by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Plan and start your business
Local resources
Business & Economic Development Publications
Locate DEED's Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota, information about employment law issues, employee handbooks, and other valuable publications.
Business Resources
DEED provides a variety of information for businesses including compliance assistance, job-skill analysis services, job accommodation network, tax credits, and more.
License Minnesota
From this site you can access licensing information for over 500 licenses administered by over 40 state agencies in Minnesota.
Small Business Assistance Office
The Small Business Assistance Office serves as a resource for individuals and firms with questions about the start-up, operation, or expansion of a business in Minnesota. Check out the valuable FAQ’s
which include topics such as women or minority-owned firms.
National resources
Business.gov
Find answers to common regulatory compliance questions, and information about how to get business permits and/or professional and occupational licenses in each State, including Minnesota.
Kauffman eVenturing
Entrepreneurs may utilize the eVenturing site to make important connections, access help and advice, and find relevant, practical “just-in-time” information and tools.
Small Business Planner
Access this U.S. Small Business Administration planner for assistance with any stage of the business lifecycle. Resources include how to plan, start, manage, and close out a business.
Finance your business
Business financing
Businesses have many alternatives to acquire capital for start-up, expansion or relocation in Minnesota. Contact DEED to determine eligibility for financing. Find other finance topics such as loans, tax incentives, training grants, and more.
Finance compliance guides
Compliance guides from Business.gov assist business owners with financial disclosure regulations, and address other financial concerns such as bankruptcy, business credit, financial accounting, government grants and loans, and more.
Financial assistance
The Small Business Administration provides a number of financial assistance programs for businesses. Included is information on organizations and sites that can assist you in locating special purpose grants.
Internal Revenue Service
A one-stop resource for small businesses and the self-employed. In particular, this site provides the most accurate information on federal tax responsibilities for people who are starting a business.
Smallbusiness.com
A wiki site that seeks out answers from the best web-based resources for small business owners and managers. Locate a collection of resources for those seeking information and assistance in starting and running a small business in the U.S.
Training and consulting resources
Office for Business & Community Economic Development
This University of Minnesota office provides training and employment opportunities for community residents in the skilled “trades” professions. The office plays an active role in the economic development of diverse businesses, especially those owned by women, people of color, and people with disabilities.
SCORE
Minnesota SCORE is part of a national nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and contributing to the success of U.S. small businesses. Experienced business people provide counseling and training to existing and prospective small business owners. SCORE offers tutorials and direct access to services offered in several Minnesota locations.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
SBDC at the University of St. Thomas provides business consulting assistance at no charge to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities area develop strategies, attract customers, increase sales and improve profitability.
Small Business Training Network (SBTN)
An E-Government initiative, SBTN is a virtual campus providing targeted online training to meet the information needs of prospective and existing small business owners.
Resources for youth
Junior Achievement (JA)
JA uses hands-on experiences to educate youth about the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, JA contributes to age-appropriate curricula. Programs begin at the elementary school level, teaching children how they can impact the world around them as individuals, workers and consumers. Middle grades and high school programs focus on the key content areas of entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy.
Teen Business Link
The Small Business Administration hosts Teen Business Link. Find out if your idea has potential. Learn to write a business plan. Discover how much money it takes to run a business. Connect with groups in your community that can help you succeed. See how your ideas can lead to success.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Page last updated in January 2008.
Business Web Resources
