Thinking of starting Your Own Business?
Start Your Journey Here!

Self-employment is a very important – but often-overlooked – component of local economic health, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the businesses and as much as 15 percent of the jobs in Southwest Minnesota. According to data from the IRS, there were 11,300 self-employed businesses in our 14-county region in 2009, generating sales of more than $380 million. In addition to existing entrepreneurs, self-employment has become an increasingly critical option for workers who were laid-off during the recent recession and slow recovery, giving these residents a chance to stay in the region. Listed below are several very useful websites designed to help lead people through the process of starting their own business.

DEED’s Guide to Starting a Small Business
Starting a business in Minnesota is not a single decision but a series of them, each one an important step on the road to a successful launch. Here we help you tackle the most common questions in the order you’re most likely to need answers.

These guidelines provide a roadmap to the world of business and the basic sense of direction you'll need before you begin. They are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney, accountant and other business professionals.
Website: www.positivelyminnesota.com/Business/Starting_a_Business/index.aspx

* Organizing Your Business
* Legal & Regulatory
* Protecting Intellectual Property
* Business Planning
* Accounting
* Financing a Business
* Insurance
* Taxes
* Get Help From Our Experts

Minnesota Center of Rural Entrepreneurship
The Center of Rural Entrepreneurship (CORE) began with a group of stakeholders who recognized a need in Southwest Minnesota for a tool that would provide a streamlined path to entrepreneurial resources. This tool was created to fit the needs of the start-up, existing and transitional entrepreneurs and the needs of resource providers. CORE also recognizes that entrepreneurs come in all age groups consisting of youth, mainstream and senior. CORE can be seen as a business plan that is a "living document" that will continually grow and evolve as needs and the economy change.
Phone: 800.594.9480
Website: www.mncore.com
E-mail: info@mncore.com

Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center
Marshall - Southwest Minnesota State University
The Southwest Small Business Development Center is a resource for business assistance. We provide a unique array of services, expertise and training in all areas of business development, including starting, growing, developing, and selling a business design.
Phone: 507.537.7386
Website: www.smsu.edu/sbdc/
E-mail: sbdc@smsu.edu
Contact: Liz Struve, Regional Director

* SBDC Business Services
* SBDC Consulting Services
* Access to Capital
* Eligibility & Fees
* SBDC Workshops & Seminars

Southwest Initiative Foundation
The mission of the Southwest Initiative Foundation is to be a catalyst, facilitating opportunities for economic and social growth by developing and challenging leaders to build on the region’s assets.
Phone: 800.594.9480
Website: www.swifoundation.org
E-mail: info@swifoundation.org
Contact: Berny Berger, Microenterprise Program Coordinator
Contact: Jackie Turner-Lovsness, Program Specialist

* Entrepreneurship Initiative
* Business Consultation Sessions
* Going Into Business classes