Business Resources
North Central Small Business Development Center
Individualized business counseling.
The North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by Central Lakes College in Brainerd provides training and no-cost technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region. The SBDC assists businesses with a range of topics including: start-up considerations; business plan development; business start-up / purchase feasibility; access to capital and loan packaging; financial review, assessment and management; general marketing and research; marketing plan assessment and development; strategic planning; and exit and succession planning. Complete a SBDC application to access these services.
The Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC) is a satellite site for the North Central SBDC and assists with Crow Wing County businesses.
Training Opportunities.
The North Central SBDC in Brainerd is one of nine SBDCs throughout the state of Minnesota and regularly offers training opportunities. Click here to find upcoming trainings offered through the SBDC network, and see here for more information about Small Business Development Centers.
Business planning tools.
A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota is available online – here.
Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation
WE BELIEVE IN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA as a great place to work, play, and raise a family. We support the vitality of our communities through traditional economic development efforts as well as innovative lending, recruiting, and other programs for businesses.
We’re a non-profit organization led by local business leaders. We are funded by community partners and members who believe in our mission. Through this funding we provide free and low-cost services to businesses looking to move, expand or start in Crow Wing County. To learn more about how we can help your business, visit our website at www.growbrainerdlakes.org
SCORE
The Brainerd Lakes Branch of SCORE offers free small business and entrepreneur mentoring, resources, events, webinars, and more. See here for more information.
Crosslake Chamber of Commerce
The Crosslake Chamber of Commerce, a proud partner of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce, is a regional business association that works to build profitability for our members today and prosperity for our communities tomorrow. With more than 1,100 members we strive to strengthen businesses who strengthen our communities. Click here for more information.