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DEED OSBI Newsletter: September Edition

Updates and Opportunities from Office of Small Business & Innovation

DEED Celebrates Twin Cities Startup Week

DEED’s Office of Small Business and Innovation is bringing together corporate innovators, higher education institutions and innovative small business owners to connect, learn and grow during Twin Cities Startup Week.

Startup and Small Business Resource Fair
Date: Thursday, October 9, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Great Northern Building (180 E. 5^th St., Saint Paul, MN 55101)

OSBI provides innovators with resources and consulting services to scale startups in Minnesota. This casual, open-house-style event allows attendees to have face-to-face conversations with the State’s top small business experts.

Learn more about DEED’s participation in TCSW

Centralized Platform to Explore Potential Funding

Through grants, loans, and tax credits, DEED makes millions of dollars available to Minnesota's small businesses each year. We are collaborating with partners across the state to assist businesses in more effectively navigating funding opportunities.

Finance / Do Business in Minnesota

A representative from the MN SBDC presents at a national conference in Orlando

SBDC Presents at National Conference

Five members of the Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) were selected to present at the ASBDC Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. Their sessions covered a range of timely topics, including capital access, legacy planning, and the use of AI and video tools. The Minnesota SBDC helped consultants from across the nation strengthen skills and explore innovative approaches to better serve small businesses.

Participants included:

Ian Carlstrom, Regional Director, West Central SBDC @ M-State Community and Technical College
Vicki Hagberg, Regional Director, Northeast SBDC @ The Northland Foundation
Katie Heppner, Regional Director, North Central SBDC @ Central Lakes College
Kris Boedigheimer, Associate Regional Director, Southwest SBDC @ Southwest Minnesota State University
Mike Paulus, Business Consultant, North Central SBDC @ Central Lakes College and Executive Director, Cass County Economic Development Corporation

Preparing Your Business for Paid Leave

Minnesota Paid Leave and local chambers of commerce are teaming up to hold in-person engagement sessions for employers. At these events, you'll get an overview of the program, hear the latest updates, and get answers to your questions. Learn how to set up your Paid Leave accounts, designate a Paid Leave Administrator, and make key decisions that will shape how Paid Leave works in your organization.

Learn about employer engagement events

Loans for Small Business Environmental Projects

The Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan program provides zero-percent interest loans up to $75,000 to help businesses purchase new equipment or clean up contaminated sites.

This low-cost financing helps small businesses comply with or exceed environmental regulations, reduce operating costs, and contribute to a healthier environment. It's a great opportunity to invest in sustainable practices and improve your business's impact.

Call 651-757-2366 or email emery.david@state.mn.us to learn more.

Upcoming Events

September 25: Sparking Success with Cannabis

September 25: WE* Talks featuring Kate Barton

October 6-9: Twin Cities Startup Week

Startup and Small Business Calendar