North Central Small Business Development Center

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Katie Lind and Tiffany Cluever, Business Capstone Students at Central Lakes College, for leading an impactful and engaging AI in Action workshop!

Tiffany and Katie were a part of our AI-U project, working alongside Regional Director Katie Heppner to explore how small businesses can make the most out of Generative AI. This workshop was their opportunity to report out and share what they've learned. Next stop for these two: graduation and taking the business community by storm ⚡️

04/29/2026

Question: What are you doing for lunch tomorrow?
Answer: Attending our AI in Action workshop 😎

Join us for a light lunch at 12 p.m. at Central Lakes College to hear from two business students who have been working with us this semester to test how generative AI can help with marketing, operations, and finance.

It's not too late to register: www.northcentralsbdc.com/workshops-and-events

04/27/2026

See how UpNorth Social Tasting & Grazing Room turned a passion for community into a thriving business: https://northcentralsbdc.com/success-stories/f/up-north-social-success-story-built-to-bring-people-together

Then, join us there at 5PM on May 6 for Entrepreneurs on Tap, where we will be diving deep into how to make the most out of tourist season 🍻

04/26/2026

We're still thinking about the great ideas that came from Central Lakes College students at the 2026 Raider Cup 💡Thanks to the Brainerd Dispatch for highlighting these amazing entrepreneurs!

Nine CLC students pitched their business ideas to judges and a host of audience members on Tuesday, April 21, at the Chalberg Theatre for the third annual Raider Pitch Cup Competition.

04/24/2026

Looking to make the most out of the upcoming tourist season? Swing by Entrepreneurs on Tap on May 6th at UpNorth Social Tasting & Grazing Room as we put owner Saundra Krienke and Jackie Wipper, owner of Squirrelly Mama Boutique & Gift, in the hot seat. You'll hear their tips and tricks for making the most out of this busy time of year and turning tourists into loyal, repeat customers. It all kicks off at 5 p.m. 🍻

04/22/2026

Big ideas. Real businesses. And a room full of momentum.

The North Central SBDC was proud to host the 2026 Raider Cup, and this year raised the bar in a big way. We saw a record number of student applications, making it one of the most competitive fields to date. From that pool, nine standout students took the stage through professionally filmed pitches. And they delivered!

Congratulations to this year’s top finishers:
First Place: Morgan Baker, whose product tackles a real need with a thoughtful, confidence-building design for ostomy users.

Second Place: Samantha Dren, who is building a welcoming, community-driven art experience that encourages creativity, experimentation, and connection.

Prizes were generously sponsored by Members Cooperative Credit Union. We’re proud of every student who stepped forward. The future of entrepreneurship in our region is in good hands.

A big THANK YOU to our judges, Donniel Robinson (Initiative Foundation), Blake Kral (Jacobs Financial) and Jason Mykkanen (Members Cooperative Credit Union).

04/20/2026

We've been helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive since 1986. One of the biggest joys of this work is connecting with communities like Pequot Lakes.

Learn more about our work and connect with us today at www.northcentralsbdc.com

04/20/2026

Your best marketing tool isn't a logo. It's your customers. Join us for Marketing Mornings to learn how to turn real customer stories and testimonials into messages that connect and drive sales.

Watch online or pull up a chair at a local watch party. Reserve your spot today at www.northcentralsbdc.com/workshops-and-events

04/16/2026

Hey, Wadena 👋You've got questions about Paid Leave and we've got answers. Join us for this no-cost workshop on Monday, April 20 at noon at Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce. We'll be covering what you need to know as an employer to stay in compliant and successfully offer this benefit to your employees.

As an added bonus, you'll get time to connect with Alison Medeck, North Central SBDC professional business consultant and new Executive Director of The Economic Alliance.

Register here: https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/310265

04/14/2026

Yesterday was such an energizing day ⚡️We facilitated the Big Lift, an all-day launch of the East Central Revive and Thrive Child Care Cohort. Folks from across the region came together to talk about the importance of supporting childcare businesses and realign work to have an even greater impact. We are proud to partner with Initiative Foundation on this work and walk alongside these determined community and business leaders.

Shout out to cohort members from Chisago County Economic Development Authority, City of Mora, MN, East Central Regional Development Commission, Pine Technical & Community College, Mille Lacs County, Isanti County , City of Isanti, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc., and North Branch Area Public Schools.

04/12/2026

We can't wait to dive into entrepreneurship alongside these awesome small business owners! If you're in the Brainerd Lakes Area on April 22, you won't want to miss this WAVE - Young Professionals Network event at Ernies On Gull 🌊

Behind every “success” are tough decisions, uncertainty, and a lot of figuring it out as you go.

On April 22, WAVE Young Professionals is bringing together local entrepreneurs to talk about the real journey—what worked, what didn’t, and what actually matters.

Hear from:
Andrew Spicola // Motion 46 Media
Katie Heppner // North Central Small Business Development Center
Patrick Sundberg // Jack Pine Brewery
Sheila Wing // Wing Wellness PLLC

📍 Ernie’s on Gull
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
FREE for members | $25 guests

04/09/2026

We're partnering with City of Pequot Lakes to offer a Marketing During Construction workshop on April 16th. This is a can't miss for those small businesses impacted by the Main & Front Street Project. We'll cover the basics of how to keep sales up during this challenging time.

Secure your spot by registering at www.northcentralsbdc.com/workshops-and-events