Owatonna Area Business Development Center

09/02/2026

Starting a business comes with a lot of questions, and you don’t have to figure them all out on your own.

Throughout the Small Business Academy, we bring in guest speakers to share their expertise and answer questions about the realities of starting and running a business. Participants hear from professionals such as attorneys and tax accountants, as well as local small business owners who can share what they’ve learned from their own experiences.

With guest speakers joining us for nearly every class, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and make valuable connections as you work through your own business idea.

Ready to get started? Join our next Small Business Academy. Click here to learn more: https://sbaowatonna.eventbrite.com

09/01/2026

Our Rose Street Center Open House is getting closer!

Stop by Saturday, September 19 from 9 AM–3 PM to explore the building, see the spaces in action, ask questions, and learn about everything happening at the Rose Street Center.

Whether you’re interested in starting a business, finding a place to work, learning a new skill, making something, shopping local, or simply curious about what’s inside—we’d love to see you there.

Register here: https://rosestreetcenteropenhouse.eventbrite.com

08/28/2026

The Rose Street Center is more than a building. It’s a place to work, create, learn, shop, connect, and grow.

At our Open House, you can tour the spaces, meet the people behind them, learn about memberships and programs, and discover resources available to entrepreneurs, makers, small businesses, and the community.

Saturday, September 19 | 9 AM–3 PM
Free and open to the public!
Register here: https://rosestreetcenteropenhouse.eventbrite.com

08/27/2026

A business idea is a great start, but what comes next?

The Small Business Academy helps aspiring entrepreneurs take a closer look at their ideas and work through the questions that come with starting a business. Who is your customer? What do they really need? How will your business make money? What should your next steps be?

Through the CO.STARTERS program, you’ll work through these questions alongside other entrepreneurs and leave with greater clarity about how to move your idea forward.

If starting a business has been on your mind, this is a great place to begin. Click here to register and learn more: https://sbaowatonna.eventbrite.com

08/26/2026

Before you start building an app, website, or digital service, it helps to know what you’re actually asking a development team to build.

Preparing for the Software Development Process is designed specifically for non-tech founders and entrepreneurs. The course helps you better understand the development process, identify and prioritize what your solution needs to do, and communicate your ideas more clearly with designers and developers.

With 7 chapters and 42 lessons, you’ll gain practical tools and frameworks you can use to “right size” your idea and prepare for initial development.

Have a digital product idea you’re ready to explore? Learn more and enroll today. Click here to learn more: https://oabdc.thinkific.com/products/courses/prep-for-software-development-process

08/25/2026

Our Free Day of Co-Working has a new day!

Starting in September, you can join us at The Commons for free co-working on the first Tuesday of every month.

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, need a productive place to work for the day, or have been curious about what The Commons has to offer, this is a great time to check out the space.

Stop in, find a workspace, and spend the day with us. No membership required. Register here: https://freedayofcoworking.eventbrite.com

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

Have you been wondering what’s happening inside the Rose Street Center?

Come explore The Commons co-working space, The Craft Apothecary, Owatonna Makerspace, and the Retail Collective, along with the many business resources and programs available through the Owatonna Area Business Development Center.

Join us for our Open House on Saturday, September 19 from 9 AM–3 PM. https://rosestreetcenteropenhouse.eventbrite.com

08/20/2026

Soft Opening Announcement!

Thursday, August 20th! We will be doing a soft opening which really just means we don’t have everything 100% done BUT we have SO many supplies ready to sell, 3 tables ready for you to craft at, and 2 cozy chairs ready for crochet/knitters! $10 day pass to come create and always free to come shop!

Our hours will be:
Thursday 3–8
Friday 1–6
Saturday 11–4
Sunday 11–4

115 E Rose Street
Owatonna, MN

It’s happening!!!
🫣🫣🫣

08/19/2026

Have a business idea but not sure how to turn it into your next step?

The Small Business Academy, powered by CO.STARTERS, gives you the structure, resources, and support to work through your idea alongside other entrepreneurs.

From practical tools and expert guidance to feedback and connections, the experience is about more than just learning how to start a business—it’s about building the confidence and community to keep moving forward.

Our next Small Business Academy starts September 15. Register today!
https://sbaowatonna.eventbrite.com