Southeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center - SBDC

06/18/2026

Your business journey starts with one step.

Learn how to start, fund, and grow your business in 2026 with support from SBDC. Let's build your future together.

06/17/2026

🚨 One of the reasons many businesses fail?

They start without validating their idea.

Before investing your time and money, make sure there is a real need for your product or service.

SBDC can help you research your market and build a roadmap for success.

06/16/2026

🏢💰 Building a business is hard. Leaving one gracefully is harder.

Exit strategy consulting is one of the SBDC at SBDC's specialized services. Whether you're planning to sell, merge, pass the business to family, or simply close on your own terms, having a plan matters.

Too many owners wait until they're burned out or facing a crisis. The best exits are planned years in advance with clear financial targets and succession timelines.

Our consultants have helped businesses through every stage of the lifecycle. Let's plan yours.
Visit https://rochestersbdc.com/

Here’s the most important takeaway: the Southeast Regional SBDC is open for business and fully available to serve entrepreneurs and small businesses across SE Minnesota. It’s business as usual for our local team. If you or someone you know wants to start a business or expand your existing busine...

06/15/2026

Meet Mark Thein, Director of the Southeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center.

With over 27 years of experience, Mark has worked closely with small business owners to help them navigate challenges and grow their ventures. His expertise includes loan packaging, financial analysis, marketing, and business plan development, all delivered through personalized, one-on-one support.

Mark’s leadership and global perspective—shaped by his time as a Peace Corps Volunteer—continue to make a meaningful impact on entrepreneurs across Southeast Minnesota.

06/10/2026

🏥🤝 Economic development doesn't happen in a vacuum. It takes a network of committed regional investors.

SBDC is proud to partner with organizations like Mayo Clinic, Associated Bank, Merchants Bank, City of Rochester, MN Government , Olmsted County ,MN DEED,Think Mutual Bank , Altra Federal Credit Union, and many more. Over 25 investors fund the work that supports businesses across southeastern Minnesota.

These partnerships fuel the SBDC, our loan programs, and our economic development initiatives. Together, we've supported $2 billion+ in local economic activity over 30+ years.

To our investors: thank you.
To our community: this is what collaboration looks like. ☺️

06/08/2026

🎉📊 Fun fact: the SBDC's Knowledge Exchange Program connects 120+ consultants statewide. That means if you come to us with a question we can't answer, we know someone who can.

Cyber security, tax strategy, branding, exit planning, there's a consultant for that.

And yes, still free.
Sign up now at : https://rochestersbdc.com/

Here’s the most important takeaway: the Southeast Regional SBDC is open for business and fully available to serve entrepreneurs and small businesses across SE Minnesota. It’s business as usual for our local team. If you or someone you know wants to start a business or expand your existing busine...

06/04/2026

📢 Happening Today!

Minnesota employers, business owners, and HR professionals—don't miss this opportunity to learn about the state's upcoming Paid Leave program and what it means for your business.

Join Francisco Martinez, Esq. for an informative workshop covering:
✔️ Compliance requirements
✔️ Employer responsibilities
✔️ Payroll and HR impacts
✔️ Reporting requirements

Plus, stay afterward for a free one-on-one Legal Aid Clinic to get answers to your specific questions.

📅 Today – June 4, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Rochester Cultural Center
1515 US-14, Rochester, MN 55904

💻 Can't attend in person? Register for Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OES2wKYFRXGIWYLhYRq6fw?fbclid=IwY2xjawSOt69leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUWG54Nnp5U2RoU1hpWDFKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn4-_WnB8IKQ_YtfUMfsMxv6ehAeeWX7ArioBRD2Wk0-PWQSJTlr208E4ZUZ_aem_stD3AvcWdffKn4M3XETkng #/registration

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday, June 4 2026, 6-8 PM In person and hybrid Rochester Cultural Center 1515 US-14 Rochester, MN 55904 What Minnesota Employers Need to Know About Paid Leave Minnesota’s Paid Leave program brings new requirements for employers across the state. Join this free, online Minnesota Paid Leave work...

06/04/2026

Attention Inventors and Business Owners in the Owatonna area!
Check out what Owatonna Area Business Development Center has planned for June 11th at 8:00 a.m.

Looking to meet other local entrepreneurs and business owners?

Join us Thursday morning for coffee & bagels, conversation, and connection at Innovators & Business Owners Connect-Up. We’d love to see you there.

Register here for our free event: https://iboc.eventbrite.com

06/04/2026

Join Collider for a 4-week, in-person CO.STARTERS bootcamp on Tuesday nights, 5 - 8 p.m. each week from August 4th to 25th.

Turn Your Idea Into Action with a Proven Program and a Supportive Community