Southeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center - SBDC

09/01/2026

🚀Today we launch the Small Business Support Series!

This series was built around what business owners are carrying right now — cash flow pressure, customer changes, marketing questions, rising expenses, and the need for realistic next steps.

We will introduce the team, explain how support works, and begin the conversation around what business owners may need most right now.

🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏼‍♂️‍➡️There is still time to register! https://mnsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/11632

✨We Built this Team on Purpose!✨

The Small Business Support Series brings together a team of experienced professionals ready to dig into the real issues small business owners are facing: financial pressure, cash flow, debt, visibility concerns, customer traffic changes, marketing to win, customer communication, business planning, and more.
Each expert brings a specific area of expertise, with one shared goal:
Helping business owners talk through options and identify realistic steps forward.

Registration: https://mnsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/11632
Registration includes:
🪑In-Person seat
💻Virtual option access to all sessions (if necessary)
🧑🏼‍💻Opportunity to sign up for FREE, Confidential 1-on-1 support provided by the Southeast MN Small Business Development Center SBDC
🔍Complete details
🅿️Parking instructions

🕰️All events are from 2-3 p.m. at the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce 220 S. Broadway, Suite 100

🆕Sept. 1 Introduction, meet the team, Financial
preview of “Debts, Dollars & Decisions”
🛒Sept. 8 Marketing that works when every customer counts
💸Sept. 15 [In depth] Financial: Debts, Dollars & Decisions

👏🏼Presented in partnership with:
Southeast MN Small Business Development Center
Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI)
Collider
Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce
Rochester Downtown Alliance
SCORE Mentors
U.S. Small Business Administration

08/18/2026

🍂🎨 Fall Is Closer Than You Think!

Smart business owners are already planning for the busy fall season. Are you?

Here's what to focus on now:

Inventory & supply chain

Holiday marketing strategy

Staffing needs

Financial projections

Need help putting your plan together? SBDC offers FREE consulting!

Get started: https://rochestersbdc.com/

08/13/2026

✨We Built this Team on Purpose!✨

The Small Business Support Series brings together a team of experienced professionals ready to dig into the real issues small business owners are facing: financial pressure, cash flow, debt, visibility concerns, customer traffic changes, marketing to win, customer communication, business planning, and more.
Each expert brings a specific area of expertise, with one shared goal:
Helping business owners talk through options and identify realistic steps forward.

Registration: https://mnsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/11632
Registration includes:
🪑In-Person seat
💻Virtual option access to all sessions (if necessary)
🧑🏼‍💻Opportunity to sign up for FREE, Confidential 1-on-1 support provided by the Southeast MN Small Business Development Center SBDC
🔍Complete details
🅿️Parking instructions

🕰️All events are from 2-3 p.m. at the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce 220 S. Broadway, Suite 100

🆕Sept. 1 Introduction, meet the team, Financial
preview of “Debts, Dollars & Decisions”
🛒Sept. 8 Marketing that works when every customer counts
💸Sept. 15 [In depth] Financial: Debts, Dollars & Decisions

👏🏼Presented in partnership with:
Southeast MN Small Business Development Center
Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI)
Collider
Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce
Rochester Downtown Alliance
SCORE Mentors
U.S. Small Business Administration

08/08/2026

Seeing double? You’re not alone!
There are two Mark Thein’s doing important work in Rochester and Olmsted County:

🏢 Mark Thein, Regional Director of the Southeast Minnesota SBDC, supports entrepreneurs and small-business owners.

🏛️ Mark Thein, Olmsted County Commissioner, serves residents through county government.

They share a name, but they have different roles and organizations.

When reaching out about business consulting, business planning, financing, or other small-business assistance, look for Mark Thein with the Southeast Minnesota SBDC.

https://rochestersbdc.com/

07/27/2026

Meet Julie Herrera-Lemler, a leader who brings energy, passion, and purpose to the entrepreneurial community.

Julie works closely with small business owners across Southeast Minnesota, helping them navigate their journey with the right resources, strategy, and support system. Whether she’s launching new workshops or connecting entrepreneurs to opportunities, Julie is dedicated to helping businesses grow and succeed.

She believes in the power of community—and that when you help one entrepreneur, you help many.

07/25/2026

Our partners at Colliderer are hosting the CO.STARTERS Bootcamp this August, led by Chelsi and Sean. This program is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs and covers essential topics like the entrepreneurial mindset, customer discovery, marketing, financing, pitching, and prioritization.

As a bonus, participants will receive a professional headshot!

If you're ready to build a stronger foundation for your business, this is a great opportunity to learn from experienced leaders.

Learn more and register through Collider. Link below

07/25/2026

Applications are now open for two late-summer and early-fall programs supporting Rochester's entrepreneurs and small businesses.

🔸 CO.STARTERS is the first step in your entrepreneurial journey: a 4-week, cohort-based program that gives you the tools to turn your great idea into a business. (Tuesdays, 5-8 pm, August 4-25.)

🔸 Community Incubator is the next step: a more intensive, 8-week program designed to help you take your new business to the next level. (Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 am, September 17-October 29 + Pitch Night on Nov. 5)

Visit the links in the comments to see if the programs are right for you and apply!

07/14/2026

Hiring the right people isn't just about filling a position—it's about finding individuals who share your values, support your mission, and help your business grow.

Before you hire, ask yourself:
✔️ What skills does my business need?
✔️ Does this candidate fit our culture?
✔️ Can they grow with the business?
✔️ Will they provide a great customer experience?

A great team can make all the difference.

07/13/2026

Meet Juliana Silva, a passionate consultant helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

From guiding founders through business plans and pitch decks to teaching Spanish-language workshops, Juliana is dedicated to making entrepreneurship more accessible and actionable. Her focus on strategy + financial readiness gives startups the tools they need to succeed.

Outside of work, you might find Juliana exploring new cities, staying active, or experimenting in the kitchen.

We’re grateful to have her supporting our local business community!

07/02/2026

Our partners at the Owatonna Area Business Development Center, led by Sean Williams and Danielle Wavrin, have an exciting lineup of upcoming workshops, networking opportunities, and educational events designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed.

Whether you're launching a new business, exploring funding opportunities, or looking to build new skills, there's something for everyone. The Owatonna Area Business Development Center provides training, mentoring, and resources to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

As a private 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation, the Owatonna Area Business Development Center offers virtually all the amenities an business needs to start or grow their business. We are committed to supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that has grown the Owatonna business community and will continu....