Training seminars offered by the SBDCs are designed to help small business owners and managers strengthen their management skills. Training programs are specifically designed and delivered based on the needs of the local business community. Recent training seminar topics offered have included pre-business planning, access to capital, understanding and using financial statements, employment management issues, workplace communication, E-commerce technology, and market research and analysis. A listing of current training programs offered by the SBDC network can be found by visiting MnSBDC. While the SBDCs do not administer loan or grant programs, its network of counselors does help small business to access funding options, evaluate eligibility, and help prepare documentation that lenders require. The SBDCs helps business owners to better understand the loan process and helps them to prepare a detailed and complete loan application. Resource libraries at the SBDCs offer access to business development reference books, periodicals and computerized databases. Many SBDCs have computers and business software that may be used by clients to develop business plans. All regional centers offer online counseling. The MnSBDC program is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the host institutions of the regional and satellite centers. Businesses served by the SBDC program must meet size standards and other requirements for assistance established by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Financial support of its funding partners allows the SBDC to offer counseling services at no cost to the business client . Training programs and special projects are provided either at no cost or for a nominal fee. Contact information and locations of members of the MnSBDC network are listed in the Resource Directory section of this Guide. MINNESOTA TRADE OFFICE The Minnesota Trade Office, (MTO), an office within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is the state agency that provides export assistance to Minnesota companies and works to attract foreign direct investment. The MTO delivers programs and services particularly focused on helping small and medium sized companies enter and compete in the international market. Most services are offered free of charge or at a nominal cost. MTO services include: Export Counseling and Technical Assistance The MTO is staffed with a team of international trade representatives with broad international business experience who can help guide companies through the challenges of conducting international business. Through confidential and personalized meetings, MTO trade representatives are available to evaluate your export readiness, advise on how to conduct market research and develop an export plan, assist with market entry strategies, identify market opportunities and provide market intelligence, provide shipping and tariff information, identify potential distributors, partners, agents, and buyers, and more.
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