Community and technical colleges also provide non‑credit workshops and seminars on topics like basic accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, and technology for business. These may be offered through open enrollment or customized training contracts with individual employers. See the Resource Directory for Minnesota State system contacts. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS Regional development commissions, created by Minnesota statute, coordinate and conduct regional planning for the counties, cities, and towns in their area. Their work includes: • Preparing regional development plans addressing physical, economic, and social needs, including land use, transportation, housing, parks, public facilities, and energy‑related issues • Reviewing federal and state loan and grant applications affecting the region • Conducting urban and rural research and coordinating activities such as civil defense, community shelter planning, and flood‑plain management • Providing planning and technical assistance services to local governments A list of regional development commissions, the counties they cover, and their office addresses appears in the Resource Directory. A list of the regional development commissions, the counties they include, and the office addresses can be found in the Resource Directory section of this Guide. EXPORT / IMPORT ASSISTANCE For federal export and import support, small businesses can turn to: • U.S. Department of Commerce – U.S. Commercial Service • SBA Export and trade assistance, including U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) and SBA export finance programs • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) • Export‑Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States These agencies offer export finance information, training, and publications, as well as counseling on export readiness and compliance. SBA’s export programs and USEACs help small firms learn the exporting process and connect with Export Finance Managers and trade specialists. In Minnesota, additional support is available from the Minnesota District Export Council (DEC) and the Minnesota Trade Office (MT O . Contact information is in the Resource Directory. SCORE SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and an official resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration that provides free, confidential mentoring and education to start‑ups and existing small businesses. Mentors are experienced business professionals who volunteer their time.
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