Small Business Development Center

Resources

Business Owner Resources

Whether you are thinking about starting a business, a new business owner, or simply needing a refresher, use this collection of resources to ensure business success.

Business Learning Capsules

Explore our short, practical resources you can read on your own—before, during, or after working with the SBDC. Each capsule covers one topic in plain language, with a reflection prompt and a downloadable worksheet.

Making Decisions

The CLEAR decision framework

5-minute read plus worksheet

Learn more about CLEAR

Starting Out

Is this a business idea or a business opportunity?

Coming soon!

Money Basics

Start-up costs and cash reality

Coming soon!

Resource Collection

Business Plan Template

Put your business thoughts and ideas onto paper. This plan guides you through the questions you'll need to answer before starting.

Download the Business Plan template

Bank Checklist

Be prepared ahead of your first meeting with a banker with this 16-point checklist.

Download the Bank Checklist

Expense and Income Tracking

Download a beginner-friendly Excel spreadsheet set up to track expenses and income for one calendar year.

Download the spreadsheet

5 Steps to Start your Business in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Employment (DEED) lays out five steps to starting a small business with resources and instructions.

Learn more on DEED'S website

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and regional support partners. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the program sponsors. Programs are open to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Central Region SBDC at 320-308-4842.