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Calling it “one of the best things we do for business” Chisago County Small Business Development Center presenter Nancy Hoffman gave the County Board a yearly summary last week.  She explained who the center serves and what they are looking for.  

The center is in the North Branch HRA/EDA offices in North Branch, and is part of a Central Lakes College program that budgets for 500 hours of small business assistance in Chisago County.  There are nine regional SBDC programs operating in Minnesota, through the Small Business Administration.  Kathy Lindo provides extra expertise under a consulting agreement.

The businesspersons looked for instruction in Quickbooks, sought micro-lending services, got help developing their business plan and learned about. marketing tools, among a host of services through the center.

Hoffman said the program costs the county nothing  as far as local tax dollars and it is being embraced by existing commerce and future businesspersons.  

The contacts over the last year were related to questions about issues with succession of business, purchasing and selling businesses and securing financial help.  A recent “open house” was well-attended, she mentioned.

There were appointments made in 2024 by 43 people looking for information on developing a venture and 40 contacts with existing businesses.  Starting out in 2024, there were 13 fledgling enterprises that became center clients.  The sectors ranged from “services” to manufacturing and retail to building trades.

Clients were based out of just about every corner of Chisago County, although a couple  requests came from outside the county.  Hoffman said staff do not travel however.

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