Training and Support
As an entrepreneur, you have the skills and passion for the business you will launch, but you may not be an expert accountant, marketer, tax preparer, IT consultant, or HR specialist. The City of Minneapolis can help you learn the skills or find the support you need to successfully run all aspects of a business.
Business Resources
Business Technical Assistance Program
Through the Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP), the City contracts with local non-profit organizations focused on entrepreneur training and economic development to provide direct services to new and existing businesses. Small- and medium-sized businesses located in Minneapolis are eligible to recieve this service. B-TAP providers help with things like:
- Writing a business plan
- Business registrations, license applications, and navigating regulations
- Financial management and applying for loans
- Real estate and leasing issues
- Pursuing certification as a Minority- or Woman- Owned Disadvantaged Business
Current list of B-TAP Service Providers
Cooperative Business Development Support
The Co-op Technical Assistance Program's (C-TAP) goal is to leverage the co-op business model for maxiumum community benefit. The City is offering a class for gorups that are interested in starting a cooperative. For more information on on the class and how to sign up, visit the C-TAP webpage.
Download the class curriculum (PDF)
Small Developers Technical Assistance Program
The Small Developers Technical Assistance Program (D-TAP) promotes the development of small, women, and/or minority-owned developers by educating new and small developers in risk management and the real esate development process. To learn more about attending a small developer 101 training course, visit the D-TAP webpage.
Download the class curriculum (PDF)
Find a Mentor
SCORE is a large network of volunteer business mentors who provide free answers to your business questions. SCORE mentors are experienced business professionals who volunteer their time to help entrepreneurs who are just starting out. Mentoring is free and confidential, and can happen face to face, by phone or Skype, or by email.
Hennepin County Library
The Hennepin County Library offers assistance for entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking support. Through the library website, you can access information about business management, company research, and markets and investments. The library also offers events at various library branches to help build your entrepreneurial skills.
Hennepin County Library Locations
State of Minnesota Assistance
The State of Minnesota has a Small Business Assistance Office and funds Small Business Developer Centers that provide individual business counseling as well as a set of online guidebooks on a variety of business topics.
State of Minnesota Business Assistance
Procurement Technical Assistance
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) provides one on one counseling assistance to help small businesses secure local, state, and federal government contracts.
Small Business Administration
The SBA website offers extensive information about starting and managing your business. It also offers connections to SBA-funded loan and grant programs and an online learning center where you can take courses to expand your business knowledge. There are also local SBA offices throughout the country where business advisers can connect you in person to resources and assistance.