STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

The Abilities Fund
Centerville Office
410 N 18th St
Centerville, IA 52544-1823
Telephone: 641-856-2173
Toll Free: 888-222-8943
Fax: 641-856-3101

Iowa City Office
332 South Linn Street, Suite #17
Iowa City, IA 52240
Telephone: 319-338-2521
Toll Free: 866-720-3863
Fax: 319-338-2528
URL: http://www.abilitiesfund.org/

"This summer The Abilities Fund, together with a national lending partner, will launch a nationwide direct loan program for entrepreneurs with disabilities. In 45 states, loan guarantees will also be available to as a means to secure loans for entrepreneurs. Flexible terms and competitive interest rates for microloans ranging from $500 - $25,000 will be offered.

In support of new microlending services, The Abilities Fund will be expanding its online presence to include training and technical assistance. Soon, people with disabilities nationwide will have 24-hour access to features such as Feasibility First ©, business plan development, and financial planning for business startup -- all of which are resources designed to prepare entrepreneurs with disabilities for self-employment."

Alliance for Minnesota Microenterprise
c/o Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Inc
820 Ninth Street North, Suite 200, Virginia, MN 55792
Phone: (800) 422-0374 or (218) 749-4191
Fax: (218) 749-5213
E-mail: info@neefund.com
URL: http://amme-mn.org

AMME is a broad-based coalition of microenterprise programs, financial institutions, government agencies, utilities, advocacy groups, and other community-based organizations and individuals who have joined forces to address the financial and technical assistance needs of Minnesota's micro-entrepreneurs. We seek to foster economic opportunities for individuals and to strengthen communities through microenterprise development.

Arrowhead Community Economic Assistance
702 Third Avenue South, Virginia, Minnesota 55792-2775
Phone: (218) 749-2914
Fax: (218) 749-2944
URL: http://www.aeoa.org/

To provide business assistance and loans to unemployed, low-income, and minority residents. Serving Northeastern Minnesota.

Courage Center
3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Phone: (612) 588-0811
Fax: (612) 520-0577
URL: http://www.courage.org/

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission serves local units of government in the seven county region of Northeastern Minnesota. The ARDC identifies and provides access to available resources; links local, state, and federal governments; provides a forum for matters of multi-jurisdictional interest; gathers, analyzes and disseminates regional information; formulates and implements regional strategies; analyzes and develops regional systems; facilitates decision-making and strategic planning processes; identifies and institutes innovative public management practices; assumes a leadership role on critical regional issues; and delivers technical advice and assistance.

Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota (Note: 368 pages)
URL: http://www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev/start.html

Initiative Foundation
405 First Street Southeast, Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: (320) 632-9255
Fax: (320) 632-9258
E-mail info@ifound.org
URL: http://www.ifound.org/

Service Area: The14-county area of: Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena and Wright which includes 160 communities.
Activities
-Gap lending to assist new and expanding businesses.
-Grants to community and non-profit groups for community and economic development activities.
-Leadership training to build the capacity of communities to plan and address growth and change.
-Public education regarding regional needs and opportunities such as housing, work force, planning, economic development, etc.
-Fundraising programs to support the fund, increase the level of philanthropy in Central Minnesota and to educate residents about philanthropy.

Lincoln County Enterprise Development
402 North Harold Street, P.O. Box 130, Ivanhoe, Minn. 56142
Phone: (507) 694-1306 or 800-658-2479
Fax: (507) 694-1290
E-mail: lcedc@frontiernet.net or manage@frontiernet.net
URL: http://lincolnenterprise.org/

What do these entrepreneurs have in common? They are four of the hundreds of clients assisted by the Lincoln County Enterprise Development Corporation (LCEDC). From new start-up businesses in metal fabrication and agricultural marketing, to business expansions in hardware and crafts, LCEDC is making a difference in the local economy and in the lives of the people it serves.

Minneapolis Consortium of Community Developers
1808 Riverside Avenue, Suite 206, Minneapolis, MN 55454-1035
Phone: (612) 371-9986
Fax: (612) 673-0379
E-mail: cando@cando.org
URL: http://www.mccdmn.org/

Service Area: Portions of the City of Minneapolis. The Consortium is an active and engaging association of not-for-profit Community Development Corporations which build, enhance and sustain opportunity for individuals and neighborhoods in the Minneapolis area. We do this as individual organizations, as well as in collaboration with others and among ourselves. Our focus is on housing, economic development, and community building services which contribute to strengthening community and urban neighborhoods.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Business Services
500 Metro Square, 121 7th Place E., Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101-2146
Phone: (612) 297-1291 or (800) 657-3858
Fax: (612) 296-1290
TTY/TDD: (612) 282-6142
E-mail: dted@state.mn.us
URL: http://www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev/start.html

The purpose of the Department of Employment and Economic Development is to advance the economic vitality of Minnesota. The department will employ all available resources to generate high quality jobs; stimulate workforce development; expand Minnesota exports; and encourage domestic and international travel within Minnesota.

The Minnesota Entrepreneurs, Inc. (Membership Organization)
4012 Lynn Avenue, Edina, MN 55416
Phone: (952) 922-1136
URL: http://www.mn-entrepreneurs.org/

We are non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation. Our mission is to educate, to inspire and to act as a resource for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. Founded in 1981, the Minnesota Entrepreneurs has a rich history of shaping yesterday's leaders and inspiring entrepreneurs.

Minnesota Work Incentives Connection
Suite 240, 2200 University Avenue, St. Paul., MN 55114
Phone: (651) 632-5113 or (800) 976-6728 or (651) 632-5110 TTY
URL: http://www.mnworkincentives.com/

Work Incentives Connection helps people with disabilities go back to work with clear, accurate information about the effects of work on their benefits.

Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Inc.
820 Ninth Street North, Olcott Plaza, Suite 140, Virginia, Minnesota 55792
Phone: (800) 422-0374 or (218) 749-4191
Fax: (218) 741-4249
URL: http://www.entrepreneurfund.org/

The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund is a non-profit organization that promotes the growth of small business and self-employment opportunities in Northeastern Minnesota. The Entrepreneur Fund helps unemployed and underemployed men and women develop their business ideas for starting or expanding a small business through individual consulting, workshops, classroom training, and business financing. The loan fund is a flexible source of financing for people who have no other access to capital.

Northern Great Plains Inc.
Valley Technology Park
P.O. Box 475, 510 County Road 71, Crookston, MN 56716 USA
Phone: (218) 281-8459
Fax: (218) 281-8457
E-mail questions and comments to: jgast@ngplains.org
URL: http://www.ngplains.org/

Northern Great Plains Inc. (NGP)- Northern Great Plains Inc. is a network of business, academic and policy leaders working together to build a strong economic and healthy ecological future for the people and communities on the Northern Great Plains. The service area includes the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, as well as the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Northland Foundation
202 West Superior Street, Suite 610, Duluth, Minnesota 55802
Phone: (218) 723-4040 or (800) 433-4045
Fax: (218) 723-4048
EMail: info@northlandfdn.org
URL: http://www.northlandfdn.org/

The Northland Foundation is a resource for people, businesses, and communities in Northeast Minnesota working toward prosperity through economic and social justice.

Northwest Minnesota Foundation/Entrepreneur Development Program
4225 Technology Drive NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: (218) 759-2057
Fax: (218) 759-2328
URL: http://www.nwmf.org/

Geographic Area Served: Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, norman, Pennington, Polk, Redlake, and Roseau Counties in Minnesota (Rural.)
Mission: To foster entrepreneurialism and encourage economic self-sufficiency through the growth of small business.

Owatonna Business Incubator
1065 S.W. 24th Ave./P.O. Box 505
Owatonna, Minnesota 55060
Telephone: (507) 451-0517
Fax: (507) 455-2788
E-mail: obi@mnic.org
URL: http://www.owatonnaincubator.com/

Rental Facilities
Since 1988, the Owatonna Business Incubator has been helping to foster small business growth by creating environments conducive to entrepreneurial success. Numerous businesses have graduated from the program, creating millions of dollars in payroll and increasing the tax and economic bases of the area.

Perham Technology Center
135 East Main Street, Perham, MN 56573
Phone: (218) 346-7710 or (800) 634-6112
Fax: (218) 346-7712
E-mail:chamber@perham.com
URL: http://www.perham.com/techcenter/

An entrepreneurial technology community and resource center

Riverview Economic Development Corporation
176 Concord Street, St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 222-6347
URL: http://www.districtdelsol.com/reda.html

• Business and Technical Assistance Classes
  URL: http://www.districtdelsol.com/technical.html

The mission of the Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA) is to promote the positive aspects of the Riverview Business District on Saint Paul's West Side.

Small Business Administration
Minnesota Small Business Resource Guide (PDF file; 31 pages)
URL: http://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/mn_minneapolis/mn_2006guide.pdf

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund
525 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060-0695
Phone: (507) 455-3215
Fax: (507) 455-2098
URL: http://www.semif.org/

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a donor-supported public foundation headquartered in Owatonna, Minn., provides resources to create community, business and individual success. The Foundation is committed to investing in businesses for the benefit of our residents and communities through four key areas: management assistance, loans, entrepreneurs, and economic stability & growth.

Southwest Minnesota Foundation
1390 Hwy. 15 South, P.O. Box 428, Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone: (320) 587-4848 or (800) 594-9480
General E-mail: info@swmnfoundation.com
Fax: (320) 587-3838
URL: http://www.swmnfoundation.org/

The Southwest Minnesota Foundation will consider financial support for start up or expanding businesses that will create employment by generating new wealth and diversifying the economy of southwest Minnesota. The region includes the eighteen counties of Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine.

University of Minnesota- Duluth Campus/Center for Economic Development
11 East Superior Street Suite 210 Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 726-8758
Fax: (218) 726-6338
URL: http://www.umdced.com/

Geographic Area Served: Arrowhead region of northeast Minnesota: St. Louis, Cook, Lake, Carlton, Itasca, Koochicking, and Aitkin Counties (Rural)
Mission Statement: The mission of the University of Minnesota Duluth Center for Economic Development (UMD CED) is to support the growth, diversification, and stability of northeastern Minnesota's economy.

University of Minnesota Extension Service
240 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108-6070
Phone: (612) 625-1915
Fax: (612) 625-6227
E-mail: info@extension.umn.edu
URL: http://www.extension.umn.edu/

We are the major educational outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, with offices in every county of the state. Campus-based extension specialists work with county-based extension educators to deliver educational programs through meetings, demonstrations, workshops, publications, and electronic delivery methods such as interactive TV, satellite teleconferences, and computer networks. Our programs range from water quality to sustainable agriculture, from urban horticulture to youth development, from natural resource management to tourism development.

University Technology Enterprise Center
1313 Fifth Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: (612) 379-3800
URL: http://www2.pro-ns.net/~utec/

The University Technology Enterprise Center (UTEC) is one of the premier enterprise centers in the Upper Midwest. Since 1986, we've been offering new and growing businesses a high-energy alternative to ordinary office buildings. UTEC is a long-standing member of the National Business Incubator Association, an organization dedicated to assisting new businesses.

Welcome to BizLinks: Your Link to Minnesota Business Information
URL: http://www.bizlinks.state.mn.us/

Mission: Forming and conducting business in Minnesota involves many interactions with state agencies: from establishing the business entity, to taxation, regulation, and issues for you as an employer. While there is no single website with universal applicability to all business issues and questions, BizLinks offers links to web pages established and maintained by the state agencies, and some others, that deal with specific business topics.

West Central Initiative
1000 Western Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Phone: (218) 739-2239; (800) 735-2239 (MN Only)
Fax: (218) 739-5381
URL: http://www.wcif.org/

As part of our goal to help strengthen the economy of our region in Minnesota, WCI provides both direct and indirect services to businesses. Our direct involvement with businesses is mainly with our loan programs. Indirectly, WCI networks with a number of providers throughout the region to make many services available to businesses at a greatly reduced cost. In some instances, services are free to the businesses.

Whitier Emerging Business Center
Whittier Community Development Corporation
2845 Harriet Avenue, South Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 879-0109
Fax: (612) 871-2923
E-mail: treynolds@webcenter.org
URL: http://www.webcenter.org/

To be a catalyst for economic revitalization by helping small businesses start-up and expand. To provide a link between economic development and job opportunities for Minneapolis inner-city residents.

Women Venture
2324 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: (651) 646-3808
Fax: (651) 641-7223
URL: http://www.womenventure.com/temp/index.cfm

Service Area: Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and, Andra, Carver, Chicago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isnati, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, and Wright counties. WomenVenture’s loan programs are designed for the small business owner like you who is either in the process of starting their business or needs additional funding to expand an existing business. Since 1978, WomenVenture has annually served over 3,000 people of diverse cultural, economic and educational backgrounds. WomenVenture's programs are designed to meet the needs of all women. WomenVenture offers a full range of services and products for the small business owner, from newcomer to seasoned entrepreneur. All business development services are open to both women and men.