Access to Capital & Borrower Success
West Central SBDC helps entrepreneurs and small businesses prepare for funding, work with lenders, and build stronger financial habits before and after closing.
We do not provide loans or investment capital directly. Instead, we help businesses become better prepared for conversations with banks, SBA lenders, grant programs, investors, and other funding opportunities.
Most capital reported by our clients comes through local and regional lenders.
Capital Readiness & Post-Funding Support
$50M+ in Capitol Reported Since 2023
$50M+ in Capitol Reported Since 2023
$50M+ in Capitol Reported Since 2023
More than 100 West Central SBDC clients have reported successful access to capital since 2023, including commercial bank loans, SBA loans, Initiative Foundation funding, federal loan programs, lines of credit, owner investment, equipment financing, and other traditional and non-traditional funding sources.
36% Higher 5-Year Survival Rate
$50M+ in Capitol Reported Since 2023
$50M+ in Capitol Reported Since 2023
West Central SBDC clients who reported business starts achieved a documented 68% five-year survival rate compared to roughly 50% nationally, representing approximately 36% stronger long-term survival outcomes through better preparation, support, and financial follow-through.
Our Approach
$50M+ in Capitol Reported Since 2023
Our Approach
Businesses that successfully report capital funding through West Central SBDC often receive extensive one-on-one assistance with planning, projections, financial preparation, lender readiness, and operational follow-through before and after funding.
“Finding the right support with the SBDC really helps.”
– Chrissy Davenport, Founder of Re-Ewe’able
Practical Financial Guidance & Borrower Tools
Access to capital is only part of the equation. Many businesses need continued support understanding financial concepts, improving operational discipline, communicating with lenders, and navigating the real-world challenges that come after funding.
As part of ongoing borrower support, West Central SBDC provides practical tools, financial guidance, worksheets, checklists, and educational resources designed to help business owners build stronger financial habits, improve decision making, and better understand the operational realities tied to growth and borrowing.
Working Together for Stronger Borrower Outcomes
For Lenders
For Businesses Seeking Capital
For Businesses Seeking Capital
Make a Warm Introduction
The best referrals happen when lenders directly introduce borrowers to SBDC early in the process by email, phone call, or mutual conversation.
Involve SBDC Before Closing
Early involvement allows time for projections, financial review, documentation support, lender readiness, and expectation setting before operational pressure begins.
Stay Connected
SBDC supports the borrower before and after funding, but strong communication between the lender and borrower should continue throughout the relationship.
For Businesses Seeking Capital
For Businesses Seeking Capital
For Businesses Seeking Capital
Prepare Before You Borrow
SBDC helps businesses organize financial information, develop projections, understand lender expectations, and prepare for funding conversations.
Stay Engaged After Funding
Closing a loan is often when the real operational pressure begins. Businesses are encouraged to continue working with SBDC after funding as questions around cash flow, hiring, marketing, operations, and growth arise.
Build Long-Term Financial Strength
The goal is not simply obtaining financing. The goal is building stronger financial habits, operational awareness, and long-term business stability.
Supporting Stronger Borrowers Together
Helping businesses prepare for funding and supporting stronger borrower outcomes after closing.
Participating banking partners help strengthen long-term borrower outcomes through continued support, practical financial guidance, and ongoing business advising during the critical first years after funding.
Financial support from participating lenders helps sustain:
- continued one-on-one borrower support
- quarterly borrower outreach and follow-up
- practical financial guidance and educational resources
- post-funding operational advising
- stronger long-term borrower outcomes across the region
The strongest borrower outcomes happen when lenders, business owners, and SBDC stay connected throughout the process.
Contact Us Today
Interested in participating or learning more about the Borrower Success Program? Contact West Central SBDC to discuss how your institution can get involved.
West Central MN SBDC and the Minnesota SBDC Network is a proud part of the Department of Employment and Economic Development in the State of Minnesota. It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
To request an accommodation or discuss accessibility needs, please contact (218) 299-6605 in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
Copyright © 2018 West Central Minnesota SBDC (Small Business Development Center) - All Rights Reserved.