West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center
West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center
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    • Home
    • AI Con 2025
    • About Us
      • FAQ's
      • The Team
      • Testimonials
      • Workforce Development
    • Services
    • Resources
      • Small Bus Resources
      • Construction Guidance
      • Ag Bus Resources
      • Patent Resources
      • Childcare Bus Resources
      • Non-profit Resources
      • Economic Development
      • Local Chambers
      • AI Resources Lab
    • Events
    • Contact Us
    • Partners

  • Home
  • AI Con 2025
  • About Us
    • FAQ's
    • The Team
    • Testimonials
    • Workforce Development
  • Services
  • Resources
    • Small Bus Resources
    • Construction Guidance
    • Ag Bus Resources
    • Patent Resources
    • Childcare Bus Resources
    • Non-profit Resources
    • Economic Development
    • Local Chambers
    • AI Resources Lab
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • Partners

Welcome to the Minnesota SBDC Peer Resource Hub

 

Welcome to the Minnesota SBDC Peer Resource Hub—a space built by the SBDC, for the SBDC. This online library is designed to be a living collection of tools, trainings, videos, and best practices to support our work across the state. Whether you're onboarding new staff, refining processes, or looking for fresh ideas, this hub is here to make collaboration easier and more effective.


One of our key initiatives, the Peer Consultant Exchange, fosters shared learning and collaboration among SBDC consultants. You'll find recorded sessions, insights, and resources that highlight best practices and innovative solutions from across our network. Additionally, we’ve developed custom AI-powered chatbots to assist Minnesota SBDCs with marketing, financial planning, and operations—helping us work smarter and serve clients more effectively.


I encourage you to explore, share, and contribute. If there’s something missing that would help you or your team, let us know! This resource hub will continue to grow with our network, strengthening our collective impact.


Let’s keep building something great together.

KEP 2025

Welcome to the 2025 Knowledge Exchange Program (KEP)

Your hub for all things KEP! This year’s event takes place in Rochester, MN, bringing together Minnesota SBDC professionals for three days of collaboration, learning, and inspiration. On this page, you’ll find the agenda, session materials, downloadable content, and updates related to the event. Whether you're attending in person or following along remotely, this is your go-to source for everything you need before, during, and after KEP 2025.

Marketing Toolkit (KEP 2025)

Marketing Strategies and Tactics for SBDC (pdf)Download
marketing budget template for SBDC (pdf)Download
Marketing and Communication Plan Campaign Actions SBDC (pdf)Download
Customer Profile JLB Marketing Template for SBDC (pdf)Download
Content Planning Template SBDC (pdf)Download
Brand Identity and Standards JLB Marketing Template (pdf)Download

Financial Analysis Toolkit (KEP 2025)

Business Plan Summary Outline - Class (pdf)Download
KEP 2025 Loan Package Presentation (pptx)Download
KEP Loan Package Files (xlsx)Download
Resume Worksheet 2017 (doc)Download

Presentations and Handouts (KEP 2025)

Brian SBA MNDO SBDC KEP_5.16.2025 (pptx)Download
Enhancements to SBA Lending - Rick Indrelie (pdf)Download
KEP AI Session 2025 (pdf)Download
Lyle Milestones & Validations presentation KEP 5.2025 (pdf)Download
SBA 504 Loan Program (docx)Download
SBA Debt Refinance Rules (docx)Download
SBA Mary O. Lending SBDC KEP Presentation_5-15-25 (pdf)Download
Vicki AI Kep Case Study (pdf)Download
Maria Resilience & Intention Setting for SBDC (pdf)Download
Neela SBDC KEP May 2025 (pptx)Download

"The Great Minnesota SBDC Get Together: KEP 2025!"

KEP is the Minnesota SBDC’s can’t-miss annual conference — and this year, we’re heading to Rochester!

Join consultants and staff from across the state for high-energy keynotes, interactive breakouts, AI tools in action, marketing and finance strategies, and peer-led sessions packed with real-world value.

It’s a time to recharge, reconnect, and leave with new tools, fresh ideas, and momentum to bring back to your region. Let’s grow together — and have a little fun while we’re at it.

KEP Info Slide Deck From the Video (pdf)Download

"Managing Clients Effectively: The Art & Science"

Managing clients isn’t always easy—but it’s a skill that can make or break your effectiveness as a consultant. In this session, SBDC consultants share real-world techniques, mindset shifts, & communication strategies that have helped them strengthen client relationships, set healthy boundaries, & guide clients toward meaningful progress. Whether you’re new to consulting or looking to sharpen your approach, this session offers relatable stories and practical tools you can start using right away. 

A Guide for SBDC Consultants and Their Clients (docx)Download

Boost Your Consulting Skills with AI – Get Certified!

AI is transforming business, and as an SBDC consultant, you can stay ahead with America’s SBDC AI U. This quick certification will help you integrate AI into your advising, saving time and boosting impact. Get certified and level up your work today! 


Fun fact: 83% of surveyed MnSBDC consultants plan to complete the AI certificate and use AI to better support small businesses.


Click here to get started.

"Know Your Numbers"

Developed by Northland SBDC, Know Your Numbers helps small business owners understand their financials, manage cash flow, and make informed decisions for long-term success. Check out the video below from our January 2025 Peer Consultant Exchange, where Curt Walczak shares the background and development of this program. The workbook and worksheets are also available for download. 

1-Startup-Worksheet Northland SBDC (xlsx)Download
Know Your Numbers Proof (pdf)Download

EXTRAS

EXTRAS

EXTRAS

EXTRAS

EXTRAS

EXTRAS

"Small Business Basics"

The North Central SBDC Small Business Basics Guide is a practical resource designed to help small business owners navigate key financial and lending concepts with confidence. It provides clear explanations of essential financial terms such as cash flow, balance sheets, credit scores, and various types of loans. The guide also introduces the 6 C’s of Credit, outlining what lenders consider when evaluating loan applications, and offers a step-by-step breakdown of financial statements, including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow reports. With real-world examples and simplified explanations, this guide empowers entrepreneurs to improve their financial literacy, understand business financing options, and make informed decisions for long-term success.

North Central SBDC Small Business Basics_FINAL (pdf)Download

AI ARCHIVE

AI ARCHIVE

AI ARCHIVE

AI ARCHIVE

AI ARCHIVE

AI ARCHIVE

Downloadable Content, Tools, and Resources

AI Readiness and Adaptation for CONSULTANTS (MnSBDC) (pdf)Download
AI Policies and Procedures Customizable DRAFT Sample (docx)Download
AI Usage Guide 06MAY25 (docx)Download

Chatbots for SBDCs

MnSBDC Policy & Operations Bot

MnSBDC Policy & Operations Bot

MnSBDC Policy & Operations Bot

This bot is designed to help internal users of the MnSBDC understand and follow the Minnesota Small Business Development Center (MnSBDC) policies and operational guidelines, ensuring high standards of client service and compliance with legal requirements.

MnSBDC Ops Manual Bot

Speed Sharing Bot

MnSBDC Policy & Operations Bot

MnSBDC Policy & Operations Bot

This bot consolidates insights from six Speed Sharing sessions into one chatbot, enhanced by online sources, to assist consultants and clients. It covers trends, myths, succession planning, cybersecurity, client management, and budget solutions, ensuring quick access to vital information for better support and decision-making.

Speed Sharing Bot

SBDC Success Story Assistant

Northland SBDC Guide to Consultant AI Prompts

Northland SBDC Guide to Consultant AI Prompts

This assistant helps users craft client success stories by guiding them step-by-step, asking targeted questions to gather key details about the client's journey, challenges, and achievements. It focuses on creating a thorough and engaging story at a comfortable pace, with an option for a shorter version for social media.

SBDC Success Story Assistant

Northland SBDC Guide to Consultant AI Prompts

Northland SBDC Guide to Consultant AI Prompts

Northland SBDC Guide to Consultant AI Prompts

 

Your guide to finding and customizing prompts from the "101 AI Prompts for SBDC Advisors" handbook. Helps business consultants select appropriate prompts, tailor them to specific client needs, and format them for use in ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. *Click the welcome message within to begin!*

 

Consultant AI Prompts

Copyright © 2018 West Central Minnesota SBDC (Small Business Development Center) - All Rights Reserved.

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