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.
Start Up Smart
South Central Minnesota SBDC shares its Startup Smart program, a practical training series that helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the fundamentals of starting and managing a business. This session highlights the program structure, key topics, delivery approach, and lessons learned from working with early-stage business owners. https://southcentralmnsbdc.com/business-training-and-webinars/start-up-smart-training/
Enterprise Minnesota
Enterprise Minnesota is Minnesota’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) organization, helping manufacturers improve operations, productivity, workforce, and competitiveness. For MN SBDCs, they are an important referral and ecosystem partner that complements SBDC strengths in startup support, business planning, and capital access with deeper manufacturing and operational expertise. https://www.enterpriseminnesota.org/
Thriving During Road Construction
South Central Minnesota SBDC shares its Startup Smart program, a practical training series that helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the fundamentals of starting a business. This session highlights the program structure, key topics, delivery approach, and lessons learned from working with early-stage business owners. https://southcentralmnsbdc.com/business-training-and-webinars/start-up-smart-training/
Microbusiness Advising Toolkit
A practical, advisor-focused toolkit designed for microbusiness and early-stage clients. It includes simple spreadsheet tools for cash flow projections, income and expense tracking, and basic financial organization, along with lightweight planning resources that can be used directly in advising sessions to help clients understand their numbers and build financial clarity.
Paid Leave
Learn the key parts of Minnesota’s Paid Leave program with HR expert Rovena Claxton. This Peer Exchange session covers coverage basics, employer responsibilities, grants and cost savings for small businesses, tax details, and a practical checklist you can use with clients. Perfect for MnSBDC consultants who need to help business owners get compliant fast.
AI Video Tools
A hands-on session for SBDC consultants to explore the power of AI video tools. Kris Boedigheimer, Associate Director of the Southwest SBDC, demonstrates popular platforms that make it easy to create professional videos for training, client communication, product demos, testimonials, and social media. You’ll also learn how to address common concerns around authenticity and ethics, see live demos, and walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately.
"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.
"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.
"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.
Ready to take the next step?
Join us and discover what we can do for you.
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.