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.
Thriving During Road Construction
This video session explores the creative and down-to-earth ways communities have turned road construction challenges into opportunities for growth. Rather than just waiting for the dust to settle, the session illustrates how a strategic shift in mindset—like launching construction-themed products, coordinating "Customer First" parking, or using downtime for interior refreshes—can keep a business visible and vibrant. It highlights that while technical support is vital, it’s often these
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.
Workshop Handouts from ASBDC 2025
10[C]hats: AI Training that Works for SBDCs
A practical, field-tested playbook for SBDCs to deliver scalable AI training—from first-time users to fully integrated teams. Learn how West Central MN SBDC built an adoption-focused model using bootcamps, demos, conferences, and custom solutions. Walk away with tools, templates, and a framework you can use immediately.
Marketing Toolkit (KEP 2025)
Presentations and Handouts (KEP 2025)
"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.
AI ARCHIVE
AI ARCHIVE
AI ARCHIVE
AI ARCHIVE
AI ARCHIVE
AI ARCHIVE
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.
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.
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.
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!*
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.