August 2026

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Lower-income Minnesotans struggle in uncertain economy

Contacts at community organizations describe worsening conditions for many households. Read More

Start Up North Accelerated for New and Aspiring Business Owners

Entrepreneurs with a great business idea often need more than inspiration—they need a clear plan, practical guidance, and the confidence to move forward. The North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering Start Up North Accelerated, an eight-week virtual cohort designed to help aspiring and early-stage business owners build a solid foundation for success.

Participants receive one-on-one guidance from North Central SBDC business consultants while developing key business planning skills, including financial projections, marketing strategies, startup planning, and a lender-ready business plan.

The cohort runs September 14 through November 4, with virtual action hour sessions held Mondays and Wednesdays at noon.

• $100 early bird rate through Aug 7

• $200 from Aug 8–31 (registration closes August 31).

Business Education Through SCORE

The wealth of content available when starting or growing a business can be overwhelming, especially as you deal with so many areas of development, from finance to marketing to legal and business formation issues. Here are some excellent resources to help alleviate the overwhelm.

Aug 4 | Going Beyond SEO: How to Get Found in Search, AI and Local Listings

Aug 11 | Understanding Your Funding Options: Loans, Grants, Investors and More

Aug 13| Applying for a Business Loan: What Lenders Look for and How to Prepare

Aug 19 | Mastering Small Business Financial Management – Keys to Growth and Profitability

Aug 20 | Mastering Cash Flow Management – Manage Fluctuations and Uncover Hidden Cash

Aug 25 | The Franchise Advantage: Proven Systems for Building and Scaling Your Business

Aug 27 | Goof-Proof Your Business: Prevent Costly Mistakes Before They Happen

Sept 10 | Alternative Funding for Small Businesses: Grants, Crowdfunding and More