Business Development Resources

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Information Resources
Listed in alphabetical order

Business Council
The TwinWest/St. Louis Park Business Council works to address local business issues, act as a business advocate, and serve as a liaison between city government, the school district and the business community.  Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month (except July) at 7:30 a.m. at Citizens Independent Bank, 5000 West 36th Street. Meeting notices are posted in Event Calendar.  
For more information, contact Jason Flohrs, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, at:
TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170
Plymouth, MN 55441
Phone:(763) 450.2220
Email: jflohrs@twinwest.com

Center for Urban & Regional Affairs, University of Minnesota
CURA is an all-university center for applied research and technical assistance. It supports research and publishes policy-related reports on a wide range of urban and regional issues.

Chamber of Commerce
The TwinWest Chamber of Commerce serves St. Louis Park and eight other suburbs. It serves as an advocate for business, works to improve the business environment, and offers networking and professional development services to its members. For more information, contact Bryan Lake, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, at (763) 450-2220, or email bryan@twinwest.com

Compare Minnesota
Use Compare MN tools to see State or Metro comparisons against other states or metro areas in the nation on a range of economic development factors – including business performance, work ethic, education, innovation and livability.

Connect with the St. Louis Park Community
St. Louis Park neighborhood associations welcome cooperative projects with local businesses. Some associations will include business information when welcoming new homeowners. To learn more, contact the Community Liaison Marney Olson at:

• (952) 924-2184
• molson@stlouispark.org

Businesses looking to participate in community events or find a volunteer opportunity, should contact City/School Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Krzesowiak (pronounced krez-wick) at:

• (952) 928- 6790
• krzesowiak.sarah@slpschools.org.

J.J. Hill Reference Library
The James J. Hill Library in downtown Saint Paul is one of the most comprehensive business libraries in the country. It houses a world-class collection of practical business information resources, both online and in print. It specializes in serving the information needs of small business. It also provides training and educational programs to companies and communities around the globe.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis provides access to information on banking and economic policy issues.

MetroMSP
MetroMSP is an informational tool that allows one to search for available commercial or industrial properties in Minnesota’s 11-county Metro MSP region, This GIS-based website enables you to locate buildings or land, pull up site-specific demographic data, and generate valuable reports. 

Metropolitan Council
The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning agency serving the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area.  The Council provides a wide variety of reports, plans, maps as well as demographic data and projections on the region and individual communities. 
Minnesota Commercial Property Exchange (MNCAR)
The MNCAR Exchange is the commercial real estate industry’s database of commercial properties in Minnesota.  Properties are listed for Lease or For Sale and by General Use (Industrial, Mixed Use, Office or Retail).  Click on Search Listings Online and search by community. 

Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s economic development agency, with programs promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention; workforce development; international trade; and community development. The agency’s mission is to support the economic success of individuals, businesses, and communities by improving opportunities for growth.

Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
The Department ensures that Minnesota's work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. It oversees construction codes and licensing, labor standards, electrical licensing and workers’ compensation, OHSA, apprenticeship training programs, and labor-related policy development, research and statistics.

Minnesota Department of Revenue
The Minnesota Department of Revenue manages the state’s revenue system. It administers 28 different taxes and provides information to help businesses comply with state tax laws.

Minnesota Labor Market Information
DEED provides tools for accessing comprehensive Labor Market Information (LMI) on the state, individual counties and cities.

Minnesota Land Management Information Center
Minnesota’s LMIC helps other government and non-government organizations achieve better, faster and more cost-effective results through the creative use of GIS and other geospatial information technologies. LIMC coordinates GIS and data development activities, provides data and mapping services, consults with organizations on how to achieve better outcomes using GIS technology, and provides guidance on decision-support systems.  

Minnesota Local Area Unemployment Statistics
LAUS is a cooperative program between the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and state agencies. The Minnesota program provides monthly estimates of labor force, employment and unemployment for the state and local areas. It bases those estimates on data from the Current Population Survey, the Current Employment Statistics (CES) program, and the Unemployment Insurance (UI) statistics program.

Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota
The Center is a university-wide interdisciplinary cooperative for demographic research. As a leading developer and disseminator of demographic data, it serves 25,000 demographic researchers worldwide, as well as ten colleges and 19 departments within the University of Minnesota. It employs a research staff of nearly 100.

Minnesota Secretary of State
Minnesota’s secretary of state is an elected official. The secretary is vested with a number of responsibilities including preserving documents filed with the state, providing certain business services to the public, maintaining the recording of financing statements under the Uniform Commercial Code and administering other programs.  All Minnesota businesses must register with the Secretary of State.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities(MNSCU)
MNSCU offers numerous training and educational programs and assistance with workforce development.

Minnesota State Demographic Center
The Center analyzes and distributes data from state, U.S. Census Bureau and other sources. It is a source of labor force and population projections on Minnesota counties and communities.

Minnesota State Legislature
Provides information on proposed legislation and bill status, and statutes, session laws and rules. 

MNPRO
MNPRO is a non-GIS site selection tool for searching available commercial buildings and land throughout Minnesota. It is operated by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

North Star Minnesota State Government Online.
North Star has financial assistance programs that offer access to financing and investment primarily from banks or other private resources.

Office for Business & Community Economic Development, University of Minnesota
The Office partners with government, private enterprise and community organizations to contribute to the economic growth and development of Minnesota communities.

Office of Business Relations, University of Minnesota                                                                                                             The Office of Business Relations is available to help business customers find valuable University resources.  Whether hiring a new graduate, accessing faculty and staff expertise, or attending a seminar or workshop, this office can help businesses access talent, technology and training. 

Twin Cities Compass
Twin Cities Compass promotes the region's well-being by measuring progress, reporting findings and providing strategies for action.

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
The BEA provides timely, relevant and accurate economic data to help promote a better understanding of the U.S. economy.  The agency prepares national, regional, industry, and international accounts that present essential information on such key issues as economic growth, regional economic development, interindustry relationships, and the Nation's position in the world economy.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor economics and statistics. It produces relevant data on the social and economic conditions of the country, its workers, and their families. Data is available on state and county levels.

U.S. Census Bureau
American FactFinder provides quick access to population, housing, economic and geographic data.

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Manufacturing Resources

Enterprise Minnesota
Enterprise Minnesota is a non-profit business consulting organization that helps small and medium-sized Minnesota manufacturing companies, education service and government entities take advantage of expert business solutions to compete and grow profitably.

Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) of the National Institute of Standards & Technology, Minnesota Center
Minnesota's MEP Center focuses on making the state's industrial base more competitive. It bridges the productivity gap for manufacturers, identifies opportunities for growth, and encourages technology deployment by providing fundamental services in business and process improvements. Programs cover Lean manufacturing, sustainable energy and environmental services, and information technology.

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Small Business Assistance

African Development Center (ADC)
ADC provides training, lending and technical assistance to guide African immigrants and refugees in Minnesota along the path to economic prosperity.

Business.gov
Business.gov is the U.S. Government's official website for small businesses.  It helps small businesses understand their legal requirements, and located government services supporting the small business community.  Business.gov offers tools to help start and run a small business, find grants and loans, access tax information, find required licenses, learn steps to operating a business and more.

Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)
LEDC is a non profit organization that was founded by Latino leaders in different fields of community development to establish, stabilize, and grow businesses through orientations, classes, business development consulting, technical assistance, and access to capital for new and existing entrepreneurs.

Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD)
MCCD is an association of nonprofit community development organizations. It is committed to expanding the wealth and resources of Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County neighborhoods through economic development and housing initiatives. Among other initiatives, it manages a small business loan program designed to help new and early stage businesses access the capital and the technical assistance they need to grow and prosper.

National Association of Woman Business Owners, Minnesota Chapter
As one of 90 NAWBO chapters in the U.S., the Minnesota chapter gives women business owners the opportunity to network with their peers, educate government officials on business issues related to women, and benefit from leadership training.

SCORE“Counselors to America’s Small Business”
SCORE is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses. Its volunteer counselors are working or retired business owners, executives and corporate leaders. They provide free and confidential advice to entrepreneurs and small business owners in every industry. SCORE has a branch office in St. Louis Park.

Small Business Administration (SBA), Minnesota District
The SBA is an independent agency of the federal government. Its mission is to protect the interests of small businesses, preserve free enterprise, and maintain and strengthen the U.S. economy. Minnesota's district office, located in downtown Minneapolis, offers numerous programs to help Minnesotans start, build and grow businesses – including small business planning assistance, free online training, and online business consulting.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC), University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas’ SBDC provides no-cost consulting to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities area. It helps business owners develop business plans, strategies, attract customers, increase sales and improve profitability. Consultants have extensive, practical experience in marketing, finance, accounting, operations and/or business planning. Most have advanced degrees and have been business owners.

Winmark Business Solutions     
This Minneapolis-based website provides small-business owners with answers to business questions that users can research by topic or by search, discussion forums and online communities where owners can give and receive advice.

WomenVenture
WomenVenture provides the tools and support to help Minnesotans start and grow a business, find a new job, or develop a new career path. It serves women and men of all economic and ethnic backgrounds. It provides career planning, small business development assistance and loans, and training in financial literacy.

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Small Business Finance

Minneapolis Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD)-Small Business Loan Program
MCCD small business program helps new and early stage businesses access the capital and the technical assistance they need to grow and prosper.  It also provide the advise, counseling and technical assistance

Minnesota Business Finance Corporation
Minnesota Business Finance Corporation (MBFC) is a private not-for-profit organization licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Certified Development Company (CDC).  Since 1983, MBFC has been originating SBA 504 loans for small businesses across Minnesota. 

Small Business Administration (SBA)-Financial Assistance
SBA provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses including 7(a), 504 and disaster assistance loans.  They have been specifically designed to meet a business’s key financing needs including the need for debt financing (loans), equity financing (investment/seed money), and surety bonds. 

SPEDCO
SPEDCO is a nonprofit certified development company dedicated to helping Minnesota small businesses obtain financing for job creation or business expansion. As a registered agent of the SBA since 1981, SPEDCO is certified to provide long-term, fixed-rate loans through the SBA 504 Loan program and 7(a) loan packaging consulting services to banks and their customers.

Twin Cities Community Capital Fund (TCCCF)

The Twin Cities Community Capital Fund (TCCCF) is an innovative economic development financing resource for the seven county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.  St. Louis Park is one of 25 cities to offer “gap financing” for building expansion and equipment through the TCCCF, and one of only five cities to qualify at the highest funding level.  The TCCF offers long-term, subordinated, fixed-rate loans in partnership with local lenders.

Twin Cities Metro
Twin Cities Metro is a nonprofit certified development company that stimulates the growth of small businesses by providing access to SBA loan programs.  It partners with business owners and financial institutions throughout Minnesota.

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Workforce Development

Employment Action Center (EAC)
The EAC is the largest provider of employment and training services in the Twin Cities.  Its business services offers a wide range of customized services for businesses, including placement services, outplacement services, workplace education, disability services and telecommuting implementation services.

Greater Metropolitan Workforce Council
The GMWC oversees publicly funded workforce development services in the 11-county Metro MSP region. It publishes a biennial assessment of the Twin Cities workforce, The Workforce Regional Analysis for a Comprehensive Economy (RACE) Report. The GMWC also works through the Employer Services Partnership – a cooperative of public, private and non-profit organizations in the metro area dedicated to offering high-value employer workforce services.  

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
DEED’s Workforce Development Division works with local and statewide partners to provide training and support to unemployed and dislocated workers, and financial assistance for businesses seeking to upgrade the skills of their workforce. Additional services include State Services for the Blind, Rehabilitation Services, Local Labor Exchange, and Disability Determination.

Minnesota Job Skills Partnership
The program helps Minnesota businesses and schools competitively train/retrain the workforce. It awards matching grants to educational institutions that partner with businesses. Funds may be used for training-related costs or educational infrastructure improvements. Businesses located in Minnesota, or intending to locate in Minnesota, are eligible for support.