Central SBDC is the 2018 Minnesota Small Business Development Center of Excellence

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Minnesota Central Regional SBDC (Central SBDC) as the Minnesota 2018 Small Business Development Center of Excellence.

Hosted by St. Cloud State University and located in the St. Cloud State Welcome Center, the Central SBDC provides free one-on-one consulting services, assisting clients ranging from the initial stages of business formation to fully established businesses making an impact in their local economies.

Serving the counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, Wright and portions of Mille Lacs and Morrison, the Central SBDC is able to assist a region spanning over 3,500 square miles. Funded in part by the SBA, it helps businesses with feasibility studies, market research, surveys, business plan development, loan packaging, operational assistance and much more.

In addition, the Central SBDC offers outstanding business workshops focused on educating local businesses and entrepreneurs about how to improve all aspects of their business, providing connections to resources for any questions that arise, and spreading knowledge throughout Central Minnesota to improve financial, marketing and many other elements of area businesses.

“The Central SBDC has been a steady provider of much needed and impactful technical assistance to small businesses,” stated Brian McDonald, deputy district director for the SBA in Minnesota. “It’s a pleasure to be able to recognize their individual contributions that greatly benefit Minnesota’s economy.”

Since its inception in 1978 the center has had only four regional directors. The current director, Barry Kirchoff, came to the center in 2006 with an extensive background in business and economic development. Today, the SBDC continues its rich tradition of helping to address the needs of the local small business community. The SBDC’s impact in the St. Cloud area for 2017 resulted in 28 new businesses started, 282 clients counseled at no-cost, and more than $15 million in capital resources.

The SBA Minnesota District Office, along with the SCORE Association, will honor all the 2018 winners at the Minnesota Small Business Week Awards Luncheon on May 11, at the Doubletree by Hilton Park Place in Minneapolis.