Jun 20, 2012

Grant to help businesses

The Initiative Foundation recently granted the Central Lakes College Foundation $10,000 to be used by the college’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to assist small businesses in central Minnesota. Through the SBDC, the college assists owners of existing businesses and individuals interested in starting a business with advice on marketing, business planning, financial management and access to financing.
“Funding from the Initiative Foundation will help us assist business owners with addressing many key management challenges they face on a daily basis,” said Greg Bergman, Director of the SBDC. “Their commitment to helping small businesses has been a great asset to our region.” 
Counseling services through the SBDC are provided at no cost to clients through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and several local funding partners.
“Over the past 10 years alone the SBDC has worked with 3,000 people in our region who either own a small business or want to start one,” added Bergman. “Our experience, along with the partnerships we have developed with organizations such as the Initiative Foundation, allow us to help strengthen our small businesses and our local economies.”
For information visit www.clcmn.edu/smallbusiness or call 218-855-8140.