Community support is essential for business success, lightening the load through shared advice and encouragement. Thanks to Ramsey County and MCCD, businesses receive free professional services to grow together. Open to Business provides tailored support, including business planning and financing assistance, regardless of location. Entrepreneurs can connect with advisors in various counties, with services varying based on location and hours of operation.
Community is the backbone of any business. Together the weight we carry is lightened because when we are able to rely on advice, council, and support from those around us, running a business doesn't feel as difficult.
Thanks to Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), businesses are able to come together and receive free professional services to scale up!
Open to Business is a valuable, no-cost resource for business owners. Their consultants collaborate with you to create a robust business plan, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop customized solutions to meet your specific needs.
Additionally, they assist entrepreneurs in finding the most suitable financing options. Whether the funding comes from a bank, a community lending program, or directly from Open to Business, their team will help you evaluate your choices and determine the optimal course of action.
Open to Business is available to for-profit businesses regardless of their location, meaning you don't have to be in a particular city to utilize the services. As long as your business is located in a county that has a dedicated advisor, you can access these services at no cost. Hennepin County, for instance, has multiple advisors available, while other areas typically have one advisor each.
Hennepin County, Anoka County, Dakota County, Ramsey County, Washington County, and City of Northfield.
They offer business plan development, feasibility analysis, cash flow and financing projections, marketing planning and material preparation, city and state licensing and regulatory assistance, loan packaging, and other support in obtaining financing.
Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to engage with various advisors. Each county provides different service hours. When their team contacts you after you've completed the intake form, feel free to inquire about the services included, as they are contingent upon the county.
To be part of this program, visit their website and fill out their intake form.
Open to Business has office hours around the city where you can ask them questions.Here are the list of locations and times available: https://www.ramseycounty.us/content/open-business-office-hours
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