The Small Business Development Center in southeastern Minnesota saved or created 787 jobs in the 11-county area in 2012, it says in its annual report.
Its local budget of $271,424 was half paid by federal and state investment, and half by local match, according to the report. It served 318 businesses, helped create 14 businesses and accessed $10.6 million in capital for business investment.
The Southeast SBDC office is at the Heintz Center, 1926 College View Road S.E., at the Rochester Community & Technical College. It also has satellite center locations in Albert Lea,Chatfield,Owatonna, Faribault andWinona.
Statewide, the SBDC served more than 3,000 businesses, created 8,000 jobs and opened access to $125 million in new capital, it said.
The network of nine SBDCs, part of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, provides professional expertise and guidance to small businesses in Minnesota.
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"Small businesses, which account for half of our private sector jobs in Minnesota, help drive the state's economy," said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. "For entrepreneurs hoping to start and grow a small business, the SBDCs are a great resource in today's competitive and ever-changing business world."
The SBDC focused on serving veterans, youth and struggling businesses in 2012, according to the report. — Mike Klein
