Business Resource Roundtables
Today’s business environment is constantly changing. Workforce issues, state mandates, rising costs, economic uncertainty, regulations, technology, and other challenges continue to impact organizations of every size.
Inspired by the Chamber’s May 2026 Small Business Forum, the Chamber’s Business Solutions Roundtable brings business leaders together on the last Wednesday of each month to discuss timely issues affecting our business community. Each session features a local expert who provides practical information, resources, and strategies, followed by an interactive discussion where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another. Whether you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, or manager, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical solutions you can apply in your organization.
Business Resource Roundtables take place on the last Wednesday of the month from 8-9:15 a.m. at the Chamber office. Check the Chamber calendar for registration information.
Resource Guide
Business Resource Roundtable connects local businesses with experts, programs, and organizations that can help them solve problems, find resources, and move their businesses forward. Because not every member can attend every roundtable, this guide captures the key contacts and services shared at each session and can grow as new experts join us.
Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Roundtable #1 | July 29, 2026
Michael Heen | Regional Director, Central Region
Phone: (320) 308-4842
Email Michael
Website
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How this resource can help your business
The Central Minnesota SBDC provides confidential, no-cost business consulting to entrepreneurs and established small businesses. Its advisors help owners work through practical business challenges and make informed decisions at every stage, from startup through growth and expansion.
- Business planning, startup guidance and feasibility analysis
- Access to capital and loan packaging
- Financial analysis, accounting systems and financial literacy
- Marketing, market research, e-commerce and marketing plans
- Growth strategy and help navigating the challenges of managing an established business
Good to know: The Central Region serves Benton, southern Mille Lacs, southern Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Roundtable #2 | August 26, 2026
Matt Varilek | Commissioner
Phone: (651) 259-7114
Email Matt
David Heyer | West Central Business Development Manager
Phone: (651) 259-7468
Email David
Website
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How this resource can help your business
DEED is Minnesota’s principal economic and workforce development agency. For businesses, DEED can be a starting point for finding state programs, financing and incentives, workforce resources, expansion assistance and connections to the right specialists. Regional business development managers help companies navigate available resources and identify programs that fit their needs.
- Business growth, expansion and retention assistance
- Connections to financing, incentives and economic development programs
- Site selection, permitting and regulatory navigation for expanding or locating businesses
- Workforce recruitment, training and workforce-development resources
- Regional labor-market information and connections to CareerForce services
- International trade and Foreign Trade Zone resources when applicable
Good to know: For Central Minnesota businesses, David Heyer is a direct regional contact who can help connect a company with the appropriate DEED program or specialist
LegalCORPS
Roundtable #3 | September 30, 2026
Manoun Alassouli | Communications and Development Manager
Phone: (651) 583-5980
Email Manoun
Francisco Martinez | Staff Attorney
Phone: (651) 583-5980
Email Francisco
Website
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How this resource can help your business
LegalCORPS is a Minnesota nonprofit focused on expanding access to transactional business-law and intellectual-property legal services. It works primarily through volunteer attorneys to assist eligible entrepreneurs, small business owners, inventors and nonprofits with legal issues that can arise while starting, operating and protecting an organization.
- Business formation and other transactional business-law questions
- Contracts, commercial leases, licensing and general business legal guidance
- Employment and human-resources related legal matters within its service scope
- Intellectual-property and inventor assistance
- Brief-advice clinics, educational workshops and limited-scope or pro bono representation for qualifying clients
Good to know: LegalCORPS generally focuses on non-litigation matters. Eligibility requirements vary by program, so businesses should contact LegalCORPS or complete its intake process to determine which services are available.
SCORE Minnesota
Roundtable #4 | October 28, 2026
Darrold Burreau | Chair, SCORE Minnesota
Phone: (320) 310-6860
Email David
Website
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How this resource can help your business
SCORE Minnesota provides free, confidential mentoring to aspiring entrepreneurs and established small business owners. Its volunteer mentors bring experience in business ownership and management, helping clients evaluate ideas, work through challenges and plan next steps. Business owners can also access educational programs and practical tools to start, operate, grow, or transition a business.
- Startup guidance, business planning and evaluating business opportunities
- Marketing, customer acquisition, sales and customer retention
- Cash-flow management, financial projections, pricing and cost control
- Business operations, leadership and management
- Guidance on business growth and ownership transitions
- Live and recorded webinars, workshops, online courses and business templates
Good to know: You do not need to be starting a business to use SCORE. Established owners can also request mentoring to address specific challenges or explore new opportunities. Mentoring is fr
