Once you have an idea and a plan in place, it is time to start, but starting can be tougher than it sounds. We have compiled some resources below that can help you as you start off your new business.
CO.STARTERS is an accelerator program designed to provide you with the insights, relationships, and tools to turn your idea into action and a sustainable business.
Prairie Family Business is a resource network for family business success. Prairie Family Business has a variety of resources and online educational opportunities paired with networking opportunities targeted for family owned businesses.
Receive confidential, no-cost one-on-one business counseling through the South Dakota Small Business Development Center. The SBDC counsels clients on business planning and financial projections as well as providing market and research analytical services.
Enterprise Institute manages an angel investment network comprised of four angel investment funds throughout South Dakota. For more information on the angel investment funds and to setup a conversation to apply for funds, visit the Enterprise Institute's website.
When small businesses need a loan for working capital, equipment, real estate or other fixed-asset project costs, the MicroLOAN South Dakota program is a great fit. This low-interest loan is available to South Dakota companies and residents and can finance amounts as little as $1,000 and as large as $100,000.
The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000. SBA provides funds to specially designated intermediary lenders, which are nonprofit community-based organizations with experience in lending as well as management and technical assistance. These intermediaries administer the Microloan program for eligible borrowers.
The Brookings Farmers Market, a program of the 501c3 non-profit Downtown Brookings, was established to provide a community gathering place where local farmers and entrepreneurs can sell directly to the consumer. Our goals are to improve opportunities for all in our community by promoting local economic development as well as social and community building through educational and family-friendly activities.
SCORE provides a national network of thousands of experienced business mentors. Connect with a mentor and find business tools, templates, tips, and trainings.
The vision of the Brookings Commercial Kitchen is to expand and thoughtfully enhance food-related businesses, experiences, opportunities, and activities in Brookings. We want to help you to build community rather than competition. Let us help you!
Interested in selling your product but don't have your own space? Check out the Ugly Duckling to see if they would host your product. The Ugly Duckling believes in supporting as many unique small businesses as possible. We have a wide variety of vendor products available, including plants, paintings, quilts, toiletry items and much more.
Through the support of over 4,000 members, the South Dakota Retailers Association fosters success and profitability in retail, hospitality, grocery, trades, and e-commerce. Visit their site for retail business specific information, educational opportunities, and resources.
