Below are a number of external local and state resources available to help veteran-owned businesses.
- Northfield & Rice County Business Resource
- US Small Businesss Association (SBA) - offers assistance in starting, managing and growing business. Also many programs and information on small business loans, grants and other financial assistance.
- Small Business Development Centers - provide professional expertise and guidance to help your business fluourish in today's ever-changing and competitive world.
- Veteran Status Verification - In order to apply for Certification as a Veteran Owned Small Business under the Program the owner must first be verified by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as a Veteran under Minnesota Statutes section197.447 or as a Veteran with a service-connected disability as determined at any time by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA). Veteran Status Verification Request Form (Note: Veteran Status Verification is not currently compatible with Internet Explorer).
- Counseling - SCORE is the premier volunteer business counseling and advice service. SCORE counselors can help take some of the mystery out of getting started and taking control of your business. To request counseling or for a schedule of workshops and seminars, visit the SCORE website. When requesting support, be sure to mention that you are a Veteran!
- Government Contracting - Federal, state and local governments offer business the opportunity to sell billions of dollars worth of products and services. Many government agencies require that some percentage of the procurements be set aside for Veteran owned businesses. The SBA will have resources to help you register your business for government contracting.
- Minnesota Department of Transportation Veteran Business Program - The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages Veteran-owned small businesses to submit proposals for state funded MnDOT projects.
- Financing - The State Business Administration offers information on small business loans, grants, bonds and other financial assistance. There are many financing options specific to Veteran-owned businesses.
- Additional Resources - The James J. Hill Reference Library is a private non-profit business reference library. Since 1921, the Hill Library has housed a world-class collection of practical business information resources and is considered one of the most comprehensive business libraries in the country. It was founded by one of the nation's true business pioneers, James J. Hill, in order to provide others with relevant and credible information.