NABEC Services
We are here to help you start and grow your company. Below is a list of the specific services that we provide. Click on a topic to learn more about it. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 218-335-8583 or email us at info@nabdc.org. You are always welcome to visit us in person. Office hours are: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you would like to research business development on your own or learn about some of the busines research tools we have in-house please visit our Tribal Business Information Center.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Research and Planning
Before you officially start your business you will want to evaluate if there are customers who might be interested in your proposed product or service (market research). Our experienced Business Development Specialists have access to tools and research databases that will help you answer these questions. Once you have determined who would be interested in your idea, where they live, and how you can reach them you can decide whether or not you want to proceed.
After researching the market interest in your idea, it is time to honestly assess your interest and commitment to developing a business. Among other tools, we have a series of more than 200 manuals that outline the steps to take to develop niche opportunities such as starting a coffee shop, manufacturing a product, or selling your craftwork. Reading through these books will help you decide whether or not business ownership is for you.
|
|
|
|
Business Plan Development
Developing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a business - especially if you will be seeking outside funding. Anyone providing loans to small business people will want to see your business plan before they will consider your request. Developing the plan is a tedious and time-intensive process, but extremely valuable as it will help you define your goals and draw the road map needed to get you to success.
Our business specialists can walk you through the process of developing a business plan. They will not create it for you but they will help you every step of the way. They will provide direction and help you find the information you need to complete your business plan. To learn more about what a business plan looks like, check out our business plan outline or complete our application for services and we will mail you some preliminary information.
|
|
|
|
Financial Management
Financial management is an essential part of starting a business. Most entrepreneurs need financial support to get their business started, but don't have the experience to develop a budget or forecast revenue and expenses. This process is critical in determining how much money they may need to borrow, how that money will be spent, and how they will pay the money back. Having a clear picture of what you need and how you will pay it back will often help you secure money even when your credit history is less than perfect.
Our trained Business Development Specialists will help you take a realistic look at your current and future financial situation. If you would like a specialist to contact you, please complete the following credit application. (Security is a priority for the NABEC so we use secure servers to transmit financial data and will not share personal records.)
Our Business Development Specialists may also be able to tell you about potential funding resources such as: the Bureau of Indian Affairs Loan Guaranty Program and the Minnesota Indian Economic Development Fund (MIEDF).
|
|
|
|
Manufacturing
Any entrepreneur who makes a product (from cloth to metal to plastics to software) is a manufacturer. If you fit this category, our Business Development Specialists will help you determine the rules and regulations governing manufacturers as well as funding opportunities, technical assistance and partners who specialize in assisting manufacturers.
Some of the resources we might suggest include: Minnesota Technology Inc and Make It.
|
|
|
|
Construction
When starting a construction company initial funding is often needed to purchase the equipment required to do the work. This can be a major roadblock for many entrepreneurs. Securing this equipment is only half the battle. As a business owner you'll have to become familiar with construction regulations to ensure that you have the permission you need to develop and build structures.
We can help you with all aspects of starting and growing a construction company including raising capital, understanding regulations, and developing a business plan.
|
|
|
|
Procurement
Procurement involves bidding on contracts or projects, often for government agencies. In order to improve your chance of being selected, you will want to be included on government procurement lists. We can help you learn more about existing regulations that encourage government agencies to hire minority-owned and managed businesses. If you are a business person who is interested in procuring goods or services, we would be happy to help you find someone in our area or direct you to the businesses in the Directory of MN Native American owned businesses.
|
|
|
|
Franchising
Starting a business through a franchise offers its own challenges and rewards. Our business development specialists can help you focus on the rules and regulations to which you will need to adhere as a franchiser. One publication we might suggest to start is the Introduction to Franchising, published by Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development.
|
|
|
|
Exporting
Some businesses may have strong markets for their products outside of the United States. The time has never been better to work with other countries; communication is good and businesses are receptive to working with new partners. Our Business Development Specialists can work with you in understanding exporting rules and regulations, as well as finding an international customer base. For background information you may want to investigate the Export Assistance and Exporter Information Web site.
|
