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   The North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Central Lakes College is offering a new no-cost webinar series designed to help small business owners prepare for the next stage of business growth while also understanding Minnesota Paid Leave and what it means for employers. The series is designed for employers who want to make informed decisions about growth, staffing, financing, and long-term business planning. It also gives business owners a trusted place to learn more about Paid Leave and how it may impact their business.

   The Next Stage Business Growth + Paid Leave webinar series includes:

  •  First Time Employers: October 1 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This webinar helps first-time Minnesota employers understand the basics of hiring, payroll, and workplace responsibilities. Participants will also learn what Paid Leave means for small businesses and how to prepare. It is led by Tyler Wittwer, North Central SBDC Professional Business Consultant.

  •  Adding New Products and Services: November 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This webinar helps business owners think through when and how to add new products or services. Participants will learn how to evaluate customer demand, pricing, costs, and operational capacity before making changes. It is led by Jeff Wig, North Central SBDC Professional Business Consultant.

  •  Financing Equipment and Expansions: January 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This webinar helps business owners understand financing options for equipment purchases and business expansions. Participants will learn what lenders look for, how to prepare, and how to think through costs, cash flow, and repayment. It is led by Pam Thomsen, North Central SBDC Professional Business Consultant.

  •  Legacy Planning: February 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This webinar helps business owners begin thinking about the future of their business and what comes next. Participants will learn the basics of legacy planning, including ownership transition, succession, family considerations, and preparing the business for long-term success. It is led by Mike Paulus, North Central SBDC Professional Business Consultant.

   To register and learn more about the series, visit www.northcentralsbdc.com/paid-leave. Each session will connect practical business growth strategies with important information about Minnesota Paid Leave. Topics were selected to support business owners at key decision points, whether they are hiring for the first time, expanding their offerings, investing in equipment, or planning for the future of their business. The goal is to make complex topics feel more approachable and useful for busy entrepreneurs. Business owners will leave with practical information they can apply as they plan for what comes next. 

   This training series is offered at no cost through funding provided by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Paid Leave Outreach Grant. Through this grant, the North Central SBDC is helping employers across the region better understand Minnesota Paid Leave and access trusted business support. “The grant allows the North Central SBDC to provide education, outreach, and technical assistance to small business owners who may not otherwise have easy access to this type of support,” said Katie Heppner, Regional Director of the North Central SBDC. “It also helps ensure that rural employers have clear, practical information as they prepare for changes connected to Minnesota Paid Leave.”

   The North Central Small Business Development Center is hosted at Central Lakes College and provides no-cost, confidential business consulting, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners across an 11-county region. The North Central SBDC supports clients at all stages of business, from idea development to growth and transition. To learn more and register for consulting, visit www.northcentralsbdc.com. 

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