We’re here to grow with you

Starting, growing or transitioning a business can present unique opportunities and challenges, which may be overwhelming at times. Whether you’re launching something new, expanding, navigating a rough patch, succession planning, or exploring a conversion to shared ownership, you don’t have to do it alone. At MCCD, we offer free, one-on-one and small group advice to help entrepreneurs -especially those shut out of traditional systems- move forward with clarity and confidence.

Advice that fits your business and background

You don’t have to navigate business decisions alone. Our experienced advisors speak English, Hmong, and Spanish, and understand the ups and downs of running a business. We’ll coach you in turning your goals into a plan. 

We can work with you in many areas, including:

Get Started
Managing finances & understanding your capital needs
Developing your idea
Shared ownership support
Bookkeeping
Hiring and retaining employees
Navigating changes in your business
meet an advisor

Shared Ownership Support

Thinking about starting, converting, or growing a shared ownership enterprise?
We’re here to help.

With support from MCCD’s Shared Ownership advisors and our trusted network of consultants, small business owners and groups launching or leading democratic, community-owned businesses can confidently navigate the structures, systems, and practices that make shared ownership work. We offer both free and affordable confidential business counseling, technical assistance, and access to the financing you need to succeed.

We support a variety of cooperative models:

  • Worker cooperatives: Employees owning and managing their business
  • Producer cooperatives: Independent producers or small businesses marketing or processing their goods collectively
  • Consumer cooperatives: Businesses owned by the people who use their goods or services
  • Purchasing/shared services cooperatives: Pooling resources and reducing costs through joint purchasing, marketing, or administrative functions
  • Real estate investment cooperatives (REICs): Local and collective investment, ownership, and management of commercial or mixed-use properties to prevent displacement
  • Commercial community land trusts (CLTs): Holding land permanently for community benefit, long term affordability, and to support local businesses and nonprofits

We can work with you on:

  • Education and training on governance and leadership
  • Guidance on feasibility studies, business planning, and strategic planning
  • Help navigating entity formation, licensing, zoning, permitting, and regulatory compliance
  • Support with financial planning, budgeting, cash flow projections, and risk management
  • Referrals to professional service providers that understand shared ownership
  • Capitalization planning and access to financing

Not sure what’s right for you? Let’s talk through your options.

meet an advisor

Initial client consultations are free. Services provided after initial consultations may be assessed a fee.

MCCD offers low-interest, flexible loans between $5,000 and $350,000 for entrepreneurs across Minnesota. Whether you’re launching, growing, transitioning, or buying owner-occupied or collectively-owned commercial real estate, we’ve got options for you. We champion BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, women, individuals with low wealth, and underinvested business areas.

Learn more about our lending programs on the loans page.

CanNavigate

MCCD’s CanNavigate initiative is designed to support readiness for cannabis businesses in Minnesota. Through educational workshops, cohort-based learning, and one-to-one advising, CanNavigate helps entrepreneurs build knowledge and prepare for participation in Minnesota’s cannabis market in a thoughtful and informed way.

To learn more about the program, watch the recording of our recent information session.

Ready to support for your cannabis business? Please complete our client intake form.

For questions, contact: cannavigate@mccdmn.org

 

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Workshops & Trainings

Build your skills. Grow your network.
Our trainings are designed to be practical and culturally relevant with relevant, timely information. Whether it’s learning to manage your books, navigate licensing or explore ownership options – there's something for every state of business.

  • Beginner-friendly and welcoming 
  • Virtual and in-person events
  • Workshop topics are informed by business owners
Join A Workshop
Let's Talk

Wherever you’re at in your business journey, we’re ready to support you.

Complete Our Intake Form Join A Workshop Stay Conneted