Women's Business Resources in Minnesota
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
Starting a business can be challenging, but you don't have to go through it alone. There are a number of local resources in Minnesota dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs start and succeed in business. We researched and vetted entrepreneurial resources available in your area and compiled our recommended list. Continue reading to discover the right one for you.
You can also read our guide on how to start a business in Minnesota.
Resources in Your Area
Women in Business - Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
About:
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is the leading resource and advocate for business owners across the state. Visit their website to learn more about owning a business in Minnesota and how you can get involved.
Who it's right for:
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has championed the success of all business owners for over 100 years. Female entrepreneurs are encouraged to get involved in the Chamber’s leadership programs and attend their Women in Business events.
Location:
400 Robert Street North, Suite 1500
St. Paul, MN 55101
Contact Information:
(651) 292-4650
WomenVenture
About:
WomenVenture was designed to support and educate entrepreneurial women as they define and work toward their goals. Whether you’re planning, launching, managing, or growing a start-up, the WomenVenture community has the answers you need.
Who it's right for:
WomenVenture is a tight-knit community of women from diverse backgrounds and industries. Are you an industry leader ready to give back? The program is always looking for volunteers and consultants.
Location:
2021 E Hennepin Ave, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Contact Information:
(612) 224-9540
Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota (WeMN)
About:
WeMN offers its members sponsorship opportunities, access to mentors, peer advisory forums, and educational workshops. Its mission is to create a network of support that helps its members grow, both collectively and individually.
Who it's right for:
WeMN seeks to reach female entrepreneurs who possess the desires to connect with, learn from, and give back to other women who share their same passions.
Women in Business - University of Minnesota
About:
The University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management created this student organization to unite and educate aspiring female business professionals. Their hosted events are meant to empower and inspire, ensuring every member blossoms into the best version of herself.
Who it's right for:
The program aims to attract any student seeking a sense of community, and who is committed to continuous personal and professional growth.
Women in Networking (WIN)
About:
Join this diverse group of Twin Cities women who share a common goal — becoming thought leaders in their industries. WIN members have a unique opportunity to harvest insightful information, while building lasting connections that will help them shatter that glass ceiling.
Who it's right for:
The WIN community is diverse, yet each member shares one common belief — that there is much to garner from uniting with others who possess a drive and desire to continually grow.
Location:
333 Washington Ave N, Ste 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Contact Information:
(612) 708-6001
WomensNet - Minnesota
About:
WomensNet and their Amber Grant For Women program offer female business owners the opportunity to apply for grants that could help fund their next project. Additionally, they offer excellent advice on researching and applying for other available grants.
Who it's right for:
Women professionals looking to propel their business opportunities forward should consider applying for WomensNet’s Amber Grant. Whether you are just starting out or have an established business, this economic stimulus could be a critical piece of your business’s puzzle.
Location:
300 State Street, Suite 405
Rochester , NY 14614
Contact Information:
Association of Women Contractors (AWC)
About:
The Association of Women Contractors was designed to be an advocate for Minnesota’s female contractors. The AWC community is diverse, with each member helping to enrich the lives of those around them.
Who it's right for:
Women contractors who wish to be a part of a principled community that thrives on teamwork have much to gain from this association’s membership.
Location:
1337 St. Clair Ave., Ste. 4
St. Paul, MN 55105
Contact Information:
(651) 489-2221
Central (CERT) Certification Program
About:
The CERT Certification Program ensures Minnesota women-owned and minority-owned businesses have the tools and knowledge needed to become certified to win local government contracts. Their focus is to create an inclusive and profitable entrepreneurial ecosystem, thus stimulating jobs and economic growth for the cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the surrounding area.
Who it's right for:
Are you a small business owner aspiring to strengthen and grow your organization through local government contracts? If so, visit the Central (CERT) Certification Program’s website and learn all that this program has to offer.
Location:
15 West Kellogg Boulevard, 280 City Hall
St. Paul, MN 55102
Contact Information:
(651) 266-8900
Women’s Business Development Center - Twin Cities
About:
The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC-MN) offers Women’s Business Enterprises (WBE) certification to residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Western Wisconsin. To further strengthen local businesses and economies, the WBDC-MN also offers networking opportunities, business development training, and mentoring.
Who it's right for:
Whether you have an established business or are just starting out, the WBDC-MN has the resources and education you need to reach your goals.
Location:
2021 E. Hennepin Avenue, #200
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Contact Information:
(612) 259-6854
TeamWomen
About:
Recognizing the value of teamwork, TeamWomen was founded to unite women who share the same vision and mission. Members have a unique opportunity to learn from the shared experiences of others and work with their peers to ensure future generations are set up for success.
Who it's right for:
Women who are passionate about continuing to grow professionally, while leaving the world a better place for our future female leaders.
Location:
5775 Wayzata Blvd #700
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Contact Information:
(952) 525-2236
Small Business Assistance Office
About:
In an effort to bolster Minnesota’s economy and help every small business realize long-term success, the Small Business Assistance Office offers comprehensive guides and one-on-one consulting to business women and men.
Who it's right for:
The Small Business Assistance Office is an excellent resource for new and existing organizations spanning every industry and size.
Location:
1st National Bank Bldg, 332 Minnesota St Suite E200
St. Paul, MN 55101
Contact Information:
(651) 556-8425
Entrepreneur Fund - Women’s Business Alliance
About:
The Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs on their paths to leadership. Their support strategies and services were specifically designed to help members overcome common obstacles women face in a male-dominated business world.
Who it's right for:
Female entrepreneurs of central and northeast Minnesota are encouraged to utilize the comprehensive support system this alliance has to offer.
Location:
202 W. Superior Street, Suite 311
Duluth, MN 55802
Contact Information:
(218) 623-5747
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) - Minnesota
About:
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) connects women entrepreneurs and professionals from across the country through innovation, collaboration, and a desire to support women in reaching their goals. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, NAWBO remains on the cutting edge, constantly adding new resources for its members.
Who it's right for:
Women business professionals in Minnesota who are striving to expand their network would be wise to look into this organization. After all, with community comes opportunity.
Location:
2800 University Avenue SE, Suite #205
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Contact Information:
(612) 326-7772
Small Business Administration (SBA) - Minnesota District Office
About:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) - Minnesota District Office offers a variety of tools for entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand their existing businesses. Topics include everything from writing a business plan to marketing and gaining government contracts.
Who it's right for:
The SBA is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs who are dedicated to building sustainable and profitable businesses.
Location:
330 Second Avenue South Suite 430
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Contact Information:
(612) 370-2324
Minnesota Small Business Development Centers
About:
Many small business owners find it challenging to keep up with the ever-evolving business world. The Minnesota Small Business Development Centers were designed to provide entrepreneurs with one platform for accessing everything they need to carry them through.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs seeking guidance and support are encouraged to visit one of Minnesota’s nine regional offices throughout the state.
Minnesota SCORE
About:
Minnesota’s SCORE has an extensive resource library that covers a variety of subjects including business loans, grants, human resources, and marketing. Their mentoring program and education workshops ensure every Minnesota business owner is set up for success.
Who it's right for:
With 24 offices throughout the state, Minnesota encourages everyone from novice entrepreneurs to industry experts to utilize SCORE’s resources and contribute to the financial success of this great state.
eWomenNetwork - Twin Cities
About:
Join this diverse group of Minneapolis and Saint-Paul women and find out just how much women can accomplish when forging a united front. Through events such as their monthly Sip, Tip, & Talks, coaching opportunities, and online resources, members have a unique opportunity to gain insightful information and build meaningful connections that will help them rise to the top.
Who it's right for:
Women who are passionate about growing professionally and personally, and who believe that we can change the world when we work together.
Ellevate Network - Twin Cities - Minneapolis | St. Paul
About:
Ellevate Network was created in 1997, with the purpose of filling the informal network void that women professionals felt across the globe. The Twin Cities chapter hosts events throughout the year, ensuring every business woman has the support needed to reach their personal and career goals.
Who it's right for:
Professionals who are committed to the mindset that diversity equals strength and that women must work as a united front to change the male-dominated business world from the inside out.
Contact Information:
