The CDA is a local government agency administering over 30 programs and managing over 2,100 units of affordable workforce and senior housing serving the communities and residents of Dakota County. They can assist you with buying a home by creating a plan to include credit repair, creating a household budget and identifying mortgage loan products.

The City is a part of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce which is committed to building a stronger business community in Dakota County. They proudly serve the cities of Eagan, Farmington, Lilydale, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Rosemount, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. We're proud to contribute to the outstanding quality of life our businesses enjoy every day. Visit them on the web to learn of the many ways they’re helping make the Dakota County area the best possible place to live and work.

Dakota Future is a strategic link between business, education and government in Dakota County. This partnership provides a meeting place where forward looking leaders are actively working to ensure Dakota County’s competitive position in a global economy. As a network of people and organizations, Dakota Future’s strength grows with their membership.

EDAM is a nonprofit professional association of individuals and organizations throughout the state of Minnesota dedicated to the advancement of the economic development profession. EDAM was formed as the Minnesota Industrial Development Association in 1967 to provide development professionals a forum for exchanging information and staying abreast of current economic development strategies and practices. Since then, the organization has been highly successful in providing economic developers with valuable networking and educational opportunities. EDAM members are leading economic developers in the state of Minnesota. EDAM consults with the state on public policy issues related to economic development, and helps continually define and improve the profession. City staff has been an active member of this association since 2004.

The Farmington Business Association's goals include providing area residents with a successful downtown business district, giving back to the community through the planning and promotion of events within the district, and providing networking opportunities to their membership. City staff have actively been involved with the FBA since its inception.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

The Positively Minnesota Marketing Partnership is an alliance of economic developers, utilities, private firms, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Click on the Business Tab for assistance with starting a business, managing a business, and locating your business in Minnesota.

Rotary International is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.  Since May of 2002, the Rotary Club of Farmington has been dedicated to making a difference. Farmington community leaders and professionals meet each week for education, fellowship and fun. Visit the Farmington Rotary Club website.

The SCORE Association’s public service mission is to provide face-to-face and email business counseling to help small businesses evaluate plans, stabilize, grow, innovate and succeed. The Burnsville, South Metro SCORE Chapter is an active chapter and has more than 35 member volunteers. The counselors are experienced business owners and managers who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners and potential small business owners achieve success. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

Small Business Development Centers - Entrepreneurial Development

The Office of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provides management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. SBDC’s offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance.The program is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments and is an integral component of Entrepreneurial Development's network of training and counseling services. Their statewide network of SBDC’s provide the professional expertise and guidance that every small business owner needs to flourish in today’s competitive and ever-changing business world.

Twin Cities Metro Region
University of St. Thomas
Schulze Hall 103
46 South 11th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Contact Information
Telephone: 651-962-4500
Regional Director: Michael Ryan
Email: mpryan@stthomas.edu 
Website www.stthomas.edu/sbdc