The Chanhassen Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program connects city staff with local businesses to promote collaboration and growth. Managed by the City’s Economic Development Department, the program ensures regular communication throughout the year.

How It Works

City staff regularly contact essential businesses to schedule general meetings. Businesses are also encouraged to request meetings on specific topics.

Scheduling a Meeting

 To arrange a meeting, contact Samantha DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager.

Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA)

The Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA) is the local government agency administering numerous programs throughout Carver County, MN. The CDA financially supports the Small Business Support Program through NextStage, which provides one-on-one counseling to current and prospective entrepreneurs in individual and small-group endeavors. They also cover the cost of CEO Next Business Institute, a nine-month program (generally October-June) geared towards CEOs of second-stage companies to help sustain their company's growth.

Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's primary economic development agency. Starting a business in Minnesota involves making a series of important decisions, not just one. DEED's staff is here to guide you through the process, addressing the most common questions in the order you're likely to encounter them.

Greater MSP

The GREATER MSP Partnership is a crucial resource for businesses and individuals looking to relocate, invest, partner, and grow in the Greater MSP region. They can help by coordinating community connections and sharing relevant information.

SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce

The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce supports around 315 businesses in the SouthWest Metro Region of the Twin Cities, Minnesota. They offer business referrals, host major community events, provide leadership programs, organize networking opportunities, advocate on legislative issues, and offer marketing support.

Women Venture Women Venture

Women Venture is an official Women's Business Center recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). They support women in starting and growing profitable, sustainable businesses by offering training, business advice, loans, and job creation assistance.

Buy Chanhassen

Buy Chanhassen is a nonprofit organization that supports local businesses and encourages residents to shop locally. It offers various levels of participation and sponsorship for businesses and provides Chanhassen residents with access to special deals, events, and the latest updates. Through its platform, you can stay informed about important news and opportunities within the Chanhassen business community.

Forge North

Forge North is a rallying cry, and an active coalition of entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and other problem solvers united to make Minneapolis-Saint Paul the best place to start and scale ventures.

NextStage

NextStage is a nonprofit committed to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Their experienced business advisors help you refine your business plan, launch new ventures, and thrive in a competitive, ever-changing market. Whether you're just starting and need guidance on setting up your business and exploring financing options, or you're ready to grow and need help increasing revenue and creating jobs, NextStage is here to assist with strategic planning and competitive financing.

Office of Small Business and Innovation

Minnesota's new Office of Small Business and Innovation serves startups, small businesses, and the organizations that support them across the state.

SCORE

SCORE is a national nonprofit organization focused on educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses succeed. The local chapter offers free, confidential business mentoring on starting, buying, selling, or managing a small business. SCORE also hosts workshops on various business topics and more. Their mission is to foster a vibrant small business community through mentoring, learning, and business development resources in the Twin Cities Metro, SCORE St. Cloud, SCORE NorthStar, and Western Wisconsin areas. SCORE's vision is to ensure everyone has the support they need to thrive as a small business owner.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide the professional expertise and guidance that every small business owner needs to flourish in today's competitive and ever-changing business world. These centers offer various services designed to help individuals start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Essential services typically include:

• Business Planning: Assisting with creating business plans, financial projections, and strategies.
• Financial Advice: Guidance on securing loans, grants, and other funding sources.
• Marketing Support: Help developing marketing strategies, identifying target markets, and improving online presence.
• Workshops and Training: Offering workshops on various business topics like accounting, digital marketing, and business law.
• Networking Opportunities: Connecting entrepreneurs with local business leaders, other entrepreneurs, and potential investors.
• Legal Assistance: Advising on business structure, contracts, and intellectual property.

Women Venture Women Venture

Women Venture is an official Women's Business Center recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). They support women in starting and growing profitable, sustainable businesses by offering training, business advice, loans, and job creation assistance.

• Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED)
• NextStage
• MinnPACE
• Sewer (SAC) and Water (WAC) Availability Charge
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
• Xcel Energy

Job Seekers

Lost your job and wondering what's next? Don't know how to begin a job search? Need help with your resume? Looking for job leads? At any stage in your job search, the Minnesota Department of Employment has the resources and expertise to help.

Employers

We’re Minnesota's career development and talent-matching resource dedicated to success. We guide people toward rewarding careers, connect individuals to opportunities, and provide valuable economic and employment development information for employers. We do everything we can to help career seekers, employers, and Minnesota communities thrive.

CareerForce is a business-led network of private, public, and nonprofit partners throughout Minnesota committed to helping:

• Individuals start, advance, or change their career
• Employers attract, develop, and retain talent
• Minnesota thrives economically

With access to almost 50 CareerForce locations throughout the state, and our network-rich online platform, you’ll be sure to meet your career development or talent-matching needs.