Agencies
There are a number of organizations and programs in the Greater Bemidji area that provide business assistance. The Joint Economic Development Commission has a wealth of marketing information on Beltrami County and the Greater Bemidji Area. It also maintains the Community Profile of Bemidji (MNprospector.com) which contains regularly updated information on a wide variety of subjects from listing of major businesses, utility rates to population projections. The City of Bemidji provides the local administration for the state's JOBZ program. Contact John Chattin at 218-759-3565
Headwaters Regional Development Commission (HRDC)
Provides development services to a five county area in and around Bemidji. They work both with communities as well as businesses on planning and financing. Contact Ryan Zemek(rzemek@hrdc.org) or Aaron Chirpich (achirpich@hrdc.org) 218-444-4732, for more information on their programs.
Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NWMF)
A non-profit philanthropic organization that provides business assistance in the way of loans and equity investments to private companies that help strengthen the regional economy. Contact Dave West (dwest@nwmf.org) or 218-759-2059, for more information on their programs.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC provides business counseling as a part of their contract with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the federal Small Business Administration (SBA). Their counselors provide assistance in the areas of business plan development, financial projections and technical knowledge. The service is provided at no charge to the client. Contact Jaimie Meyer (JMeyer@bemidjistate.edu) or 218-755-4255, for more information on their programs.
Marketing and Research Solutions Program (MARS)
Located at Bemidji State University, MARS provides detailed marketing research for companies and non-profit organizations. The research is lead by a BSU faculty member that also involves senior level marketing students. This marketing research is done on a fee basis. Contact Dave Smith (dsmith@bemidjistate.edu) or
218-755-4122, for more information on the MARS program.
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