To promote strong growth, St. Cloud benefits from a strong network of business organizations. Speaking on behalf of the business community, the
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is a significant asset and major force in creating, protecting, and enhancing the region’s health business environment.
With more than 1,000 members, it ranks among the largest chambers in market penetration in the country, fueling a platform for legislative change at the State Capitol.
Another asset,
The Partnership, Inc. serves area businesses with economic development assistance and support that encourage further economic growth and vitality. That support can include site selection, coordinating financing and training resources and keeping an ear to economic development issues statewide.
Maintaining the vitality of St. Cloud’s historic downtown, the
Downtown Council leads the way in promotion, structural preservation and business revitalization incentives. And the
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Convention & Visitors Bureau, an arm of the Chamber, supports area businesses by promoting year round use of recreational and business facilities for tourism and trade.
Financing
A variety of governmental and private sources in the St. Cloud area offer a full range of business support services and incentives. Contact the
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce for information on programs offered by the
US Small Business Administration;
Minnesota Business Finance; Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Inc.; the
Initiative Foundation; The Partnership, Inc.; the Small Business Development Center and Small Business Institute at St. Cloud State University; and
area banks (click to search) that make loans available to small businesses. The Harold Anderson Entrepreneurial Center is another exceptional resource for start-up businesses and future entrepreneurs. The center operated through St. Cloud State University with nearly $2 million in funding, offers seminars for businesses throughout the state, a student entrepreneurs awards program and other support services. The center was created through a generous donation by longtime St. Cloud businessman, Harold Anderson, founder of Anderson Trucking. For more information, call 320-654-5420.
Business Assistance
Local business assistance is available through a variety of organizations in St. Cloud. Whether you are just getting started or are a seasoned business owner who needs advice, there are resources available to help you. The following organizations provide business assistance at free or reduced cost.
Anderson Entrepreneurial Center
SCORE
Small Business Development Center