About SBDC – Rochester Small Business Development Center

What is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)?

The SBDC offers at no cost, confidential consulting to help businesses in SE Minnesota identify, understand and overcome the challenges of starting a business, running a successful business, and developing exit strategies. We provide the professional expertise and guidance that every small business owner needs to flourish in today’s competitive and ever-changing business world. We do not lend money to small businesses; however, we work with the business owners and financial institutions to prepare documentation that lenders require for business loans.

The SE Minnesota SBDC is operated by RAEDI – Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. with support from the Small Business Administration, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, multiple regional partners and local funding sources. The SBDC provides resources to southeastern Minnesota area businesses.

Host Organization:

RAEDI-Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.
MN BioBusiness Center-6th Floor
221 First Avenue SW, Suite 600
Rochester, MN 55902

Park in 3rd Street Parking Ramp. Street level entry – near Think Bank

VISION

Guiding Minnesotans to small business success.

GOAL

Create a collaborative, high-performing Minnesota SBDC network that equips and supports small businesses to start, grow, and thrive through trusted advising, consistent processes, and a powerful statewide presence.

MISSION

Provide small businesses the resources they need.

2024 SBDC Supporters

504 Corporation

Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans (ACHLA)

Alerus

Altra Federal Credit Union

Associated Bank

City of Rochester

DMC

Eagle Rock Bank

F & M Bank

First Security Bank

Foresight Bank

Goodhue County

MBT Banks

Merchants Bank

Minnesota Department of Economic and Development

MinnWest Bank

Old National Bank

Olmsted County

Peoples State Bank

RAEDI

Rice County

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF)

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA)

Think Bank

Winona Port Authority

In Kind:

E1 (Entrepreneurs First)

Rochester Chamber of Commerce

SBDC Client Testimonies:

“The entire team has been great to work with. This is such an impactful program for small business and very grateful to have access.”

“My SBDC Consultant session was very useful because he clarified important matters that I was not aware of.”

“It’s a great place to learn how to start with your business with amazing tools.”

“I’m very thankful for the consultant’s guidance. Saved me so much time and headaches down the road.”

“My consultant was incredibly helpful. We left the meeting with clarity and a list of tasks to begin.”

“My SBDC consultant is an incredible guy with lots of knowledge and enthusiasm. Working with him so far has been edifying, helpful, and very enjoyable! Can’t say enough good things! So grateful that SBDC exists!”

Our Team

Mark Thein
Regional Director

(507) 738.1003

For the past 28 years Mark has had a great interest in working one on one with small business owners. Loan packaging, financing analysis, marketing, and business plan development are just a few aspects he concentrates on. He is ready and willing to help tackle any business issue that small business owners have. Mark has several degrees in business educations from St. Mary’s University of MN, Winona State University, and Minnesota State Southeast Technical College. Mark also spent time living and working in Kenya as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Rick Indrelie
Consultant

(507) 738.1004

Rick is an SBDC Consultant who provides confidential consulting to help clients identify, understand and overcome the challenges of running a successful business. Additionally, he packages SBA loans for his clients and financial institutions. He has over 30 years experience working in the accounting/finance field. Rick graduated from Minnesota State University Mankato with a Bachelor of Science Degree and is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional. He has helped his customers get over $175,000,000 in financing/investments for their small businesses.

Julie Herrera-Lemler
Regional Program Manager

(507) 738.1006

Julie Herrera-Lemler is a trusted community leader and entrepreneurial champion in Rochester, Minnesota. She founded and operated You Betcha Cupcake!, an award-winning bakery, for eight years while also managing a full-time career and raising her family. Her background includes experience in food, construction, Silicon Valley tech, and corporate leadership.

As the Southeast Minnesota Regional Program Manager with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Julie provides strategic advising, hands-on consulting, and meaningful connections to partners and resources that help entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Her work focuses on expanding access, building confidence, and helping turn great ideas into real opportunities.

Our Satellite Center Locations

ACHLA – Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans

Development Corporation of Austin

Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce

Owatonna Area Business Development Center

Ignite MN

Collider Foundation

What is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)?

VISION

GOAL

MISSION

2024 SBDC Supporters