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 hosted 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

Strategic Plan

2026 – 2028

A

Accountability

Create a culture of collaboration and high-performance expectations and results.

Engage leadership, staff, consultants, and partners to live the Minnesota SBDC vision, mission and values.
Quantify and communicate the full scope of SBDC impact.
Set up processes to elevate performance across all dimensions of the program to track work toward strategic plan action items and KPIs.

B

Branding

Share stories and impact to build the Minnesota SBDC brand with potential clients, partners, funders, and other stakeholders.

Implement tools throughout the network to support marketing and outreach for communicating program impact.
Define key audiences and tailor the Minnesota SBDC story to them.
Clarify roles, responsibilities and expectations for marketing, promotion and outreach.

C

Consistency

Standardize and streamline processes to create efficient operations, enhance the client experience, and deliver services to facilitate client success and strong ROI.

Review and refine internal processes and tasks through routine sharing of practices and approaches.
Develop and deploy a catalog of proven processes, resources and tools that can enhance the client experience and mitigate capacity risks.
Execute on strategic priorities by determining and adjusting capacity and structure to meet program requirements.
Emphasize and enhance professional development opportunities to improve client outcomes.

Outcomes

More efficient operations.

Enhance credibility with stakeholders, partners and potential clients.
Consistent messaging across the state about the SBDC.

Attract clients most likely to benefit from SBDC services and to achieve stakeholder priorities.

Strong performance measured by client results and stakeholder feedback that exceeds performance expectations.

Sustain and increase funding and resources through building relationships with stakeholders and partners.

Collaborative culture oriented around shared responsibilities and strategic priorities.

Retention and engagement of staff and consultants.

Values

Client Focused

We listen first and meet people where they’re at.

Integrity

We do what we say we will do.

Collaborative

We work together to achieve the best results.

Impactful

We make a difference.

2025 SBDC Supporters

504 Corporation

Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans (ACHLA)

Alerus

Altra Federal Credit Union

Associated Bank

City of Rochester

Coulee Bank

DMC

Eagle Rock Bank

F & M Bank

First Security Bank

Foresight Bank

Goodhue County

Mayo Clinic

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