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
ACHLA-Alliance for
Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans
Altra Federal Credit Union
Austin DCA
City of Rochester
Collider
Coulee Bank
Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
F & M Community Bank
First Security Bank
Foresight Bank
Frandsen Bank & Trust
Goodhue County

Home Federal Saving Bank
MBT Bank
Merchants Bank
Owatonna Area Business Development Center
Peoples State Bank
RAEDI-Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.
Red Wing Ignite
Rice County
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
Think Bank
United Prairie Bank

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.

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 is a trusted community leader and entrepreneurial champion in Rochester, Minnesota, with more than 27 years of experience supporting small businesses. She founded and operated You Betcha Cupcake!—an award-winning bakery—for eight years while managing a full-time career and raising her family. She has additional experience in the food and construction industries, Silicon Valley tech, and corporate leadership roles.

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

Our Satellite Center Locations

ACHLA – Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans

Collider Foundation Rochester, MN

Development Corporation of Austin

Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce

Owatonna Area Business Development Center

Ignite MN

What is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)?

VISION

GOAL

MISSION

2024 SBDC Supporters