We put you first.

Advance Thief River’s Business Navigation services are designed to support entrepreneurs and business owners in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, by providing personalized guidance and connecting them with essential resources. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an existing enterprise, or relocating to the area, our Business Navigator is here to assist you at every step.

Personalized Business Support

Recognizing that each business has unique goals and challenges, our approach begins with a one-on-one consultation to understand your specific objectives. Based on this discussion, we develop a customized roadmap to help you achieve success. Our services include assistance with:

• Business Planning: Guiding you through the process of creating a comprehensive business plan that outlines your vision, mission, and strategies for growth.
• Financial Projections: Helping you develop realistic financial forecasts to attract investors and secure funding.
• Access to Business Loans and Grants: Connecting you with financial resources, including local and state funding opportunities, to support your business endeavors.
• Identifying Business Locations: Assisting in finding the ideal location for your operations, considering factors such as target market proximity, accessibility, and zoning regulations.
• Angel Investment Opportunities: Introducing you to potential angel investors interested in supporting local businesses.
• Marketing Strategies: Providing guidance on effective marketing techniques to reach your target audience and grow your customer base.
• QuickBooks Assistance: Offering support with QuickBooks to streamline your accounting processes and maintain accurate financial records.
• Web Development and Digital Media Presence: Helping you establish a strong online presence through website development and social media strategies.

Collaborative Partnerships

Advance Thief River collaborates with several local and regional organizations to enhance the support available to businesses:

• Small Business Development Center: Provides one-to-one consulting to help businesses start and grow.
• City of Thief River Falls: Provides business resources, incentives, and assistance with building permitting and community development services.
• Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce: Promotes a business climate that enhances economic vitality and improves the quality of life for all citizens.
• Northwest Minnesota Foundation: Offers a variety of services and resources for businesses including training, consulting, and finance.
• Northwest Regional Development Commission: Offers general planning guidance and technical assistance for specific industrial projects.
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED): Provides resources for individuals interested in starting or growing a business in Minnesota, covering every aspect of planning, starting, and growing a business.

Local Business Environment

Thief River Falls boasts a diverse and thriving business community, with key industries including manufacturing, electronics distribution, and tourism. Notable companies such as Arctic Cat, Digi-Key Electronics, and the Seven Clans Casino contribute significantly to the local economy.

Accessing One-to-One Support

Through our partnership with the Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center, area businesses and start ups are able to access free consulting services that cover a variety of needs, including business planning, financing, marketing, and more. 

Get started by submitting an SBDC Application.