January 5, 2024

Greetings,

As we embark on a new year, we would like to express our gratitude to Minnesota?s entrepreneurs, small businesses and support organizations?for their contributions to the state?s economy.

Minnesota?s small businesses have a big impact, and are instrumental in driving our economy forward. Since 2019, small business starts have increased by nearly one-third, and businesses are launching faster than they did before the pandemic.?Small businesses also employ nearly three-quarters of Minnesota workers.

The?Office of Small Business and Innovation?is committed to helping businesses start and scale.?We allocate funding and resources to foster vibrant, innovative and inclusive economic growth across Minnesota. In 2023, we worked together to increase access to capital, improve connectivity between businesses and resources and expand capacity for businesses to start and scale. Our end of year report (below) shows the impact we made together, and the foundation on which we will build in the year ahead.

Our hope is that entrepreneurs and small businesses feel they are supported by our state and partners.?Working together, we will continue to make Minnesota the best place to start and grow a business.?

If you need assistance, please reach out to our office [email protected].

Wishing you a prosperous and happy 2024!

Neela Mollgaard
Executive Director
Office of Small Business and Innovation