Free consulting sessions offered to small business owners in Perham – Perham Focus

PERHAM

— Business owners in Perham have a unique opportunity to get free, individualized consulting.

Beth Pridday, who is contracted with

West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center

(SBDC), provides a wealth of knowledge and resources to help business owners address concerns, answer questions and provide future planning.

Before the one-on-one sessions, there is also a general gathering of business owners in the community, which is open to everyone and held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Perham City Hall on October 27 and November 24.

During the general discussion sessions, business owners can share struggles, questions and potential solutions from personal experiences with similar roadblocks. Pridday may also provide insight and direct business owners to resources that are available.

Pridday noted the general chat time has produced questions on the fundamentals of business to more complex issues.

“We really go deep in the woods sometimes,” she said.

After the group gathering, Pridday provides three one-hour individual sessions. Those who set the appointments also set the agenda of the personalized meeting.

“It can be about whatever their burning topic is, or whatever area they need assistance in,” Pridday said. “It’s kind of a wide range, which is usually what we see in SBDC. There’s really no topic we can’t help with.”

She added if the help being sought is outside of her expertise, SBDC also offers co-consulting services.

“So that’s a really nice benefit of SBDC,” Pridday said. “You don’t just get the benefit of my knowledge. You can get the benefit of other consultants who have backgrounds in different areas.”

If there is an open slot, Pridday can entertain an impromptu visit. However, she recommended securing one of the three time slots offered by setting an appointment. Appointments can be done online at

westcentralmnsbdc.com.

Once at the website, click on the “request consulting” button at the top of the home page.

Those utilizing the individual sessions are not limited to a one. Pridday explained the working relationship between her and the business owner can extend a few to several months.

“Once you’re a client of SBDC, you remain a client and we can meet as needed,” she said.

So far, Pridday said the hot topics for the individual sessions have revolved around marketing strategies, preparing for growth and general assistance in turning a hobby into a full-fledged business.

Pridday explained the opportunity for the business assistance sessions came to Perham because of a partnership between SBDC and the city’s Economic Development Authority. The idea sprouted after Pridday taught a class in town for female entrepreneurs.

“It was very well attended and we had some good outcomes,” she said, noting that event opened the door to the partnership. “We also try to help support the work that the city of Perham and their EDA is already doing. I work closely with both Nick Murdock (EDA) and John Smith (city administrator) and anything that needs to be referred to them, we refer to them.”

For example, she said if someone is looking for property to purchase or certain program funding, city resources may be available.

“It’s a really nice partnership,” Pridday said.

Barbie Porter is a reporter for the Perham Focus. Email story ideas to Barbie at bporter@perhamfocus.com or call 218-844-1447.