Northland Small Business Development Center

Whether you’re preparing to make your very first hire or scaling an established team, navigating employer requirements can feel overwhelming. From classifying workers correctly to staying compliant with Minnesota laws, getting the details right is critical for your business.

Join our upcoming session where we’ll break down:
- Can I afford to hire?
- Independent contractor vs. employee: Understanding the differences
- Required employee benefits—and how to make them work for your business
- Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)
- Minnesota Paid Leave
- Other required employer benefits and considerations
- Navigating compliance and record-keeping best practices

Get actionable takeaways and the clarity you need to hire with confidence.

Register for the Webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zFatiz58RTiWetma2OX-Yw #/registration

You're invited to be part of National Night Out!

When: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: First National Bank Arena in Moose Lake.

Thank you for supporting our community, and we hope to see you at National Night Out!

For more details, please check the information below.

The Cook County Chamber of Commerce co-hosts a discussion on the economic and tourism impacts of Northland wildfires, featuring Minnesota Senator Grant Hauschild and Representative Roger Skraba.

Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:00 am
372 Hungry Jack Road Grand Marais, MN 55604

Marketing Through a Natural Disaster
Your doors are open, but does your customer know that? With wildfire smoke affecting the region and the BWCA temporarily closed, Northland SBDC is offering a free webinar on communicating with customers during a natural disaster, so you can stay safe, stay supportive, and stay top of mind while reminding visitors your business is still open for them.
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_blusBO_MTjmA5SP-vytobg

Wildfire smoke and BWCA closures are disrupting business as usual across the Northland, and unemployment questions are becoming increasingly common. Join Northland SBDC for a free webinar to better understand Minnesota unemployment benefits, including eligibility considerations for business owners and seasonal employees affected by temporary business disruptions.
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vTvEx_ZxRmCUhUINvD7rxw

Last chance to register!!
Register here https://bit.ly/4xwYbhX by July 3 to reserve your spot.
Join us for a FREE one-hour workshop designed specifically for small business owners.
We'll cover:
The Basics: Who's covered, what types of leave qualify, and timeline for compliance
• Small Business Benefits: Reduced rates, grants, and cost-saving strategies
• Action Items: Step-by-step checklist of what you need to do
• Employer Decisions: State plan vs. equivalent plan — which is right for YOU? What about intermittent leave and
other decisions that need to be made?
Lunch is provided. Space is limited to 25 attendees.

Join us for a FREE one-hour workshop designed specifically for small business owners.
We'll cover:
The Basics: Who's covered, what types of leave qualify, and timeline for compliance
• Small Business Benefits: Reduced rates, grants, and cost-saving strategies
• Action Items: Step-by-step checklist of what you need to do
• Employer Decisions: State plan vs. equivalent plan — which is right for YOU? What about intermittent leave and
other decisions that need to be made?
Lunch is provided.
Space is limited to 25 attendees. Register here https://bit.ly/4xwYbhX by July 3 to reserve your spot.

Make sure to register by Monday, June 15, 2026!

https://bit.ly/4nQAkp4

Whether you’re still trying to understand the program, have questions about compliance, or simply want to make sure you’re handling everything correctly, this session is designed to provide practical guidance and clear next steps.

Minnesota Paid Leave Lunch & Learn – Duluth
Thursday, June 18, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Duluth Technology Building
11 E Superior St., Suite 210
Duluth, MN 55802

Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.
During this free 1-hour workshop, we’ll cover:
• Who is covered and what types of leave qualify
• Important timelines and employer responsibilities
• Reduced rates, grants, and cost-saving opportunities for small businesses
• A step-by-step checklist for compliance
• Employer decisions such as state plan vs. equivalent plan and intermittent leave considerations
• Live Q&A with an SBDC consultant and HR expert
Attendees will also learn about available no-cost one-on-one support for businesses needing additional assistance.

Register by June 15, 2026 https://bit.ly/4nQAkp4

Whether you're thinking about starting a business, looking to grow, or facing challenges along the way, you don't have to do it alone.
The Northland SBDC provides no-cost, confidential business consulting to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Northeast Minnesota. From business planning and financial analysis to marketing, funding preparation, and growth strategies, their experienced team is here to help you move your business forward.
No matter where you are in your business journey, the Northland SBDC is committed to helping businesses start, grow, and succeed.
Learn more or request assistance at northlandsbdc.org

STILL CONFUSED ABOUT MN PAID LEAVE?

If you’re a small business owner, you aren't alone. Whether you’re just starting to look at the new requirements or you want to ensure your business is 100% compliant, this FREE 1-hour workshop is built for you. Join the Northland SBDC this Thursday for a deep dive into the essentials of Minnesota Paid Leave.

THE DETAILS:

Where: 1000 Discovery Dr, Chisholm, MN
When: This Thursday, April 30th, 1PM - 2PM
Cost: FREE! for Small Business Owners

WHAT WE’RE COVERING:

The Basics: Who is covered and the timeline for compliance.
The Benefits: How to access reduced rates, grants, and cost-saving strategies.
The Blueprint: A step-by-step checklist of what you need to do now.
The Big Choice: State plan vs. equivalent plan—which is right for YOU?

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/98bb1mz8A6