Client Success Stories

“My business, Precision Testing, Inc. and I have received technical consultation assistance from the Center for Economic Development from time to time over the past 6 years and hope to continue the relationship in the future. This is a wonderful program that provides great business assistance for small, limited budget companies like mine. Without their aid, I would not have known how to start and update my website and QuickBooks program, which office equipment would work best, apply and obtain approval for MNDOT Consultant Pre-Qualification, etc. They also encouraged me to bid on and get the largest job my company has ever been awarded, a $445,000 contract. Thank you CED.”
Connie Pearson, Owner/President
Precision Testing, Inc., Mt. Iron, MN

Read more of Connie's story in the
MN Small Business Development Centers 2006 Annual Report

More Comments from other Businesses about help received from UMD CED:

"In the mid 90's Fraboni's Wholesale Distributors received its first assistance from the Center for Economic Development's Hibbing office. The consultant helped us prepare our first business plan and financial projections. In 2006 we returned to the CED for assistance in development of our new expansion plan. In addition, we received an addendum full of market research done by a student which was highly professional and of great help in our pursuit to grow our company."
Mark and Wayne Thune, Owners
Fraboni's Sausage Co., Hibbing, MN

"Thank you CED for all your help! You really helped open our eyes to all we need to know. We couldn't have done it without you. The Center for Economic Development is such an amzing resource in our community. Thanks again for your time and patience."
Ben Olson and Jack Boyd, Owners
Damage Inc., Duluth, MN

“The UMD Center for Economic Development has helped Lloyd’s, Inc tremendously. With their expertise, Lloyd’s now has a completely new website. Web sales have doubled and the help we received from the UMD Center for Economic Development will create a much stronger and more productive Lloyd’s Inc. An Undergraduate Research Assistant, produced cashflow and sales projection reports that I used to reflect sales increase projections to a potential financial support organization. It’s comforting to know that caliber of expertise and professionalism is available and so easily accessible.”
Lloyd Luke, President
Lloyd's Inc., Duluth, MN

"Small businesses now have a secret weapon to help them compete on the Internet, the Center for Economic Development. The Center does a fantastic job of serving small businesses. They have a direct impact on local economies by helping small businesses compete in the global marketplace."
Lee Kerfoot, Owner
Gunflint Lodge, Grand Marais, MN

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Center for Economic Development for all the help we received in developing our business plan and our cash flow statements. Thanks to their expert help, we were successful in obtaining financing for our restaurant. They took the time to meet with us and provided prompt feedback. Whenever we needed anything, or had questions, they were always knowledgable and willing to go the extra mile for us. Working with the Center for Economic Development was an enjoyable experience. Their skills and ability to impart knowledge to us made the process easier. We would highly recommend them to anyone who has questions about running their existing business more cost
efficiently.”
Lynne Compton, Claire Seckinger, Andrea Darsow and Brita Aug, Owners
The Lighthouse on Homestead, Duluth, MN

“The help, advice and technical support I have received from the Center for Economic Development has allowed me to open two new businesses in three years. They have helped me enhance my existing business websites. I have started numerous small businesses with little or no money available. One of my clothing lines will soon go national because of the help I have received from the Center for Economic Development.”
Sarah Hamilton, Owner
Trail Center Lodge LLC, Grand Marais, MN
My Sisters Place LLC, Gunflint Candy Co., Gunflint Clothing Co, Dorkclothing.com, e-doggiestyle.com

“Thanks to the UMD Center for Economic Development, Wayside Corner opened it’s doors. We feel it is important for entrepreneurs to research every possible aspect of their business operation and the UMD Center for Economic Development helped us fill in the blanks. Their assistance with business plan development, including detailed financial projections, prepared us to seek and obtain the financing we needed. We were told by several financial institutions that it was the best presentation they had seen. Thank you CED!”
John Engen and Steve Watkins, Owners
Wayside Corner, Culver, MN

MN Small Business Development Centers 2006 Annual Report

MN Small Business Development Centers 2005 Annual Report

MN Small Business Development Centers 2004 Annual Report