Small Small Business (SSB) is a community of business owners, nonprofit leaders, business coaches, and other experts who are committed to increasing community vibrancy by helping their small businesses and nonprofits thrive. We do this through customized interactive training, one-on-one mentoring, and peer connections.

• OUR VISION: SSB shares the vision with local government and community organizations to increase the vibrancy & vitality of their community

• OUR PURPOSE: Our purpose is to contribute to the shared vision by equipping small business owners and nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to maximize their success.

• WHO WE SERVE: Our focus is on helping the small businesses and nonprofits in East Central Minnesota, with a specific focus on the counties of Isanti, Pine, Chisago, Kanabec & Mille Lacs. While we are equipped to help larger organizations, our passion is helping those that are smaller, typically the solo-preneur to about 20 employees.

• COMMUNITY PARTNERS: We have worked with dozens of organizations in East Central Minnesota, some of whom we have established a formal ongoing relationship with. These are listed at https://smallsmallbusiness.com/community-partners/

Services & Programs:

• Initial Assessments: When we work with a new entrepreneur or a leader who is stuck, we almost always start with an initial assessment. From this 30 minute discussion, we provide a customized action plan specific to what they need based on where they are going and what's getting in the way. 

• SSB Membership: The Learn & Grow Membership at smallsmallbusiness.com provides access to live and interactive weekly discussions with experts, monthly small business round tables, and our private Discord server that allows for more real-time questions and conversations with experts and peers. 

• Individual Training: We have a team of experts who provide customized training based on the needs and preferred learning style of the clients. Each expert offers one-on-one training as part of their suite of offerings The most common training we currently provide is around Marketing, specifically Social Media, creating an Online Presence (GoogleMyBusiness for example), Personal Brand Development, and Communications. Examples of other training include Financial Management & Projections, Customer Service, Fundamentals of Business (the basics of running a successful business), Strategic Planning, Management & Leadership Fundamentals, Gaining Quality Referrals, Networking, and many other training options. 

• Group Training: SSB is also available for group training in the form of seminars, webinars, or workshops. We work with the event coordinator to make sure we are providing exactly the information and experience that is desired.

• Masterminds: SSB facilitates these groups, allowing all participants to fully engage without the burden of coordination, administration, or facilitation. Each group includes 5-9 people that meet every week to provide peer mentoring. Each week a different person is in the 'hot seat' and brings an issue to which all the others help provide insight and advice. The Mastermind groups have proven to be extremely powerful, with breakthroughs occuring quite regularly.

• Individual Business Coaching: Different than individual training, coaching is more concerned about the overall direction and strategy of the business. Through regular sessions (usually 2-4 times/month), the client is led through a semi-structured coaching process that allows enough flexibility to provide insights and training on whatever is causing the most pain at the moment. In addition to the coaching sessions, clients will have email access to their coach between sessions.