Getting assistance to those who need it!

The Small Business Support Program through NextStage provides one-on-one counseling to current and prospective entrepreneurs in individual and small group endeavors. NextStage consultants work with entrepreneurs and businesses to train, launch and grow businesses through a tailored solution.  The services are available free of charge to all Carver County residents and businesses.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, email Lee Hall or call (952) 921-2381.

The CEO Next Business Institute is a nine-month program (generally October-June) geared towards CEOs of second-stage companies to help sustain their company’s growth. The Carver County CDA covers the cost of a business’ participation in the program.

Businesses participate in three areas:  

1. Peer learning 
   • CEOs participate in eight half-day roundtables led by an experienced facilitator. This confidential forum allows sharing of challenges and experiences with a small group of non-competing businesses.
2. Forums
   • Once a month, guest speakers share their business experiences on various topics in a large group setting, followed by a Q&A session.
3. Research
   • Participating businesses receive approximately 40-50 hours of advanced research from national research experts on topics of the company’s choosing.

Eligible business requirements include:

• Privately held
• 10-99 employees
• Annual revenue between $1M and $50M
• Ready to transition from small to large—part start-up, but not yet mature
• Appetite and aptitude for growth

Contact Chuck Swanson (952-556-2778 or chucks@carvercda.org) for further information.