What is Technical Assistance?
Technical assistance means helping businesses solve challenges, connect to resources, and navigate the steps needed to start, grow, or strengthen operations. FORWARD Worthington serves as your local connector by helping businesses identify solutions, access expertise, and connect with the right partners to move projects forward.
Whether you are launching a new business, expanding operations, or planning for the future, we help businesses navigate opportunities and challenges by connecting them with tools, programs, and expertise that support long term success.
Examples of technical assistance may include:
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New restaurant owners navigating licensing and startup requirements
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Manufacturers exploring financing or expansion opportunities
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Retail businesses seeking marketing resources and business support
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Entrepreneurs developing business plans or evaluating next steps
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Business owners planning succession or ownership transitions
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Businesses and site selectors exploring growth and expansion opportunities
No matter where you are in your business journey, FORWARD Worthington is here to help connect you with the resources needed to move forward with confidence.
How FORWARD Worthington Can Help
- Business planning guidance
- Funding and financing navigation
- Revolving Loan Fund assistance
- Connections to SBDC and SCORE
- Workforce resource referrals
- Site selection assistance
- Permitting and development navigation
- Market data and demographics
- Expansion project support
- Succession planning resources
- Marketing and visibility opportunities
- Industry partner connections
Who Can Benefit?
- Entrepreneurs
- Starting a business? We can help connect you to resources.
- Small Businesses
- Need funding, marketing support, or growth planning?
- Growing Companies
- Expanding operations or adding employees?
- Existing Employers
- Need workforce solutions, financing options, or development support?
- Succession Planning Businesses
- Thinking about ownership transition or long term planning?
Trusted Local Organizations to Assist Your Business
To give you the best support for your business, we’ve partnered with trusted organizations that specialize in different aspects of business development. Here’s how they can help you:
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC offers in-depth, personalized consulting services designed to help small businesses overcome challenges and achieve growth. From financial planning to marketing strategies, their guidance is invaluable for entrepreneurs at any stage.
- Develop strategic business plans
- Improve financial management skills
- Expand marketing reach effectively
SCORE
SCORE provides access to an extensive library of online training resources, workshops, and webinars on key business topics. Additionally, they offer free mentorship programs, connecting you with industry experts who can help you develop and refine your business strategies.
- Gain valuable business insights
- Access expert mentorship programs
- Enhance entrepreneurial skill sets
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF)
SWIF focuses on supporting businesses through funding opportunities, training, and strategic development planning. They are committed to fostering economic growth and innovation in communities, helping you achieve long-term success.
- Business funding and support
- Strategic growth development planning
- Community-focused economic innovation
Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC)
The SRDC provides expert guidance and resources to support the growth and development of communities, businesses, and governments in Southwest Minnesota. Their collaborative approach ensures a thriving workforce, stable population, and enhanced regional opportunities.
- Develop comprehensive economic and community plans
- Access technical assistance and grant writing support
- Promote sustainable growth through transportation and energy initiatives
MN Chamber / Grow Minnesota
The Minnesota Chamber and Grow Minnesota® provide business resources, market intelligence, and connections designed to help Minnesota businesses grow and succeed. Their programs support business expansion, workforce solutions, and long term economic growth.
• Access business growth and expansion resources
• Connect with statewide business support networks
• Identify workforce and economic development opportunities
USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development offers programs and funding opportunities that strengthen rural communities and support businesses through financing, infrastructure investment, and community development initiatives.
- Explore financing and grant opportunities
• Support business growth and rural development projects
• Access resources that strengthen communities and infrastructure
Minnesota DEED
DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) provides workforce programs, business financing tools, economic development resources, and technical assistance designed to help businesses start, grow, and thrive in Minnesota.
- Identify funding and business development opportunities
- Connect with workforce and training resources
- Access data, tools, and economic development programs
Office of Small Business and Innovation
The Office of Small Business and Innovation helps entrepreneurs and businesses navigate available resources, identify funding opportunities, and connect with programs that support startup, growth, and innovation.
- Explore small business funding and support programs
- Connect with startup and innovation resources
- Navigate business growth opportunities and state programs
These organizations bring a wealth of expertise and resources to complement our services, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.
Get the Support and Resources You Need to Grow Your Business
Looking for the right resources and services to help your business thrive? FORWARD Worthington is here to ensure you have what you need to succeed. Think of us as your starting point—we’ll connect you with the experts, tools, and resources that can help you succeed.
Resource Connections
You’ll find the resources and services you need, along with the right tools to help your business thrive.
Personalized Support
You’ll have support to achieve your goals, with someone by your side to join you at meetings or appointments if needed.
Guidance for Growth
You’ll have a partner to help you create the right plan and provide support, and sustainable success will always be within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions .
Yes. FORWARD Worthington can help connect businesses and entrepreneurs with financing resources and funding opportunities that may support startup, growth, expansion, equipment purchases, or other business needs. We can also help identify programs and partners that may fit your project and guide you toward the right next steps.
Absolutely. We work with workforce and education partners to help businesses identify hiring resources, workforce training opportunities, talent development programs, and other tools that support recruitment and employee retention efforts.
Yes. Whether you are considering expanding your current business, adding employees, exploring facility improvements, or evaluating future growth opportunities, FORWARD Worthington can help connect you with resources, data, partners, and planning support to help move your project forward.
Yes. Technical assistance is available to both new and existing businesses. Whether you are launching a startup, growing operations, navigating challenges, planning succession, or exploring expansion opportunities, we are here to help connect you with resources and support.
No. Many economic development and business resource connections are available regardless of membership status. FORWARD Worthington is supported by memberships, stakeholder investment, and community partnerships, which help make our work possible across economic development, business support, and community initiatives. Certain Chamber programs, benefits, networking opportunities, and promotional services may be member specific, but we encourage any business or entrepreneur with questions to reach out and start the conversation. We are here to help connect businesses with resources and opportunities that support long term success and growth.
Join FORWARD Worthington
Let's Build Your Next Step Together
Whether you are launching a business, expanding operations, seeking funding, or exploring opportunities, FORWARD Worthington is here to help.