Lana Oswaldson, Grand Casino Mille Lacs

Small Business Development Program
The Small Business Development Program (SBDP) offers many services to Band members who wish to start their own business or who are already operating a business. The SBDP offers assistance with business plan development, accounting, marketing and management; provides a diverse network of contacts and resources; and offers three types of loans. A screening process helps determine if any additional skills or training are needed to help make each Band member more successful, whether it be in a new business or in an existing business.

The SBDP staff guides Band members through the necessary research and planning before establishing their business, and helps them analyze the information to determine if their business can be profitable. Available loans include micro loans up to $5,000 for home-based/cottage industries, macro loans up to $75,000, and expansion loans up to a cumulative total of $150,000. Expansion loans are limited to Band member-owned businesses that have been in business for three or more years, are successfully operating, and demonstrate a capacity for growth.

The SBDP received national recognition in 2000 for excellence in tribal governance in the area of economic development.

Eligibility

SBDP services are available to all Band members. Loan funds are limited to Band members, age 21 or older, whose business is located within Minnesota or within 50 miles of the Lake Lena community.

Business Resource Library
Located on the fourth floor of the Corporate Commission Building, this library provides access to business management books, videos and periodicals, as well as the use of a computer, printer, fax machine, copier, and the Internet. The Business Resource Library is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or you can contact one of the SBDP staff to schedule evening or weekend time.

Business Management Class
This is a three-hour class held one night per week for 12 weeks. This class is for Band members who own an existing business, who are looking at going into business, or who are looking to obtain skills for a managerial position. Some of the topics include: business planning, business financing, legal structure and regulations, marketing, accounting, time management, negotiating, growth management, and customer service. The class rotates quarterly between Onamia, Hinckley and Minneapolis. For more information or to register, contact the SBDP Coordinator.

Band Member Development (BMD) Department
The BMD Department helps Band members develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers through customized training and counseling. BMD programs are available to all Band members who work or want to work for the Corporate Commission, Grand Casino Hinckley, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, or other Band-owned businesses.

The BMD staff develops a relationship with Band members to assist them in accessing current training programs and opportunities offered by the Band’s Education Department, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Grand Casino Hinckley, and the Corporate Commission’s Education and Performance Department. The BMD staff also:

• can recommend outside seminars or training resources to the casinos’ Band member Associates and provide support along the way
• provides career guidance and counseling services that help prepare Band members for future promotions
• offers specialized options specific to gaming management; internships for college, high school, and GED students; a mentoring program; and assistance with individual development plans for tracking career and performance goals
  

Berni Johnson, Corporate Director of Band Member Development

Loretta Hansen, Associate Director of Band Member Development at Grand Casino Hinckley

Audrey Stately, Associate Director of Band Member Development at Grand Casino Mille Lacs

(See Appendix A for a directory of businesses.)