HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3City of Lakeville
Community & Economic Development
Memorandum
To: Economic Development Commission
From: Kati Bachmayer, Economic Development Coordinator
Copy: Justin Miller, City Administrator
David Olson, Community and Economic Development Director
Date: October 27, 2020
Subject: Dakota County’s Open to Business Program
The Open to Business program is a partnership between the Dakota County Community Development
Agency (CDA), cities in Dakota County (including Lakeville), and the Metropolitan Consortium of
Community Developers (MCCD). Dakota County has a new MCCD representative, Natalie Mouilso,
who provides confidential business counseling to current and prospective entrepreneurs on an
individual basis. Thanks to this partnership, Open to Business services are provided at no-cost to
entrepreneurs and small businesses located in Dakota County.
The Open to Business program provides access to technical assistance and financing options small
businesses need to succeed. Open to Business can help with business and strategic planning;
marketing and communications planning; regulatory, tax, licensing and accounting training; financial
assessment; and referrals to critical professional services. The Open to Business program staff also
assist entrepreneurs to identify borrowing needs and accessing financing options to meet their needs.
When applicable, MCCD offers direct financing and loans in partnership with banks and nonprofit
lenders.
Ms. Mouilso has hit the ground running and has worked with 121 clients in Dakota County in Q3. Of
these, 16 of them are Lakeville businesses and eight of them are Lakeville residents. Ms. Mouilso has
started hosting weekly virtual office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and Fridays
from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Ms. Mouilso is attending the meeting to provide a report to the EDC and answer
any questions.
Action Requested: No action is requested. Ms. Mouilso’s presentation is informational in order to
grow the Open to Business client base and number of Lakeville residents and businesses that receive
free consulting services.