Start a Business in Minnesota Today

Step 1: Create a business plan for your Minnesota company

A business plan has a few different purposes. Many startups and small businesses use the document to land crucial funding, like swaying an outside investor or qualifying for a business loan. However, it can also map out a company’s path to profitability.

What to Include in a Business Plan

Before you get started, consider creating a business plan that includes:

• A clarification of your business idea. Most businesses fail because there’s no market need. Why do Minnesota consumers need your business? What problem is it solving?
• An overview of financial goals. Where are you getting funding? What is your revenue source? How much does your business cost to run, and when will you turn a profit?
• A competitive analysis. Who are your competitors, and how can you improve on what they’re doing?
• A market analysis. Who is your ideal customer in Minnesota or the U.S. at large. What do they want?
• A pricing scheme
• Potential tax breaks and local grants

For more guidance on writing a business plan, check out our complete guide to writing a small business plan.

Need help creating a business plan for your Minnesota business? We put together a comprehensive library of articles and guides on business planning.

Step 2: Choose a business structure

When you launch your Minnesota business, you’ll have to choose a business structure in order to pay business taxes on your revenue.

The popular choices are corporation, sole proprietorship, or limited liability company (LLC). The North Star State is home to a number of different corporations. But two of the most popular business structures for small businesses are LLCs and sole proprietorships. That’s due to their relatively easy formation and maintenance.  

Minnesota LLC

LLCs are a popular business entity because they provide a certain amount of liability protection for personal assets.

They also have a favorable tax position, effectively avoiding an additional corporate tax and allowing your business’s income taxes to pass through to your personal tax return.

There are filing fees for LLCs. And you must file Articles of Organization with the state to receive an LLC’s protections and benefits.

For example, filing a Minnesota LLC costs $155 for online and expedited in-person filings (or $135 by mail).

Sole Proprietorships

Sole proprietorships are similar when it comes to federal and Minnesota taxes, but they don’t provide the same liability protection. Instead, they’re a bit quicker to launch, have fewer fees, and require less paperwork.

For example, there are no required bylaws like a corporation requires. There are also no annual reporting to a regulatory authority or state agency like an LLC.

Still not sure what business structure to choose for your business in Minnesota? Get 100% certain by reading our business structures page.

Step 3: Determine startup costs for your Minnesota business

Before you can start your Minnesota business, you need to understand how much it’s going to cost. After all, you’re going to probably need funding.

To do this, add up:

• Fixed expenses (like insurance premiums, rent, and salaries)
• Variable expenses (like inventory costs)
• One-time costs (like equipment purchases)

Funding Options

As far as funding goes, there are numerous options.

Many small companies opt for a business loan through a bank or the Small Business Administration (SBA). You may be able to use a business credit card for smaller, one-time purchases.

Beyond that, you may qualify for a grant or another government resource (particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic). 

Minnesota’s Small Business Assistance Office or the SBA can help you find financing options that work for your firm.

Don’t get overwhelmed with the math, we are here to help with calculating your business start-up costs

Step 4: Name your Minnesota business

There’s a lot in a business name. It’s how customers will know you, and it does wonders for word-of-mouth advertising.

The name needs to fit your brand’s overall aesthetic while being easy enough to understand. You want to establish an impactful online presence. This includes registering a domain and social media profiles.

Business Name Requirements

Overall, your business name must be unique, lest you face legal repercussions. You can check to see if your preferred name is still available through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s online business services portal.

You may have to file a Certificate of Assumed Name if you’re using a DBA (or “doing business as”) name rather than your legal personal name or official company name.

Step 5: Register your business in Minnesota

Once you have your business name, it’s time to finish the paperwork — and there can be a lot of it, particularly in the realm of business registration.

During this phase, LLCs and corporations need to register the business with the Minnesota Secretary of State (unless you’re an insurance company, which would need to file with the Minnesota Department of Commerce).

You can acquire a state tax ID number from the Minnesota Department of Revenue and a sales and use tax account if you’re a company that collects sales tax. You’ll also need to:

• Register your chosen business structure (if you have an LLC or corporation).
• Open a business bank account. Your business bank account is helpful to separate personal and business expenses.
• For corporations and most LLCs, file for a federal employer identification number, also known as an employer identification number (EIN). This enables you to pay federal taxes to the IRS.
• Get the proper business insurance. Typically this is general liability insurance, but you may also need specialized insurances. For example, if you plan to hire employees, you’ll need disability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Obtain the necessary licenses and permits.

While many businesses can operate in the state without a special business license or permit, it depends on the type of business. You can browse through requirements on Minnesota’s licensing portal.

Step 6: Market your business

No one will know your new business is open if you don’t put yourself out there, and that’s the job of a great marketing plan.

In modern times, marketing plans have a heavy focus on digital advertising. Consider a cross-platform strategy on social media using major players like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

You can also try a local approach, signing up for Google My Business, Yelp, and local business registrations. HubSpot has a great guide to getting started, including SEO tactics to boost your search rankings.

Marketing a new business takes time and planning here are some great actionable ideas for marketing your business.

Benefits of opening a business in Minnesota

As a manufacturing hub, the North Star State is home to a wealth of industries, from aerospace and robotics to food production and medical devices, and it’s only growing.

IBISWorld reports that the state reached $338.8 billion in gross state product in 2019. Though economic growth is near the middle compared to the United States as a whole, it’s far from stagnant.

Some of the highest growth was seen in the realm of finance and insurance as well as arts, entertainment, and recreation. 

Minnesota State Taxes

Minnesota state tax can be a bit prohibitive for startups because of a separate business property tax. According to Doug Loon, the president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the state’s business property taxes are some of the highest in the nation. They exceed neighboring states by as much as 200%. As of 2017, Minnesota had the second-highest taxes for rural properties and the seventh-highest for metro properties.

Minnesota Cost of Living

Thankfully, the North Star State does have a relatively low cost of living, which can offset some of the property costs.

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, an hourly wage of just under $19 can cover a single person’s basic needs, which is cheaper than the United States’ national average.

The state also has a number of tax incentives for business owners looking to start new companies. These include sales tax exemptions and numerous benefits for small businesses in the realm of technology and research and development.

Examples of good businesses to start in Minnesota

Manufacturing, technology, and health are big businesses in Minnesota. This includes everything from FinTech and telemedicine to the manufacturing of aerospace equipment and food production. Still, you don’t need to be in one of Minnesota’s largest sectors to succeed. 

Some industries in Minnesota are faster growing than others. According to IBISWorld, the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector has seen some of the highest statewide growth out of any industry.

You may want to open your own restaurant or even a photography business. Just be wary of the businesses that are currently limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You may want to wait to start those endeavors once a vaccine is widely available.

Get more information and new ideas about the best businesses to start in Minnesota.

Top Minnesota Cities to Form Businesses

Minneapolis-St. Paul (Twin Cities): Largest metro area in Minnesota, home to numerous Fortune 500 companies. Strong sectors include healthcare, retail, finance, and technology. Vibrant startup ecosystem with a highly educated workforce and numerous support resources.

Rochester: Home to the Mayo Clinic, a leader in healthcare and medical research. Undergoing major development with the Destination Medical Center project, enhancing opportunities in biotech and healthcare services. Attracts global attention for health and wellness.

Duluth: Key port city on Lake Superior, vital for shipping and transportation. Growing sectors in healthcare, education, and aviation. Attractive for tourism-related businesses due to its scenic location and outdoor activities.

St. Cloud: Regional center for central Minnesota, strong in manufacturing, distribution, and services. Proximity to the Twin Cities offers access to metropolitan markets with lower operational costs. Serves as an economic hub for the surrounding area.

Mankato: Originally strong in agriculture, now diversifying into high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, and healthcare. Home to Minnesota State University, Mankato, supporting a skilled labor pool and opportunities for academic collaboration. Emphasizes growth and innovation across various industries.

These cities offer a mix of industrial strengths, educational resources, and strategic initiatives, making them suitable for a variety of business ventures in Minnesota.

We can help

When it comes to opening a business, Minnesota is a solid choice. You can enjoy the hustle and bustle of cities like Minneapolis or St. Paul, or create your own rural paradise. Wherever you open your doors, this guide can help you get started.

Ready to start your Minnesota business? Follow the steps outlined above and you’ll be well on your way to being your own boss. And remember, we can help! From our formation services to worry-free compliance, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, we have the products and tools to help.