 One of the hidden gems in central Minnesota business community is helping small businesses in more ways than one. The Small Business Development Center at Central Lakes College has seen considerable growth over the last few years as it continues to partner in building up the local economy. The grant funded program aids people wanting to start a small business by consulting with them on the process as well as holding training seminars and offering one-on-one consulting. But what the center prides itself on is the role it plays in getting small businesses up and running and contributing to the local economy. By far it's the small businesses that really drive the economy in the Brainerd Lakes area. So they're very very important to us and so the work we do helping support those small businesses I hope anyway you know really makes a difference in helping them grow and expand, add jobs and really contribute to our economy. The center has currently has nine consultants that provide services approximately 400 clients per year. Also clients of the center raised over 23 million dollars last year in financing to help support growth in their businesses.