Staff photo by Clay Schuldt First-time entrepreneurs were able to receive free business consulting during a special consulting cafe hosted at the Public Library, Saturday.

NEW ULM — First-time entrepreneurs were able to receive free business consulting during a special consulting cafe hosted at the Public Library, Saturday.

Through a partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), South Central Region the city is able to host the development consultants. Entrepreneurs were able to receive one-on-one consulting.

SBDC consultants Wendy Anderson, Hannah Bretz, and Tami Murphy were on hand to provide advice on marketing, financing, human resources, and cash-flow.

“It been great,” Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Coordinator Audra Shaneman said. “There are a lot of new ideas and solid questions from entrepreneurs.”

Those taking advantage of the consulting cafe were a mix of those looking to start a full-time business and those hoping to start a side venture. All were new to starting a business.

Shaneman said in Minnesota it can be a challenge to start a new business. There are a lot of different necessities for startups.

These introductory sessions were provided all free of charge and were part of the city’s contract with SBCS.

In November, the New Ulm Economic Development Authority authorized an agreement with SBDC to deliver up-to-date counseling and technical assistance for small businesses in the city.

SBDC’s regional office is run through Minnesota State University, Mankato. Before the agreement, entrepreneurs looking to consult with SBDC had to travel to Mankato for assistance. The new deal brings an SBDC consultant to New Ulm two full days a month and quarterly business training events.

SBDC will be providing succession planning training from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce boardroom.