Best Small Business Resources in the Rapid City Area

Starting a business is a life-changing experience. South Dakota has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Rapid City area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in South Dakota.
Resources Available in your Area
The South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity (SD CEO)
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity is a completely free to use resource for aspiring entrepreneurs; the center offers a wide range of counseling services across different business aspects, including financing, marketing, managing and start-up assistance.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SD CEO: Women's Business Center, 1200 University St.
Spearfish, SD 57799
605-642-6311
michelle.kane@bhsu.edu
Black Hills Business Development Center
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The Black Hills Business Development Center is an incubator space provided for technology-focused start-ups; with a wide range of office space available, as well professional services in market research and general support. Coworking amenities include a notary service, meeting rooms, and shipping equipment.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Black Hills State University Foundation
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SD CEO: Women's Business Center, 1200 University Street
Spearfish, SD 57799
602-642-6435
Mela.Cosme@BHSU.edu
Rapid City SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Rapid City SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth