North Central SBDC announces spring Marketing Mornings schedule

The North Central Small Business Development Center has announced the spring 2026 schedule for Marketing Mornings, a monthly series designed to give small business
owners simple, practical tools to strengthen their marketing efforts. Each session runs from 8-8:45 a.m. and is offered both virtually and through local “Watch
Parties” hosted by economic development partners across the region.

This spring’s topics were chosen to match the real marketing challenges and emerging trends that entrepreneurs are working through every day.
Sessions include:
• Jan. 9: Introducing Answer Engine Optimization
• Feb. 6: Quick Wins with Canva
• March 6: Setting Up Email Campaigns
• April 10: Google Ads Overview
• May 1: Telling Customer Stories and Testimonials

“Our goal is to make marketing more accessible and doable for everyday business owners,” said Regional Director of the North Central SBDC Katie Heppner.
“These sessions are short, focused and designed to meet people where they are. Whether someone  is just getting started or looking to sharpen what
they already do, there is something useful here.”
Marketing Mornings continues to be offered at no cost and this spring the North Central SBDC is placing a strong emphasis on its regional Watch Parties. Hosted
by local partners, these gatherings offer something the virtual session alone cannot: real conversation with neighbors who are navigating similar
challenges and opportunities.

Attendees gain a short, practical training, plus the chance to swap ideas, compare notes and build the kind of local connections that make rural businesses stronger.

This spring’s Watch Party hosts are:
• Aitkin County Economic Development  | Hosted at Aitkin County Government Center, Board Room (Floor 3)
• Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation | Hosted at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, CTC Room
• City of Mora Economic Development Authority | Hosted at Mora City Hall
• Chisago County HRA-EDA | Hosted at the Chisago County HRAEDA Office in North Branch

Entrepreneurs and small business owners can register to attend Marketing Mornings at www.northcentralsbdc.com/workshops-andevents.