Minnesota Secretary Of State - Over 100,000 Businesses (and Counting) Take Part in the ‘Minnesota Business Snapshot’
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Over 100,000 Businesses (and Counting) Take Part in the ‘Minnesota Business Snapshot’

March 15, 2017

‘Minnesota Business Snapshot’ data is now available for purchase

SAINT PAUL — Today, Secretary of State Steve Simon announced that 115,227 businesses to date have participated in the Minnesota Business Snapshot—a new initiative designed to better serve Minnesotans and advance economic development by providing the public with critical data and information on the economic and demographic make-up of Minnesota’s businesses.

The Minnesota Business Snapshot (MBS) is a voluntary, five-question survey being offered to nearly 550,000 new and existing businesses in Minnesota as they file their annual renewal each calendar year with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. To date, the survey—available to businesses since September 2016—has a 46 percent response rate.

Secretary Simon also announced today that information collected from the Minnesota Business Snapshot is now available for purchase. Minnesotans can purchase the raw data for $100. The ability to purchase customized orders is expected to be available by summer. Customized orders will allow a purchaser to select a range of criteria for the search, such as industry, location, and other factors mentioned below. As a service to the public, the Secretary of State’s Office provides information collected from the Minnesota Business Snapshot to state, county, and municipal governments at no cost. For order information and instructions, click here.

“The Minnesota Business Snapshot is about better serving Minnesotans by making it easier and more convenient for everyone—whether a small business owner, state agency, or consumer—to identify potential partners and seek new opportunities,” said Secretary Simon. “Additionally, the Minnesota Business Snapshot is going to play a vital role in assisting the public and educational institutions as they look to better understand our state’s business community now and in the years to come.”

The survey asks business owners a variety of questions, including how many full-time employees they have; whether they self-identify as a member of specific communities, including veterans, women, or communities of color; the industry or field in which the business operates; whether it’s a full-time or part-time endeavor; and gross revenues for the past year.

The survey was put together with the input of individual business owners, business organizations, non-profits, and researchers from across the state. For the complete list of survey questions and answer options, see below.

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The complete list of Minnesota Business Snapshot survey question and response options below:

1. (Select up to one) - How many Minnesota – based full time employees (or FTE equivalents) does this entity currently have?

  • 0-5
  • 6-50
  • 51-200
  • 201-500
  • Over 500

2. (Select all that apply) - Does the owner or a member of the ownership group of this entity self-identify as a member of any of the following communities?

  • Woman
  • Member of a community of color
  • Veteran
  • Member of a disability community
  • Member of an immigrant community

3. (Select up to one) - Using NAICS codes below, please select the code that best describes this entity. If you believe this entity falls into more than one category, please select the category that generates the majority of the entity’s revenue.

a) Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (Code 11)
b) Mining (Code 21)
c) Utilities (Code 22)
d) Construction (Code 23)
e) Manufacturing (Codes 31-33)
f) Wholesale Trade (Code 42)
g) Retail Trade (Codes 44-45)
h) Transportation and Warehousing (Codes 48-49)
i) Information (Code 51)
j) Finance and Insurance (Code 52)
k) Real Estate Rental and Leasing (Code 53)
l) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (Code 54)
m) Management of Companies and Enterprises (Code 55)
n) Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (Code 56)
o) Educational Services (Code 61)
p) Health Care and Social Assistance (Code 62)
q) Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (Code 71)
r) Accommodation and Food Services (Code 72)
s) Other Services (except Public Administration) (Code 81)
t) Public Administration (Code 92)

4. (Select up to one) Is this entity a full time or part time endeavor for those primarily responsible for operating this entity?

  • Full time
  • Part time

5. (Select up to one) - If applicable, what were this entity’s gross revenues for the past year?

  • $0 - $10,000
  • $10,001 - $50,000
  • $50,001 - $250,000
  • $250,001 - $1M
  • Over $1M