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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What do you do at CRI?
  • Who do I contact to learn more?
  • How is CRI connected to the University?
  • Are you the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)?
  • I have a small business – what services do you offer?
  • Can I still register for that workshop?
  • How are the invoices sent for workshops and trainings?
  • Are there discounts for BSU staff for workshops and trainings?
  • Do you make the models that are in your display cases?
  • Where are you located?
  • What are your business hours?
  • What is non-credit?
  • What are CEUs?
  • Why do you need my SSN?

What do you do at CRI?

Although the staff at CRI consists of seven people, each of whom has a different area of expertise, we can link regional organizations to University expertise. Some of our core competencies include Organizational Change, Strategic Planning, Group Facilitation, Quality tools, Streamlining Business Processes, Strategic Implementation, assistance in new product development, Process Flow & Value Stream Mapping, Distance Learning, and Business Planning.

It doesn?t stop there — By providing the linkage to faculty and staff expertise, we are able to offer a variety of professional and technical development services. If it doesn?t fit anyplace else, give us a call, we can probably help!

Who do I contact to learn more?
Contact the CRI ([email protected] or phone 218 755 4900 / 888 738 3224) and talk to one of our staff. If we can’t provide the direct assistance you need, we can point you in the right direction. In addition to the staff, we can provide you with the link to expertise at Bemidji State University and other Minnesota State Colleges and Universities such as Northwest Technical College.

How is CRI connected to the University?
The Center for Research and Innovation is an integral part of Bemidji State University. As the outreach arm of the University, the Center focuses on professional and organizational development for business, industry, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. We link the resources of Bemidji State University to business and industry.

Are you the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)?
The Small Business Development Center is located in the Center for Research and Innovation. As one of our partners, they offer business and financial counseling to for-profit businesses located in the 12 county region of Northwest Minnesota. You can reach them direct at 218-755-4255.

I have a small business – what services do you offer?
Through the SBDC, we offer business counseling, planning, financial reviews, and identification of possible funding sources. We don’t have funding to provide to small business owners but we can help them craft a business and financial plan and let them know of possible resources. Please contact the SBDC at (218)755-4255.

Can I still register for that workshop?
Our policy is you must register five days in advance. If we don’t have enough registrants to hold the class, we will cancel it. While we don’t recommend waiting until the last minute, if you happen to get caught off guard and didn’t make the time limit, feel free to call and see if there is a seat available. If we have a seat, or haven’t cancelled the class, we will be more than happy to let you have it. However, at times, food or books may not be available if you register late. It’s best to register prior to the five day limit.

How are the invoices sent for workshops and trainings?
Invoices are sent after the class to your home address (provided on the registration form).

Are there discounts for BSU faculty and staff for workshops and trainings?
Unfortunately, we can’t offer discounts to faculty or staff.

Do you make the models that are in your display cases?
No, the models came from the students in our Technology Studies program. By the way, all are to scale and are part of the industrial design program. Give the Tech Studies department a call at (218)755-2979 for more information.

Where are you located?
We are located in a strip mall, just north of Bemidji at 3801 Bemidji Ave. N, Suite 4, Bemidji, MN. Easy parking is available. Click here for Directions

What are your business hours?
We are open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

What is non-credit?
Non-credit means not for college credit. The course you take for “non-credit” does not go on a college transcript.

What are CEUs?
CEUs are continuing education units.

Why do you need my SSN?
We use your Social Security Number to connect your record to your student record system we use at the University. We do this to ensure that we don’t make duplicate records and to help you out when you call. If you ask for your credit or non-credit transcripts, we can find them if you provide your SSN.