Success Story: Main Street Books

Turning the Page: Main Street Books Begins a New Chapter

MINOT – For nearly 20 years, Main Street Books has been integral to the heart of downtown Minot.

In June 2025, longtime manager Lindsey Bertsch began thinking seriously about what it would take to carry that legacy forward. After 14 years working at Main Street Books, she knew the business from the inside out. She understood inventory cycles and customer preferences. More importantly, she understood what the store meant to the community.

Bertsch describes Main Street Books as more than just a bookstore, viewing It as a community hub, gathering space, music venue, and so much more.

Preparing for the Transition

Encouraged by local contacts, she reached out to the ND SBDC Minot office. Working one-on-one with Center Director Alan Gohary, Bertsch focused on turning her experience and vision into a formal business strategy.

Together, they developed a comprehensive business plan that outlined her goals and demonstrated the store’s viability under her leadership. Detailed market projections and cash flow forecasts provided the financial clarity needed to move forward. The process helped her shift from having an idea to presenting herself as a prepared, credible buyer.

That preparation proved critical. Using the business plan and financial projections developed with the ND SBDC, Bertsch secured a loan from Town and Country Credit Union, along with private funding to complete the acquisition. On November 1, 2025, she officially became the owner of Main Street Books.

“Getting help on a business plan from the SBDC was integral to securing funding to purchase and grow the bookstore,” said Bertsch.

Her path from long-time employee to owner reflects both her commitment and strategic approach. Years of hands-on experience gave her insight. Structured planning gave her confidence. As a young woman business owner, she is also part of a growing generation of entrepreneurs shaping North Dakota’s small business landscape.

Working with the ND SBDC made the idea a reality, and having a sound plan is important to any new venture.

Shaping the Next Chapter

Today, Main Street Books continues to grow while staying true to its culture and mission. With strong support from the Minot community, Bertsch is expanding the store’s offerings. Plans are underway to launch a deli and café, creating even more space for conversation, collaboration, and connection.

For Bertsch, ownership is both a responsibility and an opportunity. What began as a job years ago has become a long-term investment in the place she helped build. Now, she is not only preserving a downtown institution but also shaping its future.