News and Media

No Experience Required: 9 Occupations Hiring Now

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Many businesses working to provide essential services like health care, food, supplies and transportation are hiring right now in Minnesota. Some positions may be temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many are permanent and, particularly in the health care field, can serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying careers for those who get additional experience or training. In many cases, a person can find a job in one of these occupations without previous experience in the field. Many of the jobs listed below may be posted under multiple titles – some of which vary in their job descriptions, requirements, and wages...

A “Now, Next, Later” Approach for Dealing with Pandemic Challenges

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the U.S. spread in March, leading to shelter-in-place orders in most states and a rapid slowdown of the national economy, businesses have started adopting Baker Tilly’s “now, next, later” framework in dealing with the pandemic challenges: “Now” is focused on the first 30 days; “next” is focused on the following 60 days; and “later” focusing on 90 days and beyond. The “now” response reflects the immediate reality for businesses – survival. An early March 2020 poll by the National Association of Manufacturers showed 35 percent of manufacturers are facing significant interruptions in supply chain operations, though onl...

Assembling the Right Site Selection Team

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Your company has just decided to invest in a new facility expansion, and you have been chosen to lead the effort. Perhaps you have specific knowledge about a certain manufacturing process or maybe you are the most trusted individual to the CEO. Whatever landed you the assignment is irrelevant; now you must understand the CEO and the entire company are putting their collective faith in you to succeed at finding the best location for the planned expansion. Read full article.

Business Stories

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

If you have a good story to tell about your Minnesota business or labor organization helping during this time, or have photos or stories showing creative solutions to social distancing and keeping workers safe, please submit these stories to GoodBusiness@state.mn.us. Read full article.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

For Magdalah R. Silva, joining Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) was a game changer right from the start. As co-founder, CEO, and president of DMS International—an information and technology services company for the Federal government and the private sector—Magdalah attended the 2019 DWEN Summit in Singapore along with other global women entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. It was there that she connected with Dell representatives and other women who understand the role data and technology play in driving global growth. Read full article.

How Is the Pandemic Affecting Location Decisions in the Food & Beverage Industry?

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

I've been fortunate to have some great conversations with economic developers over the past few weeks, with many questions on the pandemic's impact on site location decisions for the food and beverage Industry. While nothing is certain, I've read and attached links to some important insights which I would like to share with those who currently or plan to target this industry. Be very aware that: Disruption of reliable demand and labor shortages have resulted in huge supply chain inefficiencies, leaving too much food in the wrong places. New facility locations that process products that heavily rely on predictable supply chain will n...

The Future of Manufacturing Site Selection is Connected

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Top Site Selection Concerns for Heavy Manufacturing Companies When you think of heavy manufacturing, utilities and transportation logistics infrastructure is key for those operations. So, for example, you have operations with demands in the 400 megawatt or the 200 megawatts range. Some smaller heavy-industrial operations require 10 to 20 megawatts – which is already a big operation in terms of electricity demand. It’s not that you find a lot of locations that are ready with 400 megawatts waiting for that operation to come. It's important to find locations that can meet this type of electricity demand, and you can couple tha...

10 Site Selection and Economic Development Takeaways from the COVID-19 Crisis

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Over extended and overly risky supply chains are no longer tolerable. Coronavirus is providing new and forceful momentum for the reshoring of manufacturing investment back to the U.S. from China and elsewhere. Our nation’s medical devices and biopharma sector — now dangerously concentrated in China — must be the first in line to disinvest there and reinvest back here in the States. Currently, less than 30% of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) -producing facilities are in the U.S. - while the number of Chinese facilities has more than doubled since 2010. The recent bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Blackburn (R-Tennessee) an...

COVID-19 - Suffocating the global medical supply chain, while breathing life into its future.

Thursday, April 30, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the vulnerabilities of the United States’ reliance on imported medical supplies and equipment. Global manufacturers of these much-needed products have had capacities curtailed due to shutdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions. At the same time more than 50 countries around the world have embargoed or restricted exports of items like personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other much-needed medical equipment and pharmaceutical products. Read full article.

Job Club Online Joins CareerForce Lineup of Virtual & Interactive Offerings

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Over 600 Minnesotans across the state – from Minneapolis and Winona to Hibbing and Twig – registered to take part in our first Job Club Online on Tuesday. Catherine Byers Breet – who has 22 years of experience as a career consultant, job hunt coach and recruiter – hosted the job club via webinar. Her topic this week was Video Interviewing: How to stand out and be the one they want. Read full article.

Minnesota nonprofits, schools participate in first-ever Give At Home MN campaign

Thursday, April 30, 2020

The first week of May felt a lot like November as Minnesota nonprofits make a flurry of pitches for donations in a first-ever virtual fundraising campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Friday, GiveMN — the nonprofit that in November puts on the largest annual giving day in the state, Give to the Max — is hosting a new eight-day campaign called Give At Home MN. Read full article.

Spending All Day At Your Desk? Four Exercises To Boost Productivity When Working From Home

Thursday, April 30, 2020

We knew sitting all day was not a healthy lifestyle choice, even before the coronavirus hit. Now, however, without commutes to get us walking, or the ability to stroll down office hallways to see a colleague or join a meeting, it’s even easier to spend all day in one chair, with little movement. “Spending all that time online can be grueling,” says Marie Di Virgilio, a core faculty member with Benedictine University’s Ph.D./D.B.A. program in Values-Driven Leadership, for senior executives. Read full article.

The Secret To Retail Success Post Coronavirus? Adopting A Consumer-Centric Approach

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Fashion retail was facing unprecedented upheaval long before any of us had even heard of coronavirus or could imagine a situation where all stores would be forced to close and the world would be in global lockdown. This pre-coronavirus need for change was being driven by shrinking margins and an increase in nimble new entrants to the market who were growing their market share at a rapid pace, striping away sales from large incumbent brands and retailers. For the majority of retail businesses, trying to evolve and keep pace in recent years has been a painful experience as it’s meant questionin...

American Retail Reopens—Sort Of: A State-By-State Guide To What’s Back

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The stores of American retailing are starting to reopen—at least some of them, in some places and at some times. As the coronavirus pandemic stretches into its third month on Friday, states and businesses across the country are making fateful decisions on reopening. These acts are accompanied by copious rules and regulations on social distancing, health and safety measures, and reprogrammed shopping procedures—all of which are dependent on shoppers and store employees to both obey and embrace. Read full article.

Announcing new tools to help businesses promote safe work environments

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Health experts around the world will tell you that one of the most important aspects of workplace safety during a pandemic is careful and effective health screening of employees. That's why in Executive Order 20-40, the Governor requires all non-critical businesses coming back into workplace environments to engage in proper health screenings each day. Now, thanks to a unique collaboration between Target Corp, Minnesota IT Services, and the Minnesota Safety Council – Minnesota businesses have a digital tool that can make those screenings even more effective. Read full article.

DEED Awards more the $1.3 Million in MJSP Grants

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded nine workforce development grants totaling nearly $1.3 million under the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) to assist businesses and educational institutions in training workers to keep high-quality jobs in the state. These grants were awarded in early March 2020, prior to impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. “The MJSP is a vital tool in helping Minnesotans train for high-skill, high-paying jobs, particularly as Minnesota’s economy will begin to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 over the coming months,” said Commissioner of DEED, Steve Grove. “Training workers to mee...

As many as 20,000 Minnesota businesses could reopen Monday, but will they?

Monday, April 27, 2020

If you’re looking to enjoy the spring weather with a newly assembled pair of Minnesota-made Riedell roller skates, you’ll need to wait a touch longer. Afforded an early-bird chance along with other select businesses to reopen Monday amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Riedell opted to continue to retrofit social-distancing strategies in its Red Wing plant and resume skate manufacturing as planned on May 4 — the final day of the state’s current stay-at-home order. Read full article.

FCC Commissioners Sharply Disagree on U.S. Broadband Report

Monday, April 27, 2020

A Federal Communications Commission report indicated that the U.S. is making progress on closing the digital divide, but FCC commissioners don’t agree on how much progress has been made. The 2020 Broadband Deployment Report showed that very high-speed broadband service (250 Mbps/25 Mbps) can be accessed by roughly 85 percent of citizens — a number that has gone up by 47 percent since 2017. The report attributes this and other gains to the $80 billion invested in broadband infrastructure in 2018, a significant increase in fiber-to-the-home projects in 2019 and the advent of 5G technology. Read full article.

Eleven Companies Receive Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants

Friday, April 24, 2020

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $247,000 in Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants to 11 of the state’s most promising, innovative and scalable technology startups. In this third round of Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants, 12 grants were awarded to 11 different companies: eight grants for business operations and four housing/childcare grants. Read full article.

Heroes Of The Pandemic

Friday, April 24, 2020

They’re doing what they’ve always done. Doing what they’ll continue to do when coronavirus testing is widespread and a vaccine is developed. When the rest of us return to a new normal, whatever that might look like, they’ll still be on the front lines caring for the sick and afraid, comforting the grieving, fighting for health care equity and championing the message that mental health care is health care. The terrifying risks to them and their families will eventually subside, but never their passion for and clarity about this work. We thank them now, and resolve to keep our eye...

A Framework for safely returning to work

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Governor Tim Walz reviewed a framework for evaluating when it is safe to reopen a variety of workplace, social, and educational environments in Minnesota. That framework takes into consideration a number of health, economic, and social factors – and applies them to a variety of settings that have varying levels of predictability and size considerations. As part of that framework, he issued Executive Order 20-40, which provides a limited first step in the process of safely returning to work, beginning only with workers at non-Critical Sector industrial, manufacturing and office based businesses that are non-customer facing. Read full article.

Small Business Survival Series: Bruce Katz

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Bruce Katz: I run a finance lab at Drexel University and work as a partner with Accelerator for America. I’ve been very focused on trying to codify these local relief funds that are emerging around the country. Grant Baskerville (Sorenson Impact Center): Bruce, if I can pick up on the excellent piece that you coauthored with Colin Higgins and Michael Saadine, you very effectively stratify the different levels of activity that happen city, state, and federal levels. We’d love your input on this. Read full article.

What will it look like when Minnesota’s economy begins to open?

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Mike Frattallone estimates his Ace Hardware stores were among the first Minnesota businesses to put a plastic screen between customers and cashiers, before Governor Tim Walz ordered non-critical businesses to close and Minnesotans to stay at home. Since then, those protection screens have gotten more elaborate. “We have a lot of hockey fans working in the stores, and they’ve taken to calling it the ‘penalty box’ because the plastic is almost on all sides now,” Frattallone said Wednesday. “I’ll tell you what, though, when you’re in there you feel pretty darn safe compared to just being out there.” Read full article.

US Senate approves $484bn funding for small businesses, hospitals

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Washington, DC - The United States Senate approved legislation worth $484bn to provide funding for a small business jobs programme, hospitals overrun by the coronavirus outbreak, and a national testing impetus to help tamp down the pandemic. The Senate bill, agreed to in advance by the White House, allocates $25bn for a testing strategy that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats insisted was key to reopening the US economy. The bill calls on the Trump administration to define a strategy to provide nationwide testing and report on that plan to Congress. Read full article.

Your comments on workplace safety plans for COVID-19

Monday, April 20, 2020

As Governor Walz has said, Minnesotans are buying the state valuable preparation time for COVID-19 by staying at home. The Governor's Executive Order 20-33 has asked Minnesotans not working in Critical Sectors to continue to Stay at Home through May 4th to slow the spread of COVID-19. During this time, we are looking at how non-critical sector employees can get back to work safely, when teleworking is not an option. One important component of allowing non-critical industries to return to work will be ensuring that these businesses have a plan for how to follow CDC guidance at their workplace. To make the developmen...

How the Walz administration is developing its plans for restarting Minnesota’s economy

Friday, April 17, 2020

When Gov. Tim Walz extended his stay-home order until May 4, he asked state agencies to get some workers back on the job quickly while planning for how to reopen the economy on a wider scale once public health restrictions begin to ease. It’s no simple task. Which business can safely restart — and when — has been a puzzle facing state governments across the U.S. as they try to bolster an imploding economy without overwhelming hospitals or putting lives at risk from COVID-19. Read full article.

Employers are looking for workers in Minnesota

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Postings for jobs in Minnesota were up 50% last week over the previous week - so if you're looking for work, an employer may be looking for you! Here are the top occupations being hired for right now in Minnesota: Personal Care Aides Registered Nurses Nursing Assistants Cashiers/Retail Sales Workers Read full article.

Important SBA Updates on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Thursday, April 16, 2020

In the near future, SBA expects the amount of processed PPP loan volume to reach the maximum amount authorized and appropriated by Congress. Once the authorization limit is reached, SBA will not be able to accept any new loan applications for the Paycheck Protection Program. This will mean that lenders will no longer be able to load PPP applications into the Capital Access Financial System (CAFS or E-Tran) [the Lender Gateway]. SBA is unable to maintain a queue for PPP applications. Further, PPP loan amounts may not be adjusted by lenders within the CAFS system. Additionally, once the authorization limit is reached...

How Leah Pritchett Turned Her Drag Racing Hobby Into A Career

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Leah Pritchett’s love for drag racing started at a young age—thanks to her father who was a land speed racer and dreamt of racing with his family. What started as a hobby when Pritchett was eight years old later became Pritchett’s passion that she turned into a career. Now, Pritchett—who won her first career national event in 2016—has risen to the top of a male-dominated sport. But as women become more successful in the racing world, she’s optimistic that it’ll inspire others to go after new and bigger opportunities. Read full article.

In Focus: Key Success Factors for Building a Cannabis Processing Center

Saturday, April 11, 2020

On January 1 of this year, Illinois was the latest state to legalize recreational cannabis, and there are strong indications that New York will be following suit. By the end of 2020, more than 40 U.S. states could have marijuana laws on the books — a boon for industrial speculative developers looking to diversify by seeking new growth opportunities beyond e-commerce leasing. The development of facilities for cannabis processing is highly specialized — more akin to the development of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant than an e-commerce warehouse. Even then, it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are subject to federal oversigh...

Milestones and Incentives in the Site Selection Process

Saturday, April 11, 2020

The Biggest Misperception About the Incentive Process I think a lot of companies that aren't familiar with the incentive process come to us and have the misconception that they simply make some commitments, they sign a lease, shake the hand of the mayor, and receive a check. It's actually a much more complex process than that. It requires working with the municipalities for multiple years in order to show that you've met the commitments to receive the incentives that have been awarded based on the company's performance. Read full article.

Research, Engineering, and Design: The Talent Cluster in a Talent-Focused World

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Where’s the talent? Ask a corporate executive or a site selection consultant the number-one factor driving location decisions and the response will be skilled labor. In Area Development’s 33rd Annual Corporate Survey and 15th Annual Consultants Survey, “availability of skilled labor” ranked number one on both surveys — not surprising while reinforcing talent-focused strategies. If talent is the number-one factor, why do so many economic development strategies focus on clusters of companies versus clusters of talent? A New Approach One benefit of starting a new regional economic development organization is the ability to consider new approaches without being tied to previous thinking. A...

Automotive Site Selection in Small and Rural Communities

Friday, April 10, 2020

Site Selection Factors for the Automotive Industry The U.S., Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA), for example, which has now higher local [requirements] content. So before, the local content for automotive projects was at about 62%, and now they raised it to 75%, which means you have to manufacture much more in the U.S. For example, Germans like to ship in the engine but that is a very large part [of the car]. So, the whole supply chain is changing. And then, with all the new agreements with China, for example, the tariff war going on, back and forth, how many tariffs ar...

Redevelopment of Former Coal Plant Sites

Friday, April 10, 2020

Coal-fired power plants across the United States shut down in 2019 at the second-fastest pace on record. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), plants with a combined total of more than 15,100 megawatts ceased operating nationwide last year — enough to power 15 million homes, and second only to the number of megawatts retired during 2015. The reasons behind these closures are many: decreasing wholesale prices, competition from comparatively cheap and plentiful alternate energy sources such as natural gas, subsidized solar and wind energy, continued compliance with federal energy regulations, and public concern over coal’s effect on climat...

What Will the City of the Future Look Like?

Friday, April 10, 2020

The city of the future will be more walkable, connected, educated and infrastructure-laden than what currently passes for a competitive location. According to a recent survey of economists and site selection consultants, the “must-have” ingredients for the most competitive locations of the future won’t come easy or cheap, but they will be indispensable to attract growing businesses and the talent needed to make them thrive. Read full article.

Information to Help You When You Receive Unemployment Insurance Questions

Tuesday, April 07, 2020

We know that many of DEED's partners are receiving questions related to unemployment insurance in this unprecedented time. We will provide new information every week for you to share with customers about the changing unemployment insurance program. This week's updates: 1) Background This week, we are taking additional steps to serve the unprecedented number of applicants to our system over the past three weeks – far more than we served in all of 2019. To put it into perspective, since just March 16 we have seen more than 120,000 more applicants for unemployment than in all of 2019. More than 90% of new or reactivated applicants since Marc...

55 Federal, State and Nonprofit Relief Efforts and Funds to Help You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic

Friday, April 03, 2020

In 2018, over 30 million small businesses accounted for 99.9 percent of the total businesses in the United States. Over 59 million small business employees accounted for 48 percent of the total employees in the United States. And our unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, according to the SBA. Now, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis estimates 47 million Americans could lose their jobs by the time the coronavirus allows our economy to begin recovering. That's a 32 percent unemployment rate. Read full article.

Red Wing Port Authority Approves Emergency Grant/Loan Program

Friday, April 03, 2020

Notice: On April 1, 2020 the Red Wing Port Authority approved a new financing program for small businesses in Red Wing. “The Small Business Emergency Grant/Loan Program.” Currently we have received 39 applications totaling $549,000 in request. At this time we are no longer accepting application, until further notice. On April 1, 2020 the Red Wing Port Authority approved a new financing program for small businesses in Red Wing. The Small Business Emergency Grant/Loan Program utilizes the Port’s existing industrial revolving loan fund, which is now also available for retail and service businesses for 90 days (through 6/21/20) per an executive order o...

FAQs: Peacetime Emergency Child Care Grants

Thursday, April 02, 2020

As part of their COVID-19 Response Supplemental Budget proposal, Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan proposed $30 million in funding for emergency grants for licensed child care providers serving essential workers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Child care providers and educators themselves are expressly listed as essential. There are approximately 420,000 children under the age of 12 who live in a household of an essential worker within a critical sector. Of these, the state estimates that, during this peacetime emergency, about 270,000 children will need care, and approximately 120,000 are likely to need and use licensed child car...

Getting by: How businesses in one Greater Minnesota town are dealing with ‘social distancing’ disruptions

Thursday, April 02, 2020

At The Tavern on Main, a downtown café and bar in Litchfield, Minnesota, Bethany and Michael Lee had to lay off 13 workers as they try to salvage their business during the disruptive “social distancing” brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. The Lees had to shutter their dining area, which doubles as a popular bar in the evening. But they have been selling enough takeout orders to generate about a quarter of their usual business – enough, they hope, to get them by until things return to normal. Read full article.

How and where Minnesota's population grew in the last decade

Thursday, April 02, 2020

There were two short years this past decade when more people came into Minnesota from other states than left -- a trend the state hasn’t seen in decades. But newly released population estimates data shows that reversed in 2019. The state’s population continued to grow, however, thanks to the fact that births outpaced deaths last year. That’s not expected to last much longer, though, and it has already reversed in some parts of the state. Read full article.

MnDOT spending $1 billion on 2020 road projects

Thursday, April 02, 2020

Let’s all collectively groan: Road construction season is here. But with the Minnesota Department of Transportation taking on a slightly less ambitious project schedule this year and with fewer motorists driving because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 construction season may be less disruptive than usual. Even so, motorists will encounter orange cones and detours at 188 sites in the metro area and across the state as MnDOT forges ahead with over $1 billion in projects small and large over the next six months. Read full article.

Transportation officials: Road projects full steam ahead

Thursday, April 02, 2020

As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly expands, even those businesses not shut down by Gov. Tim Walz’s stay at home order are facing challenges from breaks in key supply chains to significantly reduced demand. Nonetheless, transportation workers are still working hard to keep Minnesotans moving. They are among the 78% of working Minnesotans who could be exempt from the stay at home order, according to Commissioner Steve Grove of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. That includes almost all employees with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Rice County Highway Department and Faribault’s Engineering Department, although meetings are now hel...

Coronavirus In Minnesota: ‘This Is Absolutely About Survival’: Help On The Way For Small Businesses

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Estimates show small businesses employ half of all Minnesotans. Many of those businesses owners are painting a grim picture of the future. Customers are sheltering at home and most stores and offices are closed — but help is on the way. Twin Cities marketing expert Sharon Smith-Akansaya brought together a power panel via Zoom to let small businesses know what resources are out there. Read full article.

Entrepreneur working to grow his small business plan even bigger amid COVID-19

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

The novel coronavirus is creating challenges for entrepreneurs across the state because of Gov. Tim Walz's stay-at-home order. Small businesses have been among the hardest hit by the spread of COVID-19; As many have been forced to completely close their doors amid no cash-flow, they're left figuring out how to survive, and grow, in the future. But some big Minnesota businesses are helping small ones at just the right time. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spent time with a small business owner in north Minneapolis to find out how he's working not only to stay afloat, but to grow, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Rea...

Minnesota Community Care Transforms System to Address COVID-19

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Minnesota Community Care, the state’s largest federally qualified health center, is activating a full transformation of its system to implement community mitigation strategies and reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19. Effective April 1, 2020, the organization will actively transition its sites, services, and programs to immediately respond to the current status of COVID-19’s spread in Minnesota. Read full article.

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non- profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA. View the guide here. To keep up to dat...

Why You Fear Public Speaking and How to Overcome It

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Public speaking continues to be a top fear of humanity. Whether you’re speaking to a group of 10 or 10,000, public speaking is nerve-wracking. Yet most professionals agree that public speaking is a powerful skill capable of transforming one's business or career. As a professional speaker for over eight years, I’ve had experience training small groups of executives, pitching business plans to key stakeholders and delivering keynote presentations to thousands of people around the world. The below is my best advice for removing anxiety before any presentation. Read full article.

A Guide for Minnesota Small Businesses Who Need Help

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Over the past few weeks, several state and federal programs have been built to assist small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Different programs make sense for different businesses, so we’re providing this summary guide to help small businesses quickly see which programs might be right for their situation. Read full article.

Who's still hiring? These seven employers lead Minnesota's list

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

The spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has put hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans out of work, but that doesn't mean no one in the state is hiring. On Monday, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove said that plenty of businesses were still recruiting and that a number of jobs were posted on the state's job posting site, CareerForce. CareerForce added 3,650 new jobs last week. Read full article.

Minnesota Medtech Steps Up

Monday, March 30, 2020

Heading into another week of social distancing, Minnesota has reported a total of 576 confirmed Covid-19 cases, along with 10 deaths. Now, the state’s medtech companies are again lending a hand to help alleviate the strain on hospital systems. In response to the desperate need for ventilators, Medtronic has publicized design specifications for its ventilators. The information sharing about the Puritan Bennett 560 ventilator will allow other companies across industries to contribute to increased production of the much-needed device, said Bob White, executive vice president and president of the Minimally Invasive Therapies Group at Medtronic, in a news release. Read full article.

More relief available for Minnesota small business amid coronavirus crisis

Monday, March 30, 2020

As small businesses throughout the state continue to struggle amid the COVID-19 crisis, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced the implementation of the Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee Program. This program is part of a $330 million bill signed by Gov. Tim Walz over the weekend, and provides another option to help small businesses that might be struggling right now. Read full article.

Shifting business to battle the coronavirus

Monday, March 30, 2020

Ben VandenWymelenberg graduated in 2012 with a bachelor of science in architecture—but not before hitting on something big. While procrastinating on his senior year project, VandenWymelenberg struck gold with an idea and rushed to the workshop to produce his first wooden phone case. A few months later he launched WOODCHUCK USA, producing sustainably sourced, handcrafted wood products. Read full article.

Small-loan program kicks off in Minnesota for businesses affected by pandemic

Monday, March 30, 2020

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, which was approved by the Minnesota Legislature last week. This temporary program, established in response to impacts of COVID-19, provides another option for financing to help small businesses weather this difficult time. DEED estimates that this $10 million will guarantee $20 million to $25 million in loans for Minnesota small businesses. Read full article.

What workers need to know about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 emergency

Monday, March 30, 2020

Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order March 16 to tweak Minnesota’s unemployment insurance program in an effort to help people struggling with the closure of schools and businesses because of the novel coronavirus. The order was the latest in a string of measures taken by the governor to ramp up the state’s response to COVID-19 and push people to avoid crowds and take other health precautions. On March 13, Walz declared a peacetime emergency and warned against large gatherings. By March 16 he had closed schools and ordered closures of restaurants, gyms, theaters, museums and more. Read full article.

How A Navy Officer Turned A Big Idea Into A $118M Business

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Page, a senior and midshipman first class, was developing a thesis project that was helping him graduate from the academy so he could fulfill his dream of becoming a SEAL or naval aviator. But then a senior professor walked into the lab. He wanted to hear about Page’s project. Over the next few hours, Page explained a new kind of water treatment technology, an idea he had since high school. When the student finished his presentation, the teacher flipped his notebook over and looked at him. Read full article.

USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. Learn more here.

COLLECTIVE STRENGTH AT FOUNDATION OF MINNESOTA’S ECONOMY

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The Minnesota Chamber works year-round to strengthen the overall business climate for the livelihood of employers and employees alike. Our statewide economy is truly the sum of its parts. The priorities of the statewide business community are center stage as we advance another aggressive agenda at the Legislature. Businesses across the state face similar challenges no matter their size or industry. Click here to read full article.

Invest in the future of Minnesota: Small businesses and family farms

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Business owners invest in Minnesota’s future every day. They invest in their employees and their communities. They invest in their business needs – equipment, workforce – to grow, many times before company profit is a guarantee. These investments lay the foundation for small businesses to grow and create opportunities across the state and for family farms to continue their legacies. All of this helps Minnesota compete on a global stage to grow Minnesota’s economy and retain and create jobs. We share their commitment to investing in Minnesota’s future and call on legislators to do the same by aligning Minnesota’s income ta...

Launch Minnesota Awards $450K to Grow Startups

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Minnesota is stepping up its commitment to startups with another round of grants. On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced that it has awarded $450,000 to six organizations as part of its “Launch Minnesota” initiative. The organizations will form the basis for the state’s Launch Minnesota Network. The grants, which have been matched with nearly $900,000 in private funds, were awarded through a competitive request for proposal process. Applications will open for next year’s grants in the fall. Click here to read full article.

Minnesota manufacturers expect stability in 2020

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Respondents to an annual Manufacturing Business Conditions Survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis say they expect mostly unchanged or improved conditions in 2020. “It’s good news for Minnesota that the majority of manufacturers in our state expect stable or improved business conditions in 2020,” said Gov. Tim Walz. “Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our state economy, accounting for 14% of Minnesota’s GDP and 40% of all Minnesota jobs, either directly or indirectly.” Click here to read full article.

Minnesota politicians, businesses hopeful for new firework bill

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

A bill to legalize audible and aerial fireworks in Minnesota has started off with a “bang” in this year’s legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz recently voiced support for the bill, which would expand the types of fireworks people over 18 years old can buy in the state, including bottle rockets and Roman candles. Some people say legalizing this type of pyrotechnics will bring revenue back to the state, while others are concerned about increases in injuries and fire hazards. Click here to read full article.

The future of retail in the US: industry trends and market trends

Monday, February 24, 2020

Retail sales volume was higher in 2019 than ever before — and it will only continue trending upward as the entire experience becomes more streamlined and frictionless for customers. However, the face of the industry is changing rapidly; Business Insider Intelligence recently reported that in 2019 ecommerce sales surpassed 10% of total retail sales for the first time ever. The growing online trend impacts both e-tailers and brick-and-mortar sellers. Because merchants must embrace ecommerce to boost their own growth, the roles of solutions providers like BigCommerce and Shopify, as well as marketplaces like Amazon, could expand further in the coming years, due t...

Minnesota Creates High-Level Post to Help Connect Employers, Immigrants

Friday, February 21, 2020

The state is hiring its first-ever assistant commissioner for immigrant and refugee affairs, a position that will focus on economic development for Minnesota’s newest Americans. The position, which will be housed in the state Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), will work to identify and eliminate structural barriers keeping immigrants and refugees from joining the workforce and starting businesses, officials said as they announced the new assistant commissioner post. Click here to read full article.

American business world optimistic about $100B trade target with Turkey

Thursday, February 20, 2020

The presidents of the U.S and Turkey have agreed to keep the bilateral trade volume target separate from other problems ,and the U.S. business world has expressed optimism about economic relations with Turkey. President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an on Wednesday said he and U.S. President Donald Trump have decided to keep their target of reaching $100 billion in trade volume separate from other disputes between the two countries. The decision was agreed upon in a recent call with Trump, Erdo?an said. Click here to read full article.

Bank of America Community Development Banking Provided a Record $4.88 Billion in Lending and Investing in 2019

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Bank of America Community Development Banking (CDB) provided a record $4.88 billion in loans, tax credit equity investments, and other real estate development solutions, surpassing last year’s record of $4.7 billion. CDB delivers innovative financing solutions to help create affordable housing for individuals, families, seniors, students, veterans, the formerly homeless, and those with special needs. These efforts are part of the company’s commitment to deploying capital to address global issues outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bank of America Global Corporate and Investment Banking also provided $351 million in tax credit investments, resulting in an additional 4,400 affordabl...

Delta lifts off with $1 billion pledge to become carbon neutral

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Delta Air Lines has become the latest aviation company setting its sights on becoming "carbon neutral," with an ambition to reach that target by 2030 and pledge to invest $1 billion in achieving the goal over the next 10 years. The investment will focus on driving innovation, advancing clean air travel technologies, accelerating reductions in waste and emissions, and establishing new offsetting and natural carbon sequestration projects, the company said. Click here to read full article.

MN economic development agency to hire assistant commissioner for immigrant affairs

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Citing a desire by Gov. Tim Walz to welcome new immigrants and refugees to Minnesota, the state office in charge of workforce development announced it will be creating a new assistant commissioner position to do just that. The Department of Employment and Economic Development announced this week they’ll be hiring an assistant commissioner for immigrant and refugee affairs. “Recognizing the vitally important role that new Americans play in Minnesota’s culture and economy, our state is renewing its promise to be a place where immigrants and refugees feel welcomed, supported, and valued,” the department said in a news release. Click here to read ful...

Small business confidence rises, signaling a more positive outlook for the US economy

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Small business sentiment is on the rise to kick off 2020, with confidence nearing all-time highs, according to data from CNBC and SurveyMonkey. The CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Confidence Index climbed two points in the first quarter, from 59 to 61, as concerns over trade policy impacts lessened, thanks to a trade deal with China and the signing of the USMCA. This is a sharp turnaround from the lows seen last summer as trade turmoil weighed on Main Street’s outlook. Click here to read full article.

The Hidden Power of Guarantees in Community Development Finance

Thursday, February 20, 2020

If you’ve ever had someone co-sign a loan for you, then you know how a guarantee works. That other person, maybe a parent or relative, is promising the bank that in case you can’t make your monthly payment, they’ll make the payment in your place. If all goes well, your parent or relative may never need to step up for you. This process is often a formality, but it can also be a prohibitive barrier if you don’t have a parent or relative with good credit. Guarantees are a very common tool to support financial institutions themselves. The Federal Deposit Insuranc...

General Aviation’s Contribution to U.S. Economy Remains Strong

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

A group of seven general aviation associations today welcomed an updated study detailing the contributions of general aviation to the U.S. economy. The study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, determined that general aviation supports a total 1,179,200 jobs and a total of $246.8 billion in total economic output in the U.S. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) sponsored the study, with the support from JETNET LLC. and Conklin & de Decker. Leaders o...

Google Awards $175K to 5 Minnesota nonprofits through Impact Challenge

Friday, February 14, 2020

Google announced this week that it had selected five Minnesota nonprofits to receive funds as part of its Impact Challenge. The five winners were selected by a panel of local judges that includes Shawntera Hardy, co-founder of Civic Eagle; Eric Dayton, CEO of Askov Finlayson; and Gersson Rosas, the Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations. Each of the organizations will receive $175,000 to support projects aimed at creating economic opportunity in their communities. Click here to read full article.

Maple Grove approves plans for commercial site near Hy-Vee

Thursday, February 13, 2020

The Maple Grove City Council approved a new multi-tenant building development stage plan for the Markets at Rush Creek at its Feb. 3 meeting. The council also authorized the city to apply for a Minnesota Investment Fund Loan on behalf of a new business in Maple Grove. Click here to read full article.

Regional leaders need to join together to stay competitive in the global market

Thursday, February 13, 2020

In 2014, St. Petersburg, Fla. mayor Rick Kriseman and Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn went on a trade mission to Chile. But, in recognizing that scale matters in such attempts at global competitiveness, the two mayors made their trip not as representatives of two separate cities, but as dual ambassadors of the Tampa Bay region. Prior to the trade mission, the economic development organizations (EDOs) of three neighboring Florida counties—Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco—joined forces to create Global Tampa Bay, aligning their international business engagement strategy in a regional economic partnership. This meant pooling resources, sharing a budget, taking turns as chair, an...

Minnesota rebrands workforce career centers

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

One place to spend time searching for a job or positioning for a promotion is CareerForce. That’s the state’s recently rebranded workforce center system, with dozens of statewide locations and a new website at careerforcemn.com. “There’s never been a better time to find opportunities and have a little bit of time to explore them,” said Mike Lang, CareerForce job service director for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). “With this tight labor market and the need to retain employees, this is a great time to negotiate and find opportunities that you would often not see during a period of hig...

All aboard! Wisconsin and Minnesota on track for improved passenger rail

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

A variety of railroad projects are coming together to greatly improve passenger service in Wisconsin, including “higher speed” rail. They include: doubling daily service between St. Paul and Chicago; increasing the number of round-trip Milwaukee to Chicago trains from seven to 10; express service between Minneapolis and Duluth-Superior; and, already underway, more than $5 million in improvements to the Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station at General Mitchell International Airport, with completion expected in 2023. Click here to read full article.

States, Governors Focus on Broadband Expansion

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Governors across the country are increasingly prioritizing broadband deployment and high-speed internet access in a bid to resolve connectivity concerns that disproportionately hang over America's most rural communities. Of the 40 State of the State speeches delivered so far this year, 20 included references to high-speed internet access or state broadband installation projects, according to a U.S. News analysis of governors' prepared remarks. Click here to read full article.

‘Passport’ Program Connects Southern Minnesota Co-working Spaces

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

The ongoing expansion of co-working office space is largely an urban phenomenon. More than half of all Twin Cities co-working space is in downtown Minneapolis, according to the latest research from Cushman & Wakefield Minneapolis-St. Paul. But co-working has also taken root in outstate Minnesota. On Tuesday, six co-working spaces in Southern Minnesota announced the “Greater Minnesota Coworking Passport.” Twin Cities office brokers are forgiven for not knowing that there were any co-working spaces in southern Minnesota, much less six. The "Passport" allows members who join one of the half-dozen co-working spaces to work at any of the spaces within the program. Clic...

Small rail operators looking for $91 million in Minnesota help over several years

Saturday, February 08, 2020

The economic ripple created by a $1.5 million state investment a few years ago in a freight-rail spur line south of White Bear Lake, has empowered several small railroads to ship the Minnesota Legislature a 2020-2025, $91.4 million rail and crossing-improvement program. "The proposed legislation requires a relatively small amount of funding compared with state spending on highways supporting truck traffic, a direct and more expensive competitor to rail shipping," said a report from the rail-improvement consortium. "Minnesota has no financial resources or programs devoted to rail infrastructure and rail-related economic development needs of [spur-line carriers] while Wisconsin has spent mor...

Hooray for broadband connection project

Thursday, February 06, 2020

Access to high-speed broadband technology has been limited for many rural residents and efforts to ensure availability have been slow despite the best efforts of Minnesota state government. That’s why it was a momentous occasion last month when the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will invest $11 million in three high-speed broadband infrastructure projects in southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Read full article.

Gig economy fits changing expectations of growing number of Twin Cities workers

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

People have always looked for a side hustle or temporary work to make money. But the modern-day gig economy has been supercharged by technology. With the tap of a finger or click of a mouse, digital platforms make it simple to explore on-demand work across a growing range of industries, skills and wage levels. There are online sites for IT workers, engineers, dental hygienists and CPAs as well as for those in the wedding industry, those looking to give rides, share their homes, run errands, fix broken appliances or take care of your elderly parents. Click here to read full article.

Minnesota Manufacturers Expect Stability in 2020

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

Most expect business conditions to improve or stay the same this year St. Paul – Respondents to an annual Manufacturing Business Conditions Survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis say they expect mostly unchanged or improved conditions in 2020. “It’s good news for Minnesota that the majority of manufacturers in our state expect stable or improved business conditions in 2020,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our state economy, accounting for 14% of Minnesota’s GDP and 40% of all Minnesota jobs, either directly or indirectly.” Read full article.

Minnesota Pork Board Names 2020 Industry Award Winners

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

The Minnesota Pork Board recognized individuals and families who have made significant contributions through pork promotion, consumer and producer education, youth mentoring and service to the pork industry at its annual Awards Reception on January 27 in Minneapolis, according to a board release. Read full article.

Applications now open for Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN) in Greater Minnesota

Monday, February 03, 2020

Entrepreneurs in rural Minnesota are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a new program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). CEDA is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative community development practices and business growth in small towns. Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will 1) provide free, individualized coaching to a cohort of rural entrepreneurs, and 2) develop a series of workshops aimed to educate, connect, and support businesses in greater Minnesota. Read full article.

New Beta.MN leader seeks a bigger tent for Minnesota startups

Saturday, February 01, 2020

"I always keep coming back to startups and entrepreneurs," Casey Shultz says. Casey Shultz has had what she calls “an eclectic career.” Her first job was in wealth management. Then she got in on the ground floor at CouchSurfing International, the precursor to Airbnb. She started her own portable photo-booth business and sold it to move to California’s Silicon Valley. She took a job at Citrix and then was the only woman at Serverless Inc., where she managed business operations. “I always keep coming back to startups and entrepreneurs,” she said. Last month, Shultz was named executive director of Beta.MN, ...

TCB Q&A: Steve Grove, Minnesota's Economic Development Czar

Saturday, February 01, 2020

The former Google exec explores the challenging realities of growing the state's startup and innovation economy. Steve Grove had been with Google for more than a decade but wanted to get out of Silicon Valley. The Northfield native and his family moved back to Minnesota in 2018. “I was always in the business development and strategy side,” Grove says. “Google didn’t have an office here. I had a global team that I led when I was at Google, so working remotely from here was doable. I worked from a co-working space.” Read full article.

DEED Funding Supports Minnetronix Medical Expansion in St. Paul

Thursday, January 30, 2020

$1 million in grant and loan funding for project expected to create 75 jobs St. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is announcing $1 million in grant and loan funding to assist Minnetronix Medical, a St. Paul-based medical technology company, in expanding its headquarters. Minnetronix Medical is planning its fourth expansion since moving to St. Paul’s Energy Park Drive in 2000. The 2020 project will increase the company’s footprint from 120,000 square feet to 140,000 square feet, with a plan to grow to 170,000 square feet by 2023. The expansion will accommodate the company’s expected addition of 7...

US economy grew modestly last quarter against a hazy outlook

Thursday, January 30, 2020

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy expanded at a moderate 2.1% annual rate in the final three months of 2019, capping a year when a weak global landscape and a sharp pullback in business investment resulting from President Donald Trump's trade fights combined to slow growth. The fourth-quarter rise in the gross domestic product — the economy’s total output of goods and services — matched the third-quarter gain, the government said. For all of last year, economic growth — 2.3% — was the weakest since Trump's election in 2016. Read full article.

The Economic Development Administration’s Five Investment Priorities

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Knowing your revitalization partner’s priorities adds clarity and saves time. When they are a funder with a competitive grant process, there’s all the more reason to know their priorities. For local communities interested in knowing where the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is at with their current investment priorities, this month’s speech at the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors delivered by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Alvord pointed the way. Read full article.

Trade deal called a big win for US farmers

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

LUMBERTON — Robeson County’s economic development point man believes the county will benefit from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement that President Donald Trump signed into law. “I really do. Over time this will be beneficial,” said Channing Jones, Economic Development executive director. The deal is advantageous for United States companies when dealing with Mexico and Canada, he said. It is a good deal for Robeson County’s farmers. Read full article.

U.S. to remain net energy exporter through 2050

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The United States is expected to continue to be a net exporter of energy through 2050 as energy consumption grows at a slower rate than energy production, according to new projections from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA released its Annual Energy Outlook 2020, showing its baseline, or reference case, projections. “We see renewables as the fastest-growing source of electricity generation through 2050 as cost declines make them economically competitive beyond the expiration of existing federal and state policy supports,” said EIA Administrator Linda Capuano. “With continued technologically enabled growth in domestic oil and natural gas production, we se...

Gov. Walz and DEED Commissioner Grove highlight benefits of broadband access for one Greater Minnesota Community

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

DEED’s Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant will improve access for area businesses and residents St. Paul – Governor Tim Walz and Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove visited Melrose on Monday, January 27 to find out how a $393,890 Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant will help local businesses and residents by providing reliable, high-speed internet. “Broadband internet access is critical to building thriving communities,” said Governor Walz. “No one knows this better than leaders of local businesses Farm Systems and Warrior Boats, Inc. who met with us during our visit. With this broadband grant, these companies will be able to expan...

Minnesota Farm Bureau receives national honor

Sunday, January 26, 2020

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) was one of six states receiving the New Horizon Award during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st annual convention in Austin, Texas. The award recognizes the most innovative new programs. MFBF was recognized for its work on the opioid epidemic, as well as the promotion of the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union Farm Town Strong effort (farmtownstrong.org). Read full article.

Walz announces $23 million in rural broadband grants

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

ST PAUL -- Thousands of Minnesotans previously left in the dark will now be plugged into the internet thanks to $23 million in grants from the state. Gov. Tim Walz announced that nearly 11,000 homes, businesses and institutions in 30 communities across Minnesota will receive state and local funds to build broadband infrastructure, thanks to the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. Read full article.

Minnesota awards $5.3 million to nine cities for projects

Friday, January 17, 2020

St. PAUL, Minn. – More than $5 million has been awarded to nine communities by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The $5.34 million in grants to nine cities across Minnesota will help clean up 11 contaminated sites approved for redevelopment. Read full article.

IU, U.S. Economic Development Administration launch USA Opportunity Zones website

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Indiana University and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration have launched a new online mapping tool that will help business people find Opportunity Zones that aim to steer private investment toward economically distressed areas. The Opportunity Zone initiative passed in 2017 grants capital gains tax cuts and deferrals to investors in designated Opportunity Zones, which locally include portions of Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Valparaiso, Michigan City and LaPorte. Read full article.

Infrastructure grants awarded to three Minnesota communities

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Almost $2 million has been awarded in grant money to improve infrastructure in multiple Minnesota communities. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded $1,900,218 million in grants for projects in three Greater Minnesota cities. Read full article.

Red Wing Port Authority and the Small Business Development Center Bring Free Business Workshops to Small Business Owners

Sunday, December 29, 2019

The Red Wing Port Authority and the Small Business Development Center of Minnesota joined forces to put together five free workshops for anyone interested in starting a business. The idea for the endeavor began when Shari Chorney, Port Authority Manager, heard from many clients that the area needed more educational resources for basic business 101. Local Business Owners and the Small Business Development Center Partner with Red Wing Port Authority to Lead Discussions Chorney has been working with the Red Wing Port Authority for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in Business Management and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from St...

6 Minnesota Social Impact Startups You Need to Know

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Minnesota’s profile as an innovator in social entrepreneurship is on the rise, and others are taking notice. Halcyon, a Washington, D.C.-based incubator, ranked the Twin Cities as No. 4 on its list of top ecosystems for impact entrepreneurs. Boston came in at No. 1 with San Francisco and Seattle placing in second and third respectively. Minneapolis and St. Paul moved up eight spots from the previous year’s Halcyon report. The Cities received high marks for quality of life (second overall) and human capital (fourth overall). Read full article.

In Minnesota, A Marriage Between Business Giants And Growing Startups

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

How this Midwest state has developed a unique business ecosystem where enterprises and small businesses work together. Home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, it’s no surprise Minnesota has been referred to as a “headquarters economy.” Target is headquartered here, and so are General Mills and Best Buy. The state’s headquarters economy is diverse, with enterprise companies representing a cross-section of industries, including healthcare, retail, agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, medical devices, food production, bioscience, energy, and more. Read full article.

From blankets to phone cases, this Minnesota designer creates 'Ojibwe contemporary art for all'

Sunday, December 08, 2019

There’s often a strawberry in the striking floral designs that Sarah Agaton Howes creates. For the Anishinaabe entrepreneur, teacher and community organizer, the little red berry is a signature of sorts, a symbol of how she tries to live her life. “It’s cute, but it has a story, you know?” said Howes, a member of the Fond du Lac Nation. “The strawberry was always this common thread throughout my work, because the word in Ojibwe for strawberry is ode’imin — ‘ode’ is your heart, and ‘min’ is a berry. We have all these stories about leading your heart way, living your heart way.” Read ful...

BRICKS AND CLICKS KEY TO SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

Saturday, December 07, 2019

Small Business Saturday brings to mind the notion of bricks vs. clicks. Yes, online shopping can pose a challenge to bricks and mortar stores. But University of Minnesota professor says successful retailers incorporate both bricks and clicks. Read full article.

SBA Minnesota’s First Female Director Nancy Libersky is Retiring

Friday, December 06, 2019

On Dec. 20, Libersky will wrap up a decade of service as the director of the Minnesota District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Minnesota District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that director Nancy Libersky is retiring after nearly a decade on the job and 30 years total with the SBA. “It just feels like a good time,” says Libersky, 66. “I have given my best as a civil servant, and I have really loved being able to help small businesses reach their pinnacle… and also to really help with the economy so much.” Libersky’s tenure as distric...

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $101,740 in economic impact grants

Thursday, December 05, 2019

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved seven grants totaling $101,740 to support organizations, units of government and public institutions in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Economic Impact Grant Program seeks to support current or future business growth, access or expansion of resources to underrepresented populations, and/or grow the community’s ability to embrace and develop a grow-your-own community culture. Read full article.

Low unemployment is good news, but tricky for some small businesses

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) — With the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Minnesota at 3.2% job seekers can get their pick of the opportunities out there. However, that also means a challenging time especially for small business employers to find the best or sometimes any employees. Read full article.

Dan's News & Views Blog: March/April 2019

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

The Anderson Center Photo Credit: Wendy Amundson The Anderson Center’s historic water tower is known as a prominent landmark in Red Wing. Built in 1915, the tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recently, the Anderson Center secured a $107,500 grant from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Program to repair and prevent future damage to the tower’s balcony. Work on the balcony is expected to begin late spring and be completed by the end of 2019. A portion of the project cost is covered by a three-year grant from the Red Wing Area Fund. Named one of the to...

Dan's News & Views: May/June 2019

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

National Preservation Month May is National Preservation Month, making it the perfect time to honor and explore historic places. To help celebrate, the Red Wing Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) annually presents its Awards of Merit to individuals, institutions, and businesses who have been involved in exceptional local historic preservation projects. This year, the HPC presented the Award of Merit to the City of Red Wing and the Sheldon Theater for the recently completed interior and exterior renovation of the T.B Sheldon Memorial Auditorium. The project, which spanned approximately seven years, addressed needed exterior maintenance and restoration, and interior refreshing and modernization which wer...

Dan's News & Views Blog

Monday, June 10, 2019

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