Or read the report below
2023 Annual Report
Apply for the Rural Capacity Program
Are you a small city with a population of 3,000 or fewer?
Are you dreaming of growth and development, and a brighter future?
The Rural Capacity Program is your opportunity to turn those dreams into reality!
Why should you apply? Because your city will receive support, resources, and expertise from CEDA to help you achieve your goals thanks to a special appropriation from the State of Minnesota. This includes:
- Up to 150 hours of Technical Assistance: Covered by a special appropriation from the State of Minnesota, along with up to $15,000 CASH in the form of a grant to your city to help implement your program.
- Expert Guidance: CEDA’s team of professionals will work hand-in-hand with your city to create a tailored plan that meets your unique needs.
- Proven Success: CEDA has a proven track record of helping small cities like yours thrive and prosper.
- Strong Community Partnerships: CEDA collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies to maximize the impact of our programs.
CEDA’s tailored programs are dedicated to addressing the specific challenges faced by small communities like yours. CEDA will work with your city to develop and implement a tailored program that specifically addresses your city’s needs and fits into one of the categories below:
Revolving Loan Funds: Jumpstart your local economy by offering low-interest, gap financing designed to support entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. Our expert team will guide you through the complex world of creditworthiness, finance and loan administration.
Commercial Exterior Improvement Grants/Loans: Enhance the beauty and vitality of your community by developing grants and loans. Whether it’s sprucing up a specific area or beautifying the entire community, we can help you develop a program unique to your city’s needs.
Business Incubation Programs: We know that nurturing new businesses is essential for growth. Our flexible incubation programs can help you offer rental subsidies, technical assistance, and educational support, making it easier for potential and new entrepreneurs to flourish.
Childcare Incentive Programs: Ensure a brighter future for your youngest residents by supporting existing or new childcare providers. The program we’ve developed assists with licensure fees and continuing education, promoting increased capacity and higher-quality care.
Business Retention and Expansion Program: Building a strong local economy starts with understanding your businesses. Our program facilitates meaningful conversations with local businesses, helping you identify challenges, prioritize solutions, and seize new opportunities for growth.
Rural cities with limited staff, budget, and economic development experience are encouraged to apply. The purpose of this special appropriation from the State of Minnesota is to help the smallest and most rural cities in Minnesota take advantage of economic development opportunities in their communities! You do not need to have an EDA to apply. CEDA will make every effort to equally distribute grant awards throughout Greater Minnesota.
Have questions? Join us for a webinar via Zoom on December 12, 2023. Register in advance for this webinar here.
Deadline for applications is January 12, 2024.
Contact CEDA with any questions. 507-867-3164 or email amy.schaefer@cedausa.com
Senator Smith visits Spring Grove to highlight rural economic development
Our very own CEDA Employee, Courtney Bergey-Swanson, has been spotted in this article and news clip on KTTC.
Original Article and video clip: https://www.kttc.com/2023/08/11/senator-smith-visits-spring-grove-highlight-rural-economic-development/
Senator Smith visits Spring Grove to highlight rural economic development
Thursday, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith toured several local businesses in Spring Grove.
Published: Aug. 10, 2023 at 7:40 PM CDT
“As I go back to the committee where I work, I’m going to be looking at what we can do to support that smaller loans for business that are just getting going,” Sen. Smith said.
It’s a challenge Rockfilter Distillery owner Christian Myrah knows all too well after he spent two years working on opening up his place.
“It’s the capital and getting started. Especially in this business, all our products are aged in barrels for a number of years before they’re ready for the marketplace,” he said.
Myrah says one barrier for his business that could be worked out on a federal level is passing the USPS Equity Reform Act that would allow his business to ship directly to consumers.
“That would really be a boost to small craft distilleries across this country, especially in rural areas,” Myrah said.
Another problem area community members touched on is housing. A 2020 study revealed Spring Grove is in need of all types of housing.
“We’re trying to get creative on how we can help both the city with infrastructure development as well as private developers to try to build homes that are affordable for first time homeowners all the way through elderly folks who are looking to downsize,” Spring Grove economic development director Courtney Bergey-Swanson said.
It’s another issue Senator Smith is working to solve.
“We need more capitol to go into housing development and we need to help communities like Spring Grove be able to pay for the upfront infrastructure,” Sen. Smith said.
But despite the challenges, city leaders say Spring Grove has several thriving businesses and even more community members there to support them.
“It’s not something where we’re trying to save our town. It’s not something where we’re trying to revitalize a ghost town. We have a great community, and we’re just trying to figure out how to make it better,” Bergey-Swanson said.
Also on Thursday, Senator Smith toured MiEnergy Cooperative in Rushford and attended a roundtable discussion in Rochester to talk about federal investments in Rochester Public Transportation.
Copyright 2023 KTTC. All rights reserved.
Vendors Wanted: ZIBA/Meet Me in Zumbrota 3rd Annual Block Party
Thursday June 1st 2023, 2:00 pm – 8:00pm
ZIBA/Meet Me in Zumbrota 3rd Annual Block Party will offer One-Of-A-Kind,
Vintage, Handcrafted, Demonstrations, Children’s Activities & Food & Beverage
Vendors.
Interested in being a vendor? Please complete the ZIBA Block Party Application/Contract 2023 (1) and return a copy of the contract and payment to:
ZIBA
c/o Dwell local
290 South Main St
Contact info: Paul Bennett/ Connie Hawley
Phone: 507-202-3815
Email: dwell.local@gmail.com
Funding Opportunities for Child Care Providers in Nobels County!
There are two great funding opportunities:
Up to $4,000 available per applicant for licensed family child care providers. Up to $6,000 available per applicant for child care centers. Open from April 12th, 2023 until all funds are disbursed.—Grant funds may be used for: and more! Questions? Contact Joshua Schuetz at joshua.schuetz@cedausa.com or call 507-295-5285
The Child Care Expansion and Capacity Grant can help fund projects that add child care slots to your business, including, but not limited to:
New construction.
Facility renovation.
Sprinkler systems.
For more information or questions on either of these opportunities please contact Joshua Schuetz at joshua.schuetz@cedausa.com.
