- Job resources at most branches including written material, in-person assistance, and free classes on job search strategies, resume writing, networking and interviewing. Visit website for schedule or call individual branch. See branches for contact information. - Mobile workPLACE: Computer access, skill training, and job search and skill assistance outside of library locations. Classes always provided in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish. At certain times, classes also available in Karen, Amharic and Tigrinya. See website for schedule. - Small Business Resource Center at Rondo Community Outreach Library including print, online, class and in-person assistance on starting, marketing, financing and adapting a small business. - Visit website for branch locations and hours

Mayor and City Council Members: Member contact information City Administration: (507)934-0663 - City codes, city attorney, city council, city general information, elections, and public records Building: (507)934-0662 - Issues permits and conducts inspections to enforce state building code and city ordinance - Provides rental licenses and rental inspections - Regulates building, mechanical, plumbing, demolition of structures, and manufactured housing Community Development: (507)934-0661 - Directs the economic development and planning and zoning efforts for the city - Provides revolving loan accounts and supports industrial, commercial, and residential development. Finance and Utility: (507)934-0664 - Includes accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, financial reporting, insurance, investments, and more. - Provides weekly trash collection and biweekly recycling service Public Works: (507)934-0670 - Includes electric, environmental services, parks, streets, stormwater, water

- Emergency services available in the form of goods, clothing, food, shelter, etc. in the cases of natural disaster, fire, flooding, etc - The purpose of Salvation Army is to provide moral and spiritual support, material goods, food, shelter and transportation for those unable to provide for themselves - Every situation is reviewed individually Conditions of Service: - Will maintain anonymity and confidentiality - Will require name, address and Social Security numbers in order to provide any services - If a person doesn't have a Social Security card, a driver's license may be acceptable

- Elected Officials: Mayor and city council - City staff and administrator: Clerk/treasurer/administrator - handles the daily business operations of the city including administration, finance-accounting and public utilities - Assessor (800)450-9777 ext. 7147 - Saint Louis County provides appraisal services for all properties in the city along with processing homestead credits - Building and zoning (218)254-7806 - provides services related to building inspections in accordance with the State Building Code and permits for various city zoning items such as rezoning, variances, conditional uses and regular zoning permits - Economic development authority (218)254-7960 - responsible for assisting new and existing businesses looking to expand in the city - Elections - absentee voting, ballot and polling place information, candidate information, election results, information on how to become an Election Judge, and voter registration - Parks and recreation (218)254-7909 - responsible for providing recreational programs for the City of Chisholm and Balkan Township. Amenities, programs and operations are year-round with activities and sports for all age groups - Public Safety (Police/Fire/Ambulance): Ambulance Director (218)254-7902, Fire Chief (218)254-7921, police department (218)254-7915 - has a fully staffed police department, a volunteer fire department, and a paid-on-call ambulance service (contracted) - Public works (218)254-7920 - responsible for the streets, water, sewer and garbage utilities along with infrastructure of the city

Mayor and City Council Member Contact Information - Provides water, sewer, and garbage services as well as city code, council minutes and agendas, dog licenses, economic development opportunities, and zoning permits - For other city services/personnel, call city hall

Mayor Member contact information ?City Departments: - Administration: Coordinates election process including absentee voting, administers gambling permits, dog licenses, and liquor and beer licenses - Community Development and Planning: Responsible for planning and zoning, economic development, housing, maps, sign permits, and redevelopment - Finance: Manages the water and sewer service billing services - Public Works: Responsible for building permits, building inspections, sewage treatment systems, Lebanon Cemetery, maintenance of streets including boulevard trees, sidewalks, roadway maintenance, snow plowing removal, street signs, and street sweeping. Intake phone number (952)953-2400. Hours are open 8 am - 4 pm Monday - Friday. Dakota Communications Center (952)953-2323 after hours for sewer and water emergencies.

- Materials: AV sets, books, business directories, compact discs, large print books, magazines, newspapers, eBooks, downloadable audio books, videos, books on CD and audio, and DVDs - Services: Online catalog, reference assistance, Internet access, electronic magazine access, inter-library loan services, preschool story times, summer reading program, homebound services, meeting rooms for public use (at some branches), and copy machines

- Job resources at most branches including written material, in-person assistance, and free classes on job search strategies, resume writing, networking and interviewing. Visit website for schedule or call individual branch. See branches for contact information. - Mobile workPLACE: Computer access, skill training, and job search and skill assistance outside of library locations. Classes always provided in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish. At certain times, classes also available in Karen, Amharic and Tigrinya. See website for schedule. - Small Business Resource Center at Rondo Community Outreach Library including print, online, class and in-person assistance on starting, marketing, financing and adapting a small business. - Visit website for branch locations and hours

- Advances economic growth by providing gap financing and business for new, existing, or transitioning businesses, as well as technical assistance and training - Enhances economic and social growth of southwest Minnesota through giving and grant making - Funds and giving tools to help donors meet their unique philanthropic goals - Invests in projects and programs that will enrich the region with a focus on economic advancement, renewable energy, community leadership, and early childhood initiatives

Programs tailored to assist companies effectively entering and competing in the global marketplace, as well as to attract foreign direct investment. Services: - International business counseling - International library including book loan and online databases - Loan guarantees, Exim Bank Program, export assistance - Minnesota Export Finance Authority - Minnesota Office of Protocol and state's liaison to the local diplomatic community - Structured educational courses - Trade show organization and participation

The purpose of the Advisory Committee on Aging is to represent the views of older adults, conduct public hearings, review and recommend local proposals for funding under the Older Americans Act, review and comment on policy, and advise and assist AAA staff in planning. ?Plans and develops with local partners a variety of home- and community-based services for older people so that older people can stay in their own homes and communities - Consults on a wide range of topics from demographic changes and needs of older people to programs and services for a variety of organizations, individuals, and businesses - Leverages resources and grant or contract funds to local providers - Provides demographic and service need analysis that informs policymakers, the public, and media

NOTE: Not accepting applications at this time. Check website for updated information. Provides loans, loan guarantees, and grants that enable rural property owners to develop and rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, individuals living with a disability, families, and domestic laborers. Works directly with farm labor housing loan properties to subsidize rents for low-income tenants who cannot afford to pay their full rent. Additional services include: - Subsidized loans for construction or rehabilitation of rental housing complexes in rural communities to serve very-low and low-income households - Directory of Rural Development-financed complexes with location and contact information for prospective residents - Rent subsidy vouchers to protect eligible tenants who may face hardship if they cannot find affordable housing (available at most complexes) - Uses a variety of tools to revitalize and preserve the physical and financial health of properties currently in the USDA's rural rental portfolio

Down Payment Assistance Program This is only for existing buildings, not for a person building a new home. It also does not apply to mobile homes. The home must be within the city limits of Gaylord. The economic authority accepts applications on a monthly basis and the board approves them once a month. Business Loans: Revolving loan fund information for homes and businesses. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) advises the city council regarding economic development, housing, and redevelopment matters, and exercises certain powers as authorized by the council.

Educational Program - Programs provided by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs to help with business skills, connections, and potential growth, including workshops and training. For current programs, click here Loans and Advising - Loans with no-cost advising. Loans offered: - City of Cook Economic Recovery Fund: Loan for local business in the city of Cook who are recovering from the summer 2024 flood - Gap Financing: Loan covers the "gap" between various sources of funding and the total cost of the project. Used for commercial real estate projects, such as mortgage or major renovation and has more flexibility than traditional lenders - Healthy Food Fund: Specialized loan for local food retailers and producers that helps with replacing dated equipment, investing in technology, expanding business, purchasing inventory, hiring staff, updating building, purchasing new or existing store, and more - SBA Microloan: Start up loan for working capital, inventory, or equipment purchase - Working Capital Loan: Loan provides access to cash for various projects and investments such as marketing campaigns, purchased inventory, upgrade equipment, or expand business operation.

- Attract people, tourists, permanent and seasonal residents and businesses to the area. - Raise the awareness of city, county, state and federal governments and legislative developments that affect the area. - Enhance public relations through marketing, programs, and events which encourage total community awareness of the area. - Advance business, professional, education, church and community health in the area. - Provide information and referral services to residents and visitors, such as: Housing, Schools, Churches, Businesses, Events, Lodging. - Promote the area by Coordinating and sponsoring events with other organizations and maintain good relationships with all other organizations and agencies.

- Business development including assistance with business plan writing and technical assistance - Business loans to eligible businesses - Business plan classes held three times a year

NOTE: Not accepting applications at this time. Check website for updated information. Provides loans, loan guarantees, and grants that enable rural property owners to develop and rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, individuals living with a disability, families, and domestic laborers. Works directly with farm labor housing loan properties to subsidize rents for low-income tenants who cannot afford to pay their full rent. Additional services include: - Subsidized loans for construction or rehabilitation of rental housing complexes in rural communities to serve very-low and low-income households - Directory of Rural Development-financed complexes with location and contact information for prospective residents - Rent subsidy vouchers to protect eligible tenants who may face hardship if they cannot find affordable housing (available at most complexes) - Uses a variety of tools to revitalize and preserve the physical and financial health of properties currently in the USDA's rural rental portfolio

Administers Federal Older Americans Act funding for community-based services such as: - Caregiver support - Chore services - Home-delivered meals - Information and assistance - Legal services - Respite programs - Senior dining - Transportation Awards matching grants to non-profit or public agencies for community services for older adults and caregivers; contact agency for annual cycles

- Computer Classes: Business Resources, Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Word 2010, Your Library Online, and more - Copier and scanner - Home library service - iLab with makerspace technologies - Interlibrary loans - Online research tools - Print and non-print materials including regular and large print books, books on CD, paperbacks, music CDs, video games, audio tapes, DVDs, described videos, newspapers, pamphlets, and magazines - Public meeting rooms - Reference and information services including Internet and web access - Sponsors and hosts book clubs - Streaming and downloadable media (audiobooks, eBooks, movies, music, and television programs) - Storytimes and summer reading program for youth

Assisting low-income working adults to save money for either post secondary education, home purchase, vehicle purchase, or starting/expanding a small business. - Participants place $84.00 per month into a FAIM savings account for two years - All money saved is matched at a 3:1 ratio - Participants save up to $2,000 over the two years and receive $8,000 - Participants learn to change spending and savings behavior, including consumer debt reduction - Participants are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of financial management classes and an additional 10 hours of asset-specific classes

The program provides financial backing for rural businesses. Provides loans with the following requirements: - Applications from lenders for businesses - For rural areas or in communities of under 50,000 population only - Funds can help finance businesses, expand business, repair, modernize, develop land, purchase equipment, machinery, supplies, inventory, refinance under certain conditions, or prevent businesses from closing - Lender furnishes funding

An association of businesses working to promote tourism in and around Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Provides fundraising campaigns with companies, governments, nonprofits, and other organizations which are allocated through community investment programs and internal initiatives. Funds that are raised help support partner programs serving residents of Otter Tail and Wadena counties.

Child Care Loan Program - Provide a forgivable loan of up to $2,000 per licensed childcare provider towards approved expenses related to the cost of opening a childcare business in Mower County Community Housing Improvement Program - CHIP - Home improvement loans with 2% interest rate not exceeding $10,000 for rehabilitating existing homes. Eligible projects include electrical/furnace service replacement, painting, roofing, siding, windows, etc. - Home remodeling loans with 2% interest rate up to $25,000. Eligible projects include additions, decks, new garages, etc. Curb Appeal Project - CAP (Hormel Foundation grant) - Provide a 20% portion of project costs (maximum reimbursement of $5,000) to homeowners to enhance curb appeal of residential properties Home Ownership Fund - Austin/Mower County Home Ownership Fund (A/MCF) - Provide loans with 2% interest rate up to $6,000 to use towards down payment and closing costs or rehabilitation necessary to purchase a home. Potential homebuyers must attend homebuyer training workshops. Tax Abatement program - Provide up to 5 years of tax abatement for Mower County portion of property taxes on qualifying housing units. Eligible units of housing include a single-family house or multi-family complexes. A house may be new construction, modular, or manufactured provided it is on a permanent foundation and is valued and assessed as real property for property tax purposes. Visit website for more information and application form.

- Materials: AV sets, books, business directories, compact discs, large print books, magazines, newspapers, eBooks, downloadable audio books, videos, books on CD and audio, and DVDs - Services: Online catalog, reference assistance, Internet access, electronic magazine access, inter-library loan services, preschool story times, summer reading program, homebound services, meeting rooms for public use (at some branches), and copy machines