- Business development services including technical assistance, loan consultation, and entrepreneurial training - Commercial-industrial real estate development - Community-based development planning - Housing development and asset management

Offers direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. Public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized American Indian Tribes can use the funds to construct, expand, or improve facilities that provide health care, education, public safety, and public services. Projects include: - Adult and childcare centers - Assisted living facilities - Fire and rescue stations - Health care clinics and hospitals - Public buildings and other community-based initiatives - Rehabilitation centers - Schools and libraries - Village and town halls

Provides information and resources to individuals who are interested in starting a business. Services include: - Consultations with the Small Business Assistance Office to help individuals understand or have questions about starting a business. Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month for small business owners. - Information about considerations when starting a business, organizing the business, structure, forming partnerships, differences of business entities, business licenses, permits, business tax liabilities, and filing documents with the Secretary of State - MN Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program: Provides business loans to companies that are affected when certain employees are called to active duty and individual veterans who have returned from active duty and want to start their own business. Types of loans include business loans and startup business loans. Terms include one-time, interest-free loans of $ 5,000 to $20,000, with 54 months of no repayment for the first 18 months and equal monthly payments over the remaining 36 months. More information can be found online at https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/reservists/. - Small Business Development Center offices are located throughout the state to provide professional expertise and guidance to help clients manage their businesses - Tips on a business plan overview, basic accounting principles, business finance basics, types of business insurance, hiring employees, protecting intellectual property, and business management basics

Works to support business in Granite Falls. Manages the city's Revolving Loan Fund and other financial incentives. Helps businesses write plans and connects them with other organizations that can help. Develops strategies to improve the business climate EDA board.

- 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

Provides "gap" financial assistance to startup businesses and businesses wishing to expand and serves as a resource referral center to help businesses identify other financing options and applicable state programs and resources including: - Business start-up and expansion assistance - Business planning assistance - Financing assistance through local, regional, state, and federal programs Offers financial assistance to owners/developers/contractors to demolish substandard, irreparable housing structures and/or substandard, irreparable structures in the commercial district. Preservation and revitalization structured funding and free technical assistance is available to owners of historic properties in the city to restore buildings to their historic appearance. Services are provided through the following programs: - Commercial Demolition Program - Historic Property Improvement Program - Residential Demolition Program

- Business classes and workshops to guide new entrepreneurs and current business owners on issues important to consider when starting or growing a business. - Business consulting and assessment of business ideas, plan, and potential by qualified business experts. - Financial consulting and small business loans packaging for business owners. - Micro-loan funds available for qualified businesses. Start-up and expansion loans range in size from $500 to $50,000. - SBA Women's Business Center, part of a national network of centers designed to assist women start their own business. - Small business development classes offering a five-course designed to support entrepreneur through the start-up phase of their business. Visit website for courses offered. - Technical assistance to grow and enhance a business, review a plan, advise on marketing, pricing, record keeping, operations, and technology.

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.

Commercial Facade Program: Assistance will be provided to eligible applicants for the rehab/improvement of commercial facades. Grant 50% match - maximum $5,000.00 Exterior Business Paint Program: Maximum grant is $100.00. Must purchase paint in Fairfax Commercial Rehab Program: Maximum $20,000.00 with flexible terms

The program supports early childhood educators, including family child care providers, child care centers, and preschools, to improve the quality of care they provide. Programs include: - Child Care Wayfinder, a one-stop navigation network for starting and growing child care programs. Navigators offer personalized support and resources. - Parent Aware recruitment to enroll childhood educators. Once enrolled, childhood educators are provided with parent-aware coaching, quality rating, and support. - Professional development and workforce advising for individuals interested in early childhood knowledge and/or attaining a college degree in the field - Professional training for childhood educators to meet licensing requirements - Regional grants are available to licensed child care programs each year, starting September 1 through the 25th - Start-up grants on an ongoing basis, depending on funding

- Business recruitment - Downtown development - Financial Assistance: Operates two grant programs and two revolving loan funds having more than 1.3 million in assets to provide "gap" financing for qualified business projects. Other financial resources are also available. - Technical assistance

Mayor and City Council Members Member Contact Information ?Administration: - Deputy City Clerk - Building Official - Office Specialist Airport: - Address: 7575 U.S. Highway 169 - Phone: (507)526-7264 - Airport Managers Blue Earth Light and Water: - Operations Manager - Office Manager - Line Superintendent - Water Superintendent - Customer Service - Rebates - Provides electricity and water services and rebate/conservation program Brush Site: - Located in the southwest corner of 21st and Ramsey Streets (one block south of the four-way stop on Ramsey Street/385th Avenue) - Hours of Operation: 10 am - 1 pm Tuesday; 4 pm - 7 pm Thursday; 10 am - 4 pm Saturday - Brush and leaf collection site City Attorney: - Address: 117 West 5th Street - Phone: (507)526-2177 - Toll Free: (800)426-6967 - Fax: (507)526-4477 - City Attorney - Assistant City Attorney City Engineer: - Professional Engineer - Address: 219 North Main Street Fairmont, MN 56031 - Phone: (507)238-4738 - Fax: (507)238-7432 Economic Development Authority: - City Administrator - Community Development Office Specialist - Business Assistance: Administers five programs to assist new and expanding businesses. - The Revolving Loan Fund is a source of gap financing for working capital, equipment, inventory and building construction, and renovation. - The Utility Revolving Loan Fund is a source of financing for new construction or improvement of electric, water, or sanitary sewer lines. - The purpose of the Forgivable Loan/Grant Program is to provide for the promotion and continuation of existing lifestyle businesses within the City of Blue Earth. - The Building Façade Improvement Grant is a program that assists businesses in making improvements that improve the appearance of the exterior of their building. - Job Opportunity Building Zones (JOBZ) is a state - designed and locally - administered program. Fitness Center: - Address: 320 Oak Road, Faribault County Fairgrounds - Intake Phone: (507)526-3376 - Director - Activities, Classes and Programs: Tennis lessons, racquetball, walleyball, ralleyball (elementary tennis), basketball, weight room (with cardio equipment, free weights and TV), personal training, indoor walking, no impact aerobic classes (pilates and exercise ball), body bar classes, kickboxing classes, step aerobics, senior weight room classes, SilverSneakers Fitness Program, and sand volleyball Parks: - Faribault County Fairgrounds are located on North Main Street and have a playground, ball fields, walking/biking trail, I-90 Kartin Speedway, and stables - Leland Park and Beyer Field border each other on County Road 16 (Leland Parkway) has a municipal ice rink, sledding hill, and picnic shelter - Putnam Park located at the south end of Main Street has a municipal pool, trail, tennis courts, playground, and disc golf course - Steinberg Nature Park located 1/4 mile east of Blue Earth on County Road 16 has a trail - Third Ward Park located on the east side of Blue Earth has a playground Public Works: - Public Works Director - Oversees construction and reconstruction of streets, patching, seal-coating, sweeping, and snowplowing Swimming Pool: - Address: 111 West 14th Street - Office Phone: (507)526-3376 - Pool Phone: (507)526-2715 - Pool Manager - Leisure pool featuring a zero depth area with play features, plunge pool with a 50 foot slide, four lane lap pool with a recreational diving board, and lifeguards on staff. - Activities, Programs, and Lessons: Deck aerobics and toning, pilates, water aerobics, lifeguard training, family swim, and open swim - Wastewater Management: Operates and activated sludge wastewater treatment facility - Provides building permits, charitable gambling permits, liquor licenses, open burning permits, pet licenses, and sign permits

Mayor and City Council Members: Member Contact Information Departments: Administration: - City Clerk/Administrator - Election information - Utility billing - EDA; area economic development groups - Local government information including mayor and city council members Public Works Division: - Maintenance Superintendent - Water and sewer - Maintenance of parks and cemeteries - Snow plowing - City street and repairs

Offers low-income individuals who are interested in opening a small business start-up or need an expansion loan. The program includes: - Child care provider business start-up or expansion loans up to $3000 - Focus on women and minority-owned businesses is encouraged to apply - Small business start-up or expansion loan of $25,000 - Repayment terms are reasonable and flexible

Mayor and City Council Member Contact Information Community Development - Responsible for planning and managing physical growth and expansion. Includes housing, inspections, planning and zoning, economic development and mass transit. Finance - Administers financial accounting and reporting, including fiscal budget, financial statements, internal audits, budget control, and purchasing. Human Resources - Responsible for benefits administration, compensation administration, employee and labor relations, wellness, training and development, payroll, job descriptions, job opportunities, and recruitment and selection. Information Technology - Manages technology equipment, wireless devices, network security, network connectivity, cellular and desktop telephone communications, software application development and support, information management, and training. Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center - Center for meetings and entertainment in the City Center. Includes a 6,500 seat arena, large exhibit/banquet hall, conference center, and reception and banquet halls. Public Information and Engagement - Works to increase awareness through the website, newsletters, news releases, special events, utility bill inserts, focus groups, public engagement, and videos. Public Utilities - Utility services include water, water reclamation, and curbside pick-up of recycling and refuse. Public Works - Oversees planning and designing of sanitary sewers, water mains, streets and sidewalks, parks, public landscaping; inspects construction; reviews new site plans, developments, and private improvement projects; and monitors, analyzes and modifies traffic patterns.

Helps families find child care, supports the professional growth of childcare providers, and informs local communities on the importance of quality early education for every child. Business and Community Services: - Caregiver support services - Identification of community needs - Information and workshops on childcare issues Services to Child Care Providers: - Grants - Provide training - Resource materials - Technical assistance in becoming a licensed caregiver Services to Parents: - Helps families find childcare - Information about licensing regulations - Information about special child care including sick child care, crisis nurseries, and social service agencies

Provides aspiring small business owners with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to succeed. Services include: - Business Technical Assistance: Comprehensive support in business planning, operations, and scaling - Culturally Relevant Entrepreneurship Training: Tailored programs that address unique challenges and opportunities for diverse communities - Micro Lending: Provides access to small loans designed to kickstart and grow businesses - Workshops and Resources: Interactive sessions and materials to enhance business acumen and connect entrepreneurs to vital resources

Offers multiple grant and financial support options for child care providers in Minnesota, including: - Emergency Grants: For currently operating child care programs that have experienced an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, weather-related damage, pandemic-related cost increases, or other unforeseen circumstances) that affects their ability to provide care. - Parent Aware Grants: For programs participating in Minnesota's Parent Aware rating system. These help providers identify goals and purchases that support sustaining or improving their quality (for example, toward achieving a higher rating). - Regional Grants: For programs (licensed or legally license-exempt) offering early-learning services, intended to support, sustain, and increase the quality of child care programs. - Start-Up Grants: For programs that are soon-to-be licensed or have been licensed for less than six months. These grants may be used for items such as toys, required training, health & safety items, or improvements required by licensing or the Fire Marshal.

Mayor and City Council Members: - Member contact information City Departments: - Administration/Media Contact/City Clerk: Election and voting information including voter registration - Business Development and Finance: Offers a Revolving Fund Loan Program where business owners can apply for up to $75,000. Funds may be used for land, building, or renovation costs along with equipment and machinery purchases for qualified borrowers - Planning and Zoning Department: Oversees planning and development in the city and reviews applications and petitions to ensure compliance with zoning and land use regulations. Responsible for processing new construction and minor building permit applications and overseeing the licensing of rental dwellings. Building code questions should be directed to the building inspector (952)442-7520. - Public Services: Maintains and repairs city streets and alleys, storm sewers, public property, and city equipment, and coordinates the maintenance/replacement of street lights. Duties include street and alley repair, seal coating, street sweeping, snow and ice control, and traffic sign maintenance. Intake Phone: (952)442-2615; Address: 310 10th East Street; E-mail: [email protected]; Hours: 7 am - 3:30 pm Monday - Friday - Public Utilities Department: Consists of water and sanitary sewer utilities. Operates and maintains public water supply system including the water treatment facility, hydrants, city wells and water storage facilities, and installation and maintenance of water meters; and wastewater collection system including lift stations - Utility Billing: Water and sewer billing department. Intake Phone: (952)442-3107; E-mail: [email protected] - Receptacle for citizens to dispose of unwanted medications. Citizens should remove their name and personal information from the medication container, but leave the name of the medication on the container. Medications should be left in their original container.

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.

Provides gap financing programs to assist businesses and start-ups

Provides a variety of commercial lending and mortgage loan options Business/Commercial - Community builder loans - Market tax credit financing loans - Socially and economically disadvantaged business loans - Women in Business: provides information and resources Home Loans - First-time homebuyer loans - Home improvement loans - Home Ownership for Me (HOMe): down-payment loan program - Home refinancing loans - MMCDC and USDA loans with low down payment options

- Access to corporate and government contract opportunities - Access to financing and loan packaging - Business consulting services - Business plan review

Mayor and City Council Members: https://www.silverbay.com/?page_id=38 Departments: Administration and Finance: - Responsible for City Council support, finance, human resource activities, labor relations, elections, data practices (records) requests, and general government administration. Economic Development: - Provides business loan programs and land purchase application Fire Department: - Cover 750 square miles including Silver Bay, City of Beaver Bay, Beaver Bay Township, Silver Creek Township and UT1 Township. Contracts with the Finland Fire Department and the Two Harbors Fire Department - Provides fire and burning permits Parks and Recreation: - Maintains city parks and facilities - Rukavina arena - Phone: (218)226-4214; address, 129 Outer Drive Street Department: - Responsible for the city storm sewer system, streets, cemetery, and airport. This includes snow plowing, sanding, pothole patching, sidewalk replacement, and storm sewers, city right of way maintenance, and tree care. - Reider Memorial Cemetery Utilities Department: - Responsible for both the water and wastewater within the city

Flexible, non-traditional business lending and technical support for new and existing businesses in the service area, including the Northland Foundation business loan program and Northland Small Business Development Center support