Economic Development Program
Publications . Services . Housing . Links . Contact Us
The Economic Development Program is designed to assist in the creation of new jobs by providing general planning guidance, technical assistance for specific industrial projects and services to local units of government.
BACKGROUND
The counties of the region have been designated as an Economic Development Planning District of the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The Commission has also formed a cooperative agreement with the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development in relationship to providing services within the Region. These relationships have resulted in the Commission providing a point of contact where communities or individuals can obtain information on all types of assistance available for economic development and direct professional services.
FUNDING SOURCES
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and RDC Tax Levy.
TYPES OF SERVICES AVAILABLE
The Economic Development programs of the NWRDC are guided by the input and direction of the Economic Development Planning Committee. Each year the staff and Committee members update the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) for the Region and establish the service priorities for the upcoming year. The CEDS currently identifies the following types of services and priorities:
Services
- Regional Economic Analysis and Planning
- Local Planning
- Technical Assistance to Local Development Groups
- Grant Writing
- Business Financial Packaging Assistance
- Business Counseling and Referral
- Information on other Development Programs and Resources
- Data and Statistics
Development Priorities
- Housing Development
- Agricultural Value Added Processing
- Manufacturing Growth
- Tourism Coordination and Promotion
- Promote and Encourage Innovation
- Support Environmentally Sustainable Development
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE BY REQUEST
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS)
- pdf. version
A comprehensive analysis of the Region
outlining strategies for economic development.
Northwest
Minnesota Visitor and Recreation Guide
A comprehensive tourist information guide.
Resources for Economic Development
Directory of financial and technical assistance programs and providers for Community and Business
Development Projects.
 |
|
| Leon Heath, Executive Director lheath@nwrdc.org | |
 |
 |
| Cam Fanfulik, Loan Fund Manager cfanfulik@nwrdc.org | Jennifer Olson, Hazard Mitigation Planner jolson@nwrdc.org |
Department of Employment and Economic Development - provides funding and technical assistance to businesses and communities. programs include community improvement grants, business loans, international marketing and state promotion.
MNPRO - The Department of Trade and Economic Development provides the MNPRO site as an opportunity for communities to market to businesses looking to expand or start-up in new locations. The MNPRO System offers information on available properties and provides Community Profile Reports for the State of Minnesota.
NADO - National Association of Development Organizations provides training, information and representation for regional development organizations in small metropolitan and rural America. The association is an advocate for communities, economic and rural development and provides a network for its members to share ideas and innovations.
Tourism Center - program of the University of Minnesota Extension Service
- Explore and make smart choices about your education, career,
employment, and business needs.
Small Business Administration - provides technical support, loans and other types of assistance to business and industry.
US Department of Agriculture - USDA provides services, loans, and grants to assist businesses and communities with a variety of needs.
Rural Development - The section of the US Department of Agriculture which provides funding for infrastructure, housing, business expansions and other economic and community development activities. Local offices in Thief River Falls at 218-681-4815.
- About the NWRDC
- Area Agency on Aging
- Arts Council
- Economic Development
- Enterprise Fund
- Community Development
- Transportation
- JOBZ
- Hazard Mitigation
- Links
- Legislators
- New Items
- Meetings/Calendar