Category Archives: Economic Development

National Trust Community Survey

Help the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) gain a comprehensive understanding of community needs across the United States and better shape their future investment strategies.

The annual Main Street Community Survey is an opportunity for NTCIC better to make informed investment decisions that align with their preservation-based community development mission. The data collected through this survey will be used to help advise their geographic and programmatic focus for future tax credit investments.

This survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete and will be open through April 30, 2023.

As a thank you for your participation, you will be entered to win a $100 gift card.

Riverfront Enhancement Grant Application Open

Riverfront properties within Northfield can apply for a Riverfront Enhancement Grant from the Economic Development Authority between April 1 and May 15, 2023.

The Riverfront Enhancement Grant Program aims to strengthen, revitalize, and sustain the riverfront corridor by encouraging and assisting property owners to make improvements to buildings within the district. The program aims to stimulate private investment and increase property values. With this program, the Economic Development Authority will match private investment one-to-one up to $10,000.

The program district comprises the entire length of the Cannon River within the Northfield city limits. The program is open to all buildings and properties directly abutting the Cannon River or public property along the Riverfront. Building owners and commercial tenants with owner’s approval can apply for a grant.

Riverfront Enhancement Grants can pay for a variety of exterior building façade improvements as well as aesthetic improvements such as tuckpointing, painting, re-siding, landscaping, decorative lighting, outdoor gathering areas, and enhancing accessibility to the riverfront.

For more information or to fill out an application, visit the city’s website.

Las empresas y los propietarios pueden solicitarlo a través de la página web municipal

Las propiedades situadas frente al río en Northfield pueden solicitar una subvención de mejora del frente del río a la Autoridad de Desarrollo Económico entre el 1 de abril y el 15 de mayo de 2023.

El Programa de Subvenciones para la Mejora del Frente Fluvial tiene como objetivo reforzar, revitalizar y mantener el corredor fluvial animando y ayudando a los propietarios a realizar mejoras en los edificios del distrito. El programa pretende estimular la inversión privada y aumentar el valor de las propiedades. Con este programa, la Autoridad de Desarrollo Económico igualará la inversión privada uno a uno hasta $10,000.

El distrito del programa comprende toda la longitud del río Cannon dentro de los límites de la ciudad de Northfield. El programa está abierto a todos los edificios y propiedades que linden directamente con el río Cannon o con propiedades públicas a lo largo del paseo fluvial. Los propietarios de edificios e inquilinos comerciales con la aprobación del propietario pueden solicitar una subvención.

Las subvenciones para la mejora de la fachada fluvial pueden sufragar diversas mejoras de la fachada exterior de los edificios, así como mejoras estéticas tales como rejuntado, pintura, revestimiento, jardinería, iluminación decorativa, zonas de reunión al aire libre y mejora de la accesibilidad a la fachada fluvial.

Para más información o para rellenar una solicitud, viste el sitio web de la ciudad

Second Round of SMIF Main Street Grants Open

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) was awarded a Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant of $2.34 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development to serve commercial corridors in their service region, with at least $1 million being allocated to Northfield. Eligible applicants can apply for grant funding from SMIF. First round grants were awarded earlier this year and the second round of applications is now open.

In Northfield, eligible properties are within the C-1 (Downtown) and H-O (Historic) Zoning Districts. Eligible projects are for capital improvements of real property.

Projects will be evaluated based on:

  • Project is by or for underserved populations or communities.
  • Project has a positive projected economic impact through job creation, job retention, and projected tax base increase
  • Project feasibility and readiness
  • Project has other positive impacts to the community such as accessibility upgrades, providing access to culturally appropriate spaces, local suppliers, etc.
  • Project resolves a health or safety risk
  • Project meets the objectives of a strategic plan adopted by a public body

The second round of grant applications are due May 1, 2023. Learn more about the grant online at: https://www.northfieldmn.gov/1562/Main-Street-Grant. 

Backing Small Business Grant Opportunity

Eligible Northfield businesses are invited to apply for the Backing Small Businesses grant program presented by American Express, in partnership with Main Street America. Applications are being accepted from March 20 through Friday, April 7. To support economically vulnerable small business owners in growing their businesses and fostering a thriving small business community, grants of $5,000 will be awarded to 350 business owners in the U.S. and territories.

Twenty-five of the 350 grantees will also be awarded $25,000 Enhancement Grants, allowing business owners the opportunity to further enhance their businesses. These winners will be announced in October 2023.

To learn more about eligible projects and businesses and apply, click here: https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/backingsmallbusinesses

SMIF Entrepreneurship Opportunity

The Prosperity Initiative promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and business growth for entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and underserved individuals. The program offers multiple entry points for entrepreneurs depending on the stage of their business development. The Prosperity Initiative provides regular education, coaching and business resources to minority business owners in SMIF’s region for up to one year.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until March 20, 2023.

Learn more on the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation website.