News

Small businesses are a focus in Washington County

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

The Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) understands that small, locally-owned businesses are the lifeblood of Washington County. The incredible range of employers, from manufacturing companies and healthcare providers to downtown cafes, local contractors and more, all play a significant role in contributing to the region’s outstanding quality of life. As the county’s economic development arm, the CDA Agency works year-round with site selectors, business owners, executives, investors and city leaders to help small businesses operate efficiently in Washington County. This spring is necessary to emphasize these entrepreneurs and business leaders with National Small Business Week. Small Business...

Small business focus essential in Washington County

Friday, April 14, 2023

The Washington County Community Development Agency is the ultimate resource for small business support in the east Minneapolis - Saint Paul metropolitan area. Its What’s Next CEO initiative is the go-to site for business owners and leaders seeking an outlet to learn and network with other figures in similar situations. The primary business advisor with What's Next CEO is Lee Hall, the CEO of NextStage, a Minnesota nonprofit business advising organization focused on small businesses and entrepreneurs. Hall recognizes Washington County as a unique community that fosters entrepreneurship and small businesses. Its proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area...

Candle Company Ignites a Spark for Sustainability

Saturday, April 01, 2023

Blooming Brightly offers sustainable and good-for-you candles. For Teresa Mulgrew and Veda Campbell, their mother-daughter bond has grown stronger with time and age. Finding themselves unable to spend as much quality time together as they desired, the Woodbury resident and Prescott, Wisconsin, resident set aside intentional time to find a common interest. Read the complete article from the Woodbury Magazine here.

Construction: an in-demand field in Minnesota

Monday, March 27, 2023

People with Construction trades skills – from carpentry to plumbing and more – are in demand in Minnesota. From January to February 2023 alone, Construction gained 2,200 jobs, that’s up 1.7%, according to the most recent employment numbers released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Read the complete article from Career Force here.

March is Construction Month and CareerForce is highlighting opportunities in the field

Monday, March 27, 2023

During the month of March, Ramsey County residents 18 and older have had the opportunity to explore trades careers, get free supplies and find out about immediate hiring for positions with the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades. More than 200 Ramsey County Residents turned out at events earlier in March to learn about hiring for trade show work setting up ahead of large scale events at local convention centers. There’s still one more opportunity this month for interested Ramsey County Residents to find out more and get hired. Read the complete article from Career Force here. ...

Minnesota Posts Another Month of Strong Job Growth; Private Sector Fully Recovers From Pandemic Job Loss

Friday, March 24, 2023

Minnesota has completely recovered the private sector jobs it lost during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota gained 10,100 jobs in the last month (seasonally adjusted basis), up 0.3%. The private sector gained 9,400 jobs, up 0.4%. In comparison, U.S. employment increased by 311,000 jobs, up 0.2%, with the private sector up 265,000 jobs, or 0.2%, from January to February. Read the complete article from Minnesota Employment and Economic Development here.

Norhart Apartments tackles affordable housing crisis one steel stud at a time

Thursday, March 23, 2023

When Norhart Apartments experienced the rising costs of lumber – and other supplies – in the early months of the pandemic, CEO Mike Kaeding knew it was time to flip a switch, one he’d been working toward since he took over the family business in 2014. Norhart Apartments bought a facility in Forest Lake off 11th Street in the summer of 2021 to create a “steel stud factory” to manufacture its own materials and pre-construct wall panels for the apartment buildings the company owns and manages. Read the complete article here.

DEED Awards $2.26 Million in Redevelopment Grants

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded $2.26 million in grants to five Minnesota cities in the February round of the Redevelopment Grant Program. This program helps communities with the costs of redeveloping blighted industrial, residential, or commercial sites and putting land back into productive use. The funding from this round will leverage $143,428,896 of private investment and is expected to create or retain 29 jobs and establish 453 housing units – 232 of which will be affordable. Read the complete article from Minnesota Employment and Economic Development here.

DEED Names Katie McClelland as New Governor’s Workforce Development Board Director

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Today the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced Katie McClelland as the Director of the Governor's Workforce Development Board. McClelland will work with the Governor's Workforce Development Board (GWDB) to analyze and recommend workforce development policies to the governor and legislature around talent development, resource alignment and system effectiveness to ensure a globally competitive workforce in Minnesota. She will also work with policy, business and workforce leaders across the state to meaningfully improve work opportunities, increase job quality and strengthen the skills of Minnesota workers. Read the complete article from Minnesota Employment and Economic Development here.

Stillwater realtor gets regional award

Monday, March 06, 2023

The St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR) announces that Karen Stang of Stillwater received their “Heroes” award for the fourth quarter of 2022. Karen Stang grew up the daughter of a real estate agent. Her father suggested she get her real estate license for educational purposes and once licensed, he put her to work. Similarly, her parents instilled in her the importance of giving back, which she has carried forward both personally and professionally. Read the complete article here.

Tesla, Dairy Queen coming to Lake Elmo

Friday, March 03, 2023

“Electric cars and Dilly Bars” made local news as Lake Elmo expects to see major growth this spring. Commercial development plans reportedly include a Tesla sales and service center and a Dairy Queen. Tesla is spreading in the Twin Cities. In addition to this new location on the northwest corner of Hudson Boulevard and Keats Avenue in Lake Elmo, there is also a new location on the books in Golden Valley, where a building is being demolished in preparation. Including these two new locations, there will be five Tesla centers in the Twin Cities, with existing locations in Eden...

Small business focus essential in Washington County

Thursday, March 02, 2023

Small businesses are essential to communities nationwide. While the economic environment encompassing Washington County, MN, communities support small businesses very well, the owners, leaders and entrepreneurs running these operations still need consistent assistance and advice to flourish. The Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) is the ultimate resource for small business support in the east Minneapolis - Saint Paul metropolitan area. Additionally, several national organizations and business experts focus on small business assistance. Washington County CDA The CDA is proud to kick off the What’s Next CEO campaign in 2023 to help local businesses accelerate their growth...

History comes to life: St. Paul’s History Theatre finds new artistic director

Monday, February 27, 2023

While we are still early into the new year, the Twin Cities theater scene is already experiencing comings and goings in 2023. Theatre Latté Da is losing its Founding Artistic Director Peter Rothstein to Florida’s Asolo Repertory Theatre in June, and Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced their President and CEO Mark Nerenhausen is stepping down in the fall. Click here to read the complete article.

State economists: Minnesota finances stable with record-breaking surplus intact

Monday, February 27, 2023

Minnesota’s budget office reported Monday that the state’s record-breaking surplus is slightly less record-breaking than it was in November — that the previous surplus of $17.6 billion is now only $17.5 billion. But that would not be an accurate picture of what the updated economic and revenue forecast will reveal when the entire report is released later Monday.' Click here to read the complete article.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: MINNESOTA CHAMBER MEMBER LEADERS FEATURED IN 200 BLACK LEADERS TO KNOW

Friday, February 24, 2023

February is Black History Month throughout the country, a time to celebrate the accomplishments, achievements and vast contributions of African Americans throughout the nation's history. To commemorate Black History Month, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal highlighted 200 Black leaders in the Twin Cities region. Many of the distinguished leaders are leaders in the business community and many are part of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce member organizations. Congratulations to these inspirational leaders for your contributions to the state and your businesses! Click here to read the complete article.

Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2023

Friday, February 24, 2023

From one of the oldest woolen mills in the country to one of the hottest snowmobile makers, manufacturing is vital to Minnesota’s economic well-being. In 2021, manufacturing accounted for $14.16 billion, or 14% of the state’s total GDP—one of the top three sectors of Minnesota’s economy. Only “FIRE” (finance, insurance, and real estate) and professional/business services sectors ranked higher. What’s remarkable, too, is that you can find manufacturers just about everywhere in the state. They come in all sizes, from companies with a handful of employees to those with head counts of hundreds and even thousands, and they make...

2022-2023 LEADERSHIP MINNESOTA PARTICIPANT PROFILES

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Minnesota’s economic engine is powered by more than 100,000 businesses, a diverse landscape interconnected in ways not understood by the casual observer. For a select group, Leadership Minnesota opens the window to a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our state’s economy tick. This exclusive program also helps you understand how public policy crafted at the Capitol impacts the vitality of each and every Minnesota company. By establishing a rich network of Minnesota business leaders, your shared experiences make you more effective leaders at your workplace. Click here to read the complete article.

Enroll in a What’s Next CEO Event Today!

Monday, February 20, 2023

Business leaders in Washington County represent an intelligent, enterprising demographic of go-getters. Yet, everyone runs into a snag at some point in the small business lifecycle. If you are the kind of person who learns best with discussion amongst peers facing similar challenges, What’s Next CEO has the perfect solution. Facilitated by the Washington County Community Development Agency, What’s Next CEO offers the opportunity for executives and business leaders to meet with each other at various events in a no-cost, confidential environment to help solve the issues facing your business. Find the perfect business optimization event The What’s...

Step through SCORE’s Marketing Program for Your Small Business

Monday, February 13, 2023

Determining where to invest in your business is often the most important single decision an owner can make. Dedicating yourself to a quality marketing plan is one investment that takes minimal financial contribution but can pay off significant dividends. SCORE’s five-step marketing program is an essential plan to get small businesses in Washington County on the road to success. SCORE is a targeted small business resource of volunteer experts that provide free advice for all stages of the small business cycle. SCORE’s marketing program will help you develop your ideal customer and teach you how to quickly explain your...

Gina says CareerForce partner ‘AEOA is a gift.’

Thursday, February 09, 2023

Gina has weathered several major life-changing events throughout the years. Through it all she’s now found a new career path thanks to help from CareerForce partner Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, commonly called AEOA. First, Gina was infected with Lyme disease and other related illnesses. This led to years of debilitating symptoms. Then their house burned down. She was divorced in 2016 and moved to another city, losing her job. Then the pandemic led to her losing another job. Throughout the last year and a half, staff at AEOA helped Gina persevere, set new goals, and move forward. Click...

Direct Access to Business Financing with What’s Next CEO

Monday, February 06, 2023

Business success is inherently tied to growth. Expansion and production increases that drive growth are often the result of investment into equipment, facility footprint or people. But that investment requires a business to have access to funding while maintaining the necessary cash flow to keep existing operations running. That balancing act is often an extremely narrow tightrope walk. Find the Financing Your Company Needs! Fortunately, Washington County’s new What’s Next CEO program offers insight into the many local, state and federal agencies available that offer small business financing. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the U.S...

MINNESOTA CHAMBER FOUNDATION QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT: WINTER 2023

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

News of layoffs in large U.S. companies, rising interest rates, and forecasts of a mild recession in 2023 have spread a sense of gloom across the U.S. economy. But so far, economic indicators in Minnesota and the U.S. have largely defied such pessimism. Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains at a very low rate of 2.5%, despite an uptick in recent months. The state’s private sector added 19,800 jobs in the fourth quarter. Minnesota's GDP grew by 2.3% in the third quarter (most recent data available), and the U.S. economy grew by 2.9% in the fourth quarter, showing continued expansion through...

Make the Connection Between Employees and Prospective Employers

Monday, January 30, 2023

Quality, engaged employees are one of the engines that put life into a small business. Finding those individuals is often an extremely difficult and time-consuming task for owners and human resource managers. What’s Next CEO is a new resource in Washington County for business leaders to find or train employees. Additionally, residents looking to enter the workforce can get access to organizations that can help them expand their skills or advance their careers. Connecting employers with prospective employees What’s Next CEO has a resource database that specializes in assisting small businesses with their workforce needs. These organizations provide...

Be Part of the Collective Strength of What’s Next CEO

Monday, January 23, 2023

Being a small business owner or entrepreneur can feel like a lonely, overwhelming cause at times. The Washington County Community Development Agency’s new program - What’s Next CEO - offers business executives critical support with the tools, resources and opportunities necessary to run a successful company. Leadership across companies operating in the Twin Cities East Metro region can benefit from the collective knowledge gained by others over years of experience in various disciplines. View our diverse partners available to offer their expertise now, from resolving supply chain bottlenecks to developing consistent streams of quality workforce sources. What’s...

Pet Wants Offers Natural, Small Batch Pet Food

Thursday, January 19, 2023

All-natural pet food, supplements, treats and supply company, Pet Wants, is reopened for business in the Woodbury, Cottage Grove and the east Metro areas. After her careers in operational leadership and veterinary work, Cottage Grove resident Jennifer Cheesman relaunched Pet Wants when she felt inspired to take on a new challenge—plus, she wanted to ensure her rescue dog, Bosley, was getting the high-quality food he deserved. Click here to read full article.

Comparative Analysis: Where Does Your Business SizeUp?

Monday, January 16, 2023

If information is power, then SizeUp is the most powerful tool your business needs! SizeUp is a free business intelligence tool available with What’s Next CEO to help business leaders make smarter decisions. Having difficulties finding suppliers to complete your operations and customers for your finished product? SizeUp will provide maps of each. Trying to understand the impact of potential competitors in a new sector you may be interested in pursuing? SizeUp will not only locate them but can benchmark how your business would stack up against them. Put SizeUp to Work for Your Company SizeUp...

Minnesota Hits 14 Straight Months of Job Growth

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Minnesota gained 6,800 jobs in November, up 0.2% from October on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The private sector gained 3,500 jobs in November, up 0.1%, while Government gained 3,300 jobs over the month. The U.S. gained 263,000 jobs in November, up 0.2% from October. Minnesota's unemployment rate inched up two-tenths of a point to 2.3% in November, but remains very low by historical standards. The national unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7% from October to November. Over the month, Minnesota's labor force participation rate...

Änna's Bistro Feels Like Home

Monday, January 09, 2023

On some nights this summer, Änna Hagstrom’s kids would ride their bikes by her restaurant and wave good night before heading home to go to bed. Such is the goodness of owning Änna’s Bistro in Marine on St. Croix, the one-street town just north of Stillwater in which she also lives. Hagstrom was a lawyer who lost her mojo and decided that cooking for others was the way to regain it. She took over the vacant restaurant space that once was Olive’s Pizza and now cooks, serves, and orchestrates dinners for the 25ish guests that the space can hold...

Hiring? You May Qualify for the Worker Opportunity Tax Credit

Monday, January 09, 2023

The Worker Opportunity Tax Credit allows businesses to reduce their tax liability by up to $9,600 per new hire, regardless of the size of the business, as long as it is for-profit. Workers qualify even if they are part-time or seasonal. There is no limit to the number of new hires an employer may claim in a calendar year, so this can save your business a lot of money if you’re in the hiring phase. Worker Opportunity Tax Credit: How to Apply To apply for the Worker Opportunity Tax Credit, you’ll need to meet the IRS 28-calendar day...

New Year, New Career!

Thursday, January 05, 2023

Are you looking to change career paths or rejoin the labor force in your previous field? Do you need to find good employment as quickly as possible? You can get NO COST career exploration and job search assistance through CareerForce! CareerForce counselors help you explore your career options through interest and skills assessments and personalized, individual appointments. Today’s tight labor market may be a great time for you to get started on a career path that’s right for you. Click here to read full article.

Thinking outside the blocks: Local companies talk snow cube creation

Thursday, January 05, 2023

Snow doesn’t fall from the sky in 10-foot cubes — not even in Minnesota. While that’s fortunate for the general public, it also means considerable work goes into preparing the massive blocks for participants in the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater. A dozen, 1,000-cubic-foot slabs of the white stuff will await the 12 sculpting teams for the artistic extravaganza set for Jan. 18-22 in Lowell Park. Click here to read full article.

A changed up LinkedIn profile changed Carrie’s prospects

Wednesday, January 04, 2023

Carrie needed help finding employment so she reached out to CareerForce in Bloomington and got connected with Gina Meixner for assistance. Gina worked with her to help plan her job search. A few weeks later, Gina reached out to Carrie to see how she was doing with her job search. “She talked me off the ledge of anxiety,” said Carrie, also explaining next steps Gina suggested to boost her chances of success. “She suggested I change my LinkedIn profile. This got me a job connection. Thank you Gina!” Click here to read full article.

How to Register with SAM.gov & Pursue Government Contracting Opportunities

Tuesday, January 03, 2023

Registering for SAM.gov is one of the first steps a business must take to pursue government contracts. There are contracts released through this platform for all types of government agencies, ranging from small one-time procurement opportunities to multi-year contracts. Washington County businesses can use this opportunity to grow and we encourage you to do so. How to Register with SAM.gov While there are a lot of questions to answer to finish the registration, it is definitely worth the time and effort if you get a government contract. Before registering, watch this video to learn what to expect so...

How to Find Solutions to Supply Chain Challenges

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Supply chain challenges are impacting businesses in Washington County and throughout the world. Locally, we are fortunate to have an ecosystem of local companies who can sometimes step in to fill supply gaps. Through What’s Next CEO, we hope to connect business owners to solve this issue further. In addition, organizations like the SBA have put out information on resources and tactics that can help to shore up supply chains. In “The Bottom Line: Finding Solutions and Navigating Supply Chain Challenges,” representatives from the SBA and local businesses discuss some of the best practices they are seeing for solving...

Brookside Bar & Grill opens under new ownership

Friday, December 23, 2022

Brookside Bar & Grill, located in historic Marine on Saint Croix, Minnesota announced today that the restaurant is now under new ownership. A staple for years, this St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway gem is proud to continue its legacy of serving this amazing community, building on its strong foundation with a fresh perspective. And to celebrate, Brookside Bar & Grill will be having their grand opening party on New Year’s Eve. “Our mission is to cultivate a strong sense of community through good food and good people. The Brookside is such a valuable place for our community to...

Walleye Willy's Bait and Tackle opens in Oak Park Heights

Friday, December 23, 2022

William Isaacson has always wanted to open up his own tackle shop. That dream recently became a reality when Walleye Willy’s Bait and Tackle Shop opened in Oak Park Heights on Dec. 1. “My wife said, ‘if you buy that tank, you’re gonna have to open up a shop,” Isaacson said. “So I bought the tank and then remodeled this place. And it took about three months.” Click here to read full article.

Launch Minnesota Awards Over $380,000 in Innovation Grants to Startups

Thursday, December 22, 2022

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced $386,964 in Launch Minnesota Innovation Grant awards to startups across the state. The grants were awarded to 15 startups, over half of which are led by entrepreneurs of color, veterans, women, or located in Greater Minnesota. Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants target the most promising, innovative and scalable technology businesses in Minnesota. The grants help reduce the risk for Minnesota technology startups and entrepreneurs who are solving problems and growing our state's innovation ecosystem. Click here to read full article.

DEED Announces Next Round of Historic Broadband Expansion Funding

Monday, December 19, 2022

Building on this month's historic Border-to-Border broadband grant announcement, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to award $67.6 million in broadband grants across the state. This new grant round comprises $25 million in state funding and $42.6 million from the federal government. It further accelerates the Border-to-Border program in pursuit of Minnesota's 2026 goal that all homes and businesses have access to broadband with download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of at least 20 megabits per second. Click here to read full...

Don’t Go into 2023 Without Considering These Small Business Trends

Monday, December 19, 2022

It’s difficult to understate all the changes the business landscape has seen in the past few years, and yet entrepreneurs have responded with incredible adaptability. Perhaps that is one of the biggest reasons small business owners are optimistic about the future. In fact, 66% expect revenue increases and more than half plan to expand their business in 2023. Click here for the complete article.

SBA Announces End-of-Year Capital Benchmarks Showing Historic Support for Small Businesses Under Administrator Guzman

Monday, December 19, 2022

Agency provided nearly $43 billion through small business capital programs in Fiscal Year 2022, 504 Loan and SBIC programs reached historic funding levels and small dollar and export loans increased as Administrator advanced reforms to close capital access gaps for underserved communities. Click here to view the complete article.

Tips from Lawyers on Buying or Selling a Business

Monday, December 19, 2022

The SBDC’s video titled “Realizing the Dream: M&A Under $100k,” showcases law professors discussing how to help entrepreneurs buy or sell a small business and how they have structured the deal. “Small business deals can sometimes be more complicated than mergers of large corporations,” said Tom Sharbaugh, Director of the Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic at Penn State Law. “There are a lot of deals under $100,000, such as selling a barber shop or a restaurant and these entrepreneurs typically can’t afford to hire a full suite of accountants to complete audited financial statements, for example. In fact, we often see employees...

U.S. Small Business Administration Announces Strategic Alliance to Support Small Business Exporters

Monday, December 19, 2022

“SBA’s new agreement with BAFT recognizes the impact and ingenuity of our small business exporters and the important role our lending partners play in funding their growth,” said Administrator Guzman. “Our joint efforts to increase resources to BAFT members and grow the number of lenders offering SBA international trade products will expand access to capital. By doing so, this work helps deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to create opportunities for small businesses, and strengthen our economy for all of us." Click here to view the complete article.

Governor Walz Announces $4.6 Million for Business Expansion Across Minnesota

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced funding for four businesses through the Minnesota Job Creation Fund and the Minnesota Investment Fund. The total award is more than $4.6 million and is expected to create 276 jobs over the next three years. "We are working to make Minnesota the best place to grow or start a business – whether that be in Greater Minnesota or the Twin Cities Metro," said Governor Walz. "Our economy is strong and growing, and we will continue to support businesses like these that are expanding and creating...

New Growth Loan Fund Supports Washington County Entrepreneurs

Monday, December 12, 2022

A new loan fund is available for Minnesota's entrepreneurs - the Growth Loan Fund. “Minnesota was recently named by Startup Genome as the 4th top emerging startup market in the entire world,” said Commissioner Steve Grove. “If you look at the ecosystem here, the proximity to the Fortune 500 market, the access to talent we have - this makes us an incredible place to start a business. But getting the capital you need to get moving can be challenging. That’s why we have launched the Growth Loan Fund.” The fund provides loans directly from DEED to innovative technology businesses...

DEED Launches New Small Business Funding Stream, Extending More Lending to Entrepreneurs

Monday, December 05, 2022

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the final component of the $97 million State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI): the Small Business Loan Participation Program. As part of the program, DEED will purchase 25% to 30% participations in loans made by approved Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofit lenders. Businesses seeking loans will apply directly with enrolled lenders, which are responsible for all credit decisions and loan terms. Click here for the complete article.

Join other small business owners at the What’s Next CEO Roundtable

Monday, December 05, 2022

Challenges and issues arise for small businesses on a seemingly daily basis. Nothing helps those running these businesses as knowledgeable peers who ‘have been through it before.’ Fortunately for those in Washington County, What's Next CEO Roundtable offers exactly that helpful forum. What’s Next CEO Roundtable is a professional business meeting between peers - not a networking event. The group will consist of individuals responsible for the whole operation of a business with annual revenue between $500,00 and $5 million. Participants will be able to have open, confidential discussions in a secure environment to exchange information and ideas on...

Let Your Business Plan Map Your Path to Success

Monday, December 05, 2022

If you’re one of the millions considering the idea of starting your own business, you’ll need an effective business plan to set things in motion. The SBA can help you write one. Click here to learn more.

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