8 Reasons to Move Your Business to the Twin Cities, Minnesota

The United States is a beautiful country with passionate individuals across countless communities, but the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) is convinced that the Twin Cities region is the absolute best. There are several location advantages for companies looking to expand or relocate their business, and the quality of life leads the country.

“I have worked in economic development for more than 20 years all across Minnesota, and I am just as excited about this state as when I started my career,” says Chris Eng, Economic Development Director for the Washington County CDA. “East Metro MSP is growing as more people and businesses discover it, and everyone in the region stands to benefit.”

If East Metro MSP isn’t on your radar, it should be. Here are eight reasons why your organization should explore this region further. 

1. The State Population is Increasing 

Your future employees continue to move to Minnesota. Nearly 5.8 million people call Minnesota home, an increase of 90,000 people in just five years. Minneapolis and St. Paul are the two largest cities in Minnesota, and are even larger when you consider the people living in surrounding suburban communities.

You can find the people you need in East Metro MSP, regardless of the industry you operate in. 

2. The Workforce is Skilled and Educated

A large population alone isn’t enough to lure business, but a skilled workforce is. Minnesota is the fourth-most educated state in the nation and ranks second for the percentage of the population with a high school degree.

The Twin Cities are home to the University of Minnesota, one of the country’s largest public universities. With nearly 32,000 undergraduates yearly, U of M boasts 150 undergraduate majors and more than 550 graduate and professional degrees.

Whether you are looking for advanced engineers or manufacturing technicians ready to grow their careers, your workforce awaits in East Metro MSP. 

3. Minnesota Boasts a High Quality of Life

There’s a reason why more people continue to choose Minnesota. This state has one of the highest quality of life scores in the nation, with quality access to healthcare, low crime rates, and natural wonders for anyone who wants to get outdoors. Along with its famous 10,000 lakes, Minnesota boasts 4,400 campsites across its 64 state parks. There is plenty of local parkland that is also accessible for residents in North Metro MSP.

Minnesota residents also go outside throughout the year. You can even borrow snowshoes from the local library to explore its winter wonderlands.  

4. Minnesota Supports Entrepreneurs

Minnesota is home to 547,493 small businesses, accounting for 1.2 million employees. Not only is this an impressive number, but the survival rate of these organizations is also high. Minnesota ranks 10th in its five-year entrepreneur survival rate at 54.2%. This is made possible by local communities that love small businesses and state organizations that invest in entrepreneurial resources. All businesses are valuable, whether they have 1,000 employees or 10. 

5. Washington County is in a Central Location With Port Access

Developing a supply chain is easy when you choose Washington County. East Metro MSP is built along I-35, which starts in Duluth and continues to the Mexico border. Interstate 90 also cuts through Minnesota, which begins in Seattle and ends in Boston.

The Port of Duluth is also just a few hours from the Twin Cities. The port moves more than 33 million short tons annually, including one million tons of grain for export and 20 million tons of iron ore. The Twin Cities features four Class 1 rail providers with numerous intermodal terminals, allowing for easy container shipments through coastal ports or the Great Lakes.

Whether you need interstate, port, and rail access, getting your business up and running will be easy. 

6. Greater MSP Has Quality Utility Providers

Move your business to a region with robust fiber-optic internet providers and competitively priced electric utilities. There are 100% renewable options for companies concerned about their environmental footprint. When you choose this corner of Minnesota, you will have a team of utility providers ready to work with you.   

7. Companies Can Take Advantage of State Tax Incentives

You might be surprised at the number of tax credits available to companies that want to relocate to Minnesota. There are opportunities for businesses to save money by creating jobs in the region, investing in research and development, and creating shovel-ready sites.

Many Minnesota municipalities offer tax increment financing to help cover the cost of development. As a state, Minnesota is excited to welcome new industries and businesses while offering financial help where needed. 

8. Economic Developers Continue to Improve Local Sites

Moving to East Metro MSP is fast and easy. Sites are available that can accommodate your size, development, and resource needs. By taking a regional approach, site selectors can find their ideal locations across multiple communities and counties. Explore 123 acres of city-owned land in Forest Lake or tour a 75-acre parcel in Hugo.

Many available sites have built-in utilities to streamline your development process. 

Discover East Metro MSP for Yourself

There are countless reasons to bring your business to Minnesota and even more to choose East Metro MSP. Contact us today to request a tour of some of our available sites. Our team is happy to showcase why this is one of the best places to do business in the United States, no matter your talent, supply chain, or industry needs.