ENTREPRENEURIAL INSIGHT
A Partnership for a Thriving Entrepreneurial Community One barrier to entrepreneurs may often be just knowing where to start and where to go for help. Communities across southern Minnesota recognize this challenge and are doing their part to break down barriers for entrepreneurs. Look at Jackson, Minnesota for example. The Jackson Economic Development Office is far more than just one organization but rather a partnership of multiple organizations all working to support growth in Jackson. The Jackson Economic Development Office partnership includes The City of Jackson, Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), Jackson Economic Development Authority (EDA), Jackson Economic Development Corporation (JEDC) and the Jackson Business
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November | December 2019
Thomas Nelson JACKSON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
The partnership that is behind the Jackson Economic Development Office ensures that all types of businesses are able to receive the support they need. Development Committee (JBDC). This unique mixture of organizations allows the community to focus on different areas of economic development at the same time. One way the City of Jackson supports growth is through numerous industrial, retail, and housing loan funds. The city revolving loan fund provides gap financing for businesses, helping to ensure that they are able fund new ventures as well as expansions. Housing funds work to encourage homeownership by providing interest-free down payment assistance loans, Small City Development Program grants and fix-up loans. The city of Jackson has historically provided staffing through the Economic Development Office. This has allowed others in the partnership to focus their efforts and resources towards projects. In recent years, the city brought in CEDA to provide the staffing for the office adding yet another partner to the mix. CEDA provides economic development support for rural communities in the Midwest. CEDA brings more than just the staff in the Jackson Economic Development office, they bring a whole team of experience and knowledgeable professionals. With other organizations in Jackson focusing on specific business sectors, the EDA works to encourage increased housing options in the community. In order for any business to be successful they need employees, and those employees need somewhere to live. The EDA is currently marketing Sunset View, a subdivision with lots available for as little as $5,000. The JEDC has been integral in attracting business such as AGCO, CAT Ziegler, Ametek, and West Corporation. The group started as a for-profit corporation
and in 2003 reorganized into a nonprofit, continuing to be a key player in attracting new business. They currently have both an industrial and commercial development park. The JEDC also has a 30,000 square foot industrial building available for sale or lease. The final organization of this unique partnership is the JBDC. The group has changed over the years but has always worked to support local commercial business in the community. The group developed both the Jackson Faรงade Improvement Program and the Jackson Business Challenge, both which were run in 2019 and will run again in 2020. Jackson, Minnesota is a fantastic place for any business small or large to grow. The partnership that is behind the Jackson Economic Development Office ensures that all types of businesses are able to receive the support they need. Entrepreneurs in Jackson have access to the people and resources they need to be successful. To learn more about these organizations or any of the programs mentioned, call the Jackson Economic Development Office or go to any one of the web pages below. THE ESSENTIALS
Jackson Economic Development 507-847-4423 cityofjacksonmn.com/econ_dev Jackson Economic Development Corporation (JEDC) growingjackson.com Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) cedausa.com