Resources for Businesses Beyond the Arlington EDA

Gap Financing:

Arlington Industries, Inc.

Arlington Industries provides gap financing which is designed to stimulate economic development activity by assisting the private sector to create jobs, retain jobs, or expand opportunities for the businesses and citizens of Arlington. When possible, these funds are intended to complement conventional business financing techniques by leveraging funding from other Federal and State financing programs and private lending institutions.

Contact Larry Sorenson at 507-964-5588

Sibley County

Sibley County business retention and expansion programs include revolving loan fund program, tax abatement, and tax increment financing

Revolving Loan funds- https://sibleycounty.gov/649/Sibley-County-Revolving-Loan-Funds

Region 9 Development Commission

Region 9 Development Commission was organized by local elected officials in 1972 as authorized by the Minnesota Legislature’s Regional Development Act of 1969.  The Commission is governed by 39 regional leaders. Learn more about them by clicking this link (https://www.rndc.org/what-we-do/,) or by clicking the link below for more information on their program:

Revolving Loan Fund- https://www.rndc.org/what-we-do/revolving-loan-fund/

U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. All SBA funding programs: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs

7(a) Loans

The 7(a) Loan Program, SBA’s primary business loan program, provides loan guaranties to lenders that allow them to provide financial help for small businesses with special requirements: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans#what-is-a7a-loan

504 Loans

Long-term, fixed rate financing of up to $5 million for major fixed assets: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/504-loans

Microloans

Smaller-size loans of up to $50,000: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/microloans

Small Business Investment Company

Small Business Investment Companies invest in small businesses. See the link for a directory of available SBICs: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/investment-capital/sbic-directory

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in south central and southeastern Minnesota, serving a 20-county region which includes 175 communities.

Loan Funds

Since inception, part of SMIF’s mission has been to catalyze entrepreneurial activity within our region. SMIF offers loans and investment options for small and large businesses in southern Minnesota. We offer a range of services and financial options to empower new and growing business owners: https://smifoundation.org/business-financing/loans-for-businesses/

Equity Funds

SMIF invests in innovative businesses in the region through its equity funds: https://smifoundation.org/business-financing/equity/

Business Technical Assistance Resources:

Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership

The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership is a non-profit community development corporation serving communities throughout Southwest and South Central Minnesota. They offer assistance to landlords and developers: https://www.swmhp.org/#

Region 9 Development Commission

Region 9 Development Commission was organized by local elected officials in 1972 as authorized by the Minnesota Legislature’s Regional Development Act of 1969.  The Commission is governed by 39 regional leaders. Learn more about them by clicking this link (https://www.rndc.org/what-we-do/,) or by clicking the links below for more information on their programs:

Safe Routes to School & Active Living Planning/Trail Planning- https://www.rndc.org/what-we-do/transportation/

Global partnership for both the public and private sectors to strengthen, promote, and leverage innovative strategies- https://www.rndc.org/what-we-do/international-partnerships/

Minnesota Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center provides professional expertise and guidance for pre-venture business, startup business, and established business services. Sibley County is located in the South Central Region. Learn more here: https://southcentralmnsbdc.com/

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Minnesota Investment Fund and other programs offered by the state  - there are many programs – some require the local government to apply with the business. Learn more here: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs. They have many different funding opportunities, to view them all, click here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services

Rural Business Investment Program

This program provides a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) license to newly formed developmental capital organizations to help meet the equity capital investment needs in rural communities.  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-business-investment-program/mn

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in south central and southeastern Minnesota, serving a 20-county region which includes 175 communities.

Grant Opportunities

SMIF offers funding in a variety of program areas, each with its own application procedures and guidelines: https://smifoundation.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/

Grants.gov

A website of all the federal grants available: https://grants.gov/

Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority

Since 2002, Minnesota Prairie Line has operated 94 miles of track between Norwood Young America and Hanley Falls, Minnesota. MPL serves some of the most productive agricultural counties in Minnesota. MPL works in partnership with the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority (MVRRA) and the communities it serves to enhance rural economic development.

https://www.mvrra.org/

Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company

Information on shipping with them, and questions regarding their lines- https://tcwr.net/in-your-community/links/