Kandiyohi County Economic Development

05/25/2026

We will reopen Tuesday at 8:30 am.

05/24/2026

05/22/2026

Construction is moving right along! 🚧 Check out our map to see where crews will be working through June 6.

Fiber internet is coming - sign up today and view more construction updates at willmarconnect.com

05/21/2026

Automation Loan Participation Program Funding Still Available

Looking to invest in equipment to improve your company's efficiency and capacity? Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development continues to accept applications for the Automation Loan Participation Program. Many manufacturers across the state have benefited and program funding remains healthy.

ALPP program overview:

Up to $500,000 loan from DEED when matched with private lender financing

Eligible businesses must be in the manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and technology industries purchasing equipment and/or software to add automation and productivity to existing operations

Target 20% DEED contribution to the financing, may go up to 50% when lender proves need

Qualifying business must have less than 500 employees, including parent company

No equity contribution by borrower required

1.0% fixed interest

5 to 7 year term

Collateral is required, may be subordinate to partner lender’s loan

No job creation requirements

Lender financing cannot be SBA 504, 7(a), USDA

If you have interest in learning more please reach out to Tiffany Fettig, Program Administrator at 651-259-7446 or [email protected].

Learn more about the program on DEED's website here.

05/21/2026

Join DEED for an Employer Webinar - Unlocking Accessibility: How ERAF Can Transform Your Business
Hosted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Discover how the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more accessible workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.

It’s straightforward, it’s impactful, and it’s your gateway to connecting with outstanding talent.

Join us for an informative and engaging session that will cover:

The benefits of workplace accessibility for your business.
How ERAF simplifies providing accommodations and supports your bottom line.
Real-world examples of accommodations that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
Learn how this innovative program can position your business as a leader in accessibility and meeting your workforce needs. Don’t miss this chance to gain actionable insights and make your workplace more accessible.

Take the first step toward unlocking your business’s potential through accessibility—register today!

Wednesday, June 17th
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Pre-registration required.
Once registered, you'll receive webinar log-in details via email.

05/21/2026

Kandiyohi County, We Need Your Input on the Future of Our Region!

MMDC is inviting residents, businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders to participate in an upcoming Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) public input session in Willmar.

Community input helps identify priorities and opportunities related to:
• Housing Growth
• Workforce Development
• Business Support
• Infrastructure Improvement
• Childcare Access
• Community Vitality

Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
1700 Technology Drive NE, Willmar, MN

Thursday, May 21

9:00 AM – In Person
12:00 PM – Virtual
3:00 PM – In Person

No registration is needed for in-person sessions. Virtual attendees can register using the QR code or the link below.

If you are interested in the future growth, workforce, housing, and long-term success of Kandiyohi County, we encourage you to attend the session most convenient for you and help ensure local perspectives are part of the conversation.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987333586254?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/21/2026

We are back. What a great township, community, and grassroots government.
It is such a pleasure to work with this community.
We have a new project for Svea to work on.

05/20/2026

Registration is now open

For business, community and nonprofit leaders shaping the future of rural communities, this is where the conversation continues.

Across rural communities, workforce trends, economic shifts and new investment are reshaping what opportunity looks like. The focus now is how leaders work together to turn that momentum into meaningful progress.

Join Compeer Financial for the Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum—an in-person forum designed to bring together leaders across business, government and nonprofit organizations. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions and collaborative workshops, we’ll share practical ideas, real-world insights and strategies that move communities forward.

Register Now
Early registration offer
The first 100 people to register will be entered into a drawing for a $5,000 donation to a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit of their choice. The selected participant must be present at the forum to direct the contribution.

Hear from leaders and voices shaping rural communities, including:

Jase Wagner, President and CEO, Compeer Financial
Craig Culver, co-founder, Culver’s
Cory Hepola, documentary host, My Town
Julie Tesch, president and CEO, Center for Rural Policy and Development
Becky McCray, entrepreneur, rancher and co-founder of SaveYour.Town
Seats are limited and filling quickly—reserve yours today.


Sponsors make this work possible
Sponsors help bring together leaders from across rural communities to explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities.

Thank you to the following sponsors for their generous support.
We invite individuals, businesses and organizations to support the forum through sponsorship opportunities designed to offer meaningful engagement and visibility. Strong communities are built together.

Know someone who cares deeply about rural communities? Please share this invitation.

05/20/2026

Applications open for new electric farm equipment grant

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Electric Farm Equipment Grant (EFEG) program. This new program helps Minnesota farmers purchase electric farm equipment to reduce air pollution.

The MDA expects to award up to $6.6 million through a competitive review process. Individual awards will range from $1,500 to $150,000, with about 90 grants expected to be awarded. The EFEG program requires a 25% cash match. Grant funds are provided as reimbursements, meaning grantees must pay project costs upfront and submit proof of expenses before receiving reimbursement.

“Agriculture has an important role to play in reducing pollution and building a more sustainable future,” said Commissioner Thom Petersen. “This grant is part of Minnesota’s broader climate-smart food systems initiative, helping farmers invest in electric alternatives while supporting resilient local food systems across the state.”

Eligible applicants include Minnesota farmers and livestock producers, and organizations that train or support farmers. Priority will be given to projects that replace diesel- and gas-powered farm equipment with electric alternatives, especially equipment that plays an important role in the farm’s day-to-day operations.

Full grant eligibility requirements and application details are available on our Electric Farm Equipment Grant webpage. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Funding for the EFEG program comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant awarded to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Get the latest information on the initiative and open grant opportunities by visiting the MPCA’s climate-smart food systems website.

https://www.mda.state.mn.us/electric-farm-equipment-grant