January 2026

Andrea Baumann/True Photography

NCEDA Business Partners Honored

2 Tall Tavern and Beck's Burger Co. were selected as Outstanding Business Partners and honored at an Awards Ceremony in December. Read More

Image courtesy of RISE Modular

Delivering Housing Innovation on a Flatbed Trailer

Housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues Americans face today. Despite the evident need for additional housing, developers are struggling to build new units quickly and affordably without sacrificing quality. The housing industry is also facing rising costs for key inputs like land, labor, and lumber. To reduce expenses and increase productivity, some builders are exploring innovations such as volumetric modular construction, an emerging approach to factory-built housing. Read More

Cara Ewing/Minneapolis Fed; Getty Images

Regional Economic Insights In An Evolving Landscape

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis convenes and maintains multiple advisory groups to gain insights into the Ninth District’s economy. Each advisory group has a specific focus, and group members represent private businesses, financial institutions, and community organizations from across the Ninth District, which is composed of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, 26 counties in northwestern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Read More

Main Street America and American Express® are teaming up to help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities. 

Eligible small business owners across the U.S. can apply for $20,000 grants through the new Amex Shop Small Grants Program.

The application period is now open and will close on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. 

See if your business is eligible and find application information below. 

Unlock Business Growth: Explore Financing Programs from MN DEED



The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) offers a variety of financing programs to support business growth and economic development in the state. Here's an overview of some key programs:

Minnesota Job Creation Fund

Provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets.

Minnesota Investment Fund

Offers loans to assist companies with expansion and new location projects, focusing on industrial, manufacturing, and technology-related industries.

Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program

Supports the growth of businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities by offering loans for start-up and expansion costs.

Angel Loan Fund

Provides funding to early-stage businesses that have received angel investment, aiming to support high-tech startups and entrepreneurs.

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

Offers various programs to increase access to capital for small businesses, including loan guarantees and venture capital investments.

Business Education Through SCORE

The wealth of content available when starting or growing a business can be overwhelming, especially as you deal with so many areas of development, from finance to marketing to legal and business formation issues. Here are some excellent resources to help alleviate the overwhelm.

• January 15 | The Small Business Website Essentials: Attract, Engage and Convert

• January 22 | Major SEO Changes in 2026: Will Your Website Still Get Found?

• January 29 | 2026 Hottest Business Ideas, Trends & Markets