"To develop and promote resources for Economic Growth in our community."

September 2026

County Economic Development

What you need to know:

Plans to start or move your business? Let us tell you how our community takes care of each other.

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City of Aitkin Announces Storefront and Signage Improvement Grant

City of Aitkin

Aitkin County Revitalization Grant Program

The Aitkin County Business Revitalization Grant Program, focuses on supporting for-profit businesses to improve the exterior appearance of their properties. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, this program aims to strengthen community pride and economic vitality through visible, impactful upgrades.

Revitalization grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, also requiring a 1:1 match. Eligible improvements include exterior building upgrades, new or replacement signage and awnings, and outdoor aesthetic enhancements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted, with projects evaluated on creativity, visual impact, and community benefit.

This program emphasizes countywide distribution to ensure communities throughout Aitkin County have access to funding.

Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to consider how these grants could support their goals, whether through attracting visitors, hosting events, or improving storefront visibility.

Grant Info

Aitkin County Offers Development & Redevelopment Incentives and Loans

Aitkin County is committed to increasing housing development across the region. To support builders and developers, we are offering soft cost incentives that reduce upfront financial barriers and make projects more feasible — especially in rural and workforce housing markets.

Whether you're building single-family homes, town homes, or workforce rental units, our funding is designed to work with your project needs.

1. Permit and Plan Review Fees

Cover or waive building permit fees, zoning review fees, and site plan review costs.

2. Architectural and Engineering Services

Offer grants or reimbursements for architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, etc.

3. Surveying and Soil Testing

Pay for site surveys, geotechnical testing, and environmental reviews.

4. Utility Connection Fees

Offset costs of water/sewer hookup fees, electrical infrastructure, or natural gas connection.

5. Legal and Title Fees

Cover part of title search, title insurance, legal review of land transfers or easements.

6. Financing/Loan Origination Costs

Help with appraisal fees, lender fees, and interest rate buydowns during construction.

Loans

1. Purpose of the Fund

The Aitkin County Housing Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is established to support housing development initiatives in Aitkin County. The fund aims to promote the construction, rehabilitation, and development of affordable (workforce) and market-rate housing through low-interest loans to developers, non-profit organizations, and individuals.

2. Goals and Objectives

· Increase Housing Supply: Support projects that address housing shortages in Aitkin County.

· Affordable (Workforce) Housing Development: Prioritize affordable housing units for low- to moderate-income households. Affordable housing is defined as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household's gross income, including rent or mortgage payments and utility costs. This standard applies to various income levels but is used to assess the affordability of housing for low- to moderate-income households.

· Economic Development: Stimulate economic growth by encouraging housing development that aligns with the County’s strategic planning efforts.

· Sustainable Financing: Utilize a revolving structure to sustain and expand the loan fund for future projects.

· Gap Financing: The RLF must serve as the shortfall between the total cost of a project and the amount of funding secured from primary sources, such as traditional loans, grants, or investments.

Please submit the completed application and all required documentation to:

Aitkin County Economic Development RLF

307 2^nd Street NW room 316

Aitkin, MN 56431

Email: RLF application to mark.jeffers@co.aitkin.mn.us

Housing Incentive link

Attention Employers:

Back by popular demand: SBDC Marketing Morning Watch Parties

Resources for Businesses

Hello from Your Friends at the North Central Small Business Development Center!

The North Central SBDC is offering Start Up North Accelerated, an 8-week virtual cohort designed for people who are thinking about starting a business, are in the early stages of launching, or have been in business for three years or less. This program is especially helpful for entrepreneurs who need structure, accountability, and a stronger business plan before moving forward with financing, expansion, or launch.

The cohort runs September 14 through November 4, with online Action Hour sessions held Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. Participants will work through the Kauffman FastTrac curriculum while receiving guidance from North Central SBDC business consultants. The program focuses on business planning, financial projections, marketing, startup assistance, and the development of a lender-ready business plan.

Early bird registration is $100 until August 7. After that, registration is $200 until registration closes on August 31.

Learn more and register here: www.northcentralsbdc.com/startupnorth

Learn More

Workforce Wednesday Session Resources

Workforce Wednesday takes place the first Wednesday of every month. You can see recordings of past sessions on the CareerForce Recordings and Resources page.

Small Business Call

Interested in connecting with other small business owners for a conversation with business experts and their peers? Join DEED's Small Business Assistance Office for their monthly Small Business Call.

For more information and registration, visit the Small Business Call page on the DEED site.

Stay in the Know!

Be sure to sign up for email updates from your Workforce Strategy Consultant Team!

Thank you!

Your Workforce Strategy Consultant Team

County Economic Development

Public Health:

September is Suicide Prevention Month. We are fortunate to have an active Committee for the Awareness & Prevention of Suicide here in Aitkin County.

The Mission of Aitkin County's Committee for the Awareness & Prevention of Suicide is to educate and promote the awareness of suicide prevention and resources to all.

Our Vision is that all of the people of Aitkin County will have a stronger understanding of the importance of suicide prevention and will know what resources are available to them.

-1 in 20 U.S. adults (5%) have serious thoughts of suicide each year.

-About 1 person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes.

-79% of all people who die by suicide in the U.S. are male.*

-Although more women* than men attempt suicide.

-Men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.

-In the U.S., suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24, and the 11th leading cause of death overall.

We want to assure those struggling that you are not alone.

https://chat.988lifeline.org/

#suicideprevention #YouMatter #thereishope #SuicideAwareness #mentalhealth