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Aitkin County outlines revitalization, tourism and housing incentives for local businesses
Summary
Aitkin County economic development coordinator Mark Jeffers said the county is offering a one-to-one revitalization grant up to $5,000, tourism-focused business development grants for events, and developer incentives including revolving loans to spur local business and housing projects.
Mark Jeffers, Aitkin County economic development coordinator, told listeners on the county’s "Coffee with the County" broadcast that the county is rolling out several small-business and development incentives and encouraged eligible applicants to apply.
Jeffers said the Revitalization Grant is a one-to-one match up to $5,000 for qualified applicants and is intended "for aesthetic upgrades to the building exterior, replacement of some worn and outdated awnings and signage, or general revitalization of the outdoor business." He added, "Let us help you by supporting that." The broadcast said awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
To illustrate eligible projects, Jeffers listed recent recipients he said had received support: McGregor VFW, "The Landing in Aiken" (as named in the broadcast), Rialto Theater and Petal and Leaf, a new McGregor-area landscaping company. He said applicants can find guidelines and applications on the chamber website cited in the broadcast as aikenchambers.com on the economic development page.
Jeffers also introduced the Business Development and Recreation Grant, which he described as aimed at stimulating tourism by supporting events and activities that draw visitors. He cited the "Women Leading the Way" event, led by Katrina Rutts of an organization he identified in the broadcast as "American Pete," as a recent grant recipient. He highlighted agritourism examples such as a "farm to fridge" event at the Beanery to showcase local producers and restaurants.
On housing, Jeffers said the county offers housing development and redevelopment incentives for qualified developers and builders to help lower development costs and expand affordable and workforce housing options. He said revolving loans are another financing tool available to support construction and reduce upfront cost barriers for developers.
Jeffers framed the suite of programs as part of broader county priorities—recreation, tourism and housing—to grow the tax base and ease tax burdens on residents. He closed by inviting interested businesses and developers to contact economic development staff and returning listeners to the next weekly program.
Ending: No formal application deadline or eligibility checklist was specified in the broadcast; interested parties were told to consult the chamber website listed by Jeffers for application details.
