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EDA reports small-business outreach, development leads and grant updates
Summary
Staff reported visits with local businesses including Two Sisters and Glenn’s Motor Coach, outlined potential commercial building footprints, and said a Taylor Family Farms grant application failed eligibility while a Smith small-towns grant remains in progress.
At the March 25 meeting the Oronoco EDA heard staff updates on small-business outreach, prospective commercial development and grant activity.
Staff said outreach began this month with visits to Two Sisters and Glenn’s Motor Coach. Two Sisters discussed a concept that would include four structures (one about 10,000 sq ft, one 5,200 sq ft and two at roughly 6,000 sq ft) and potential tenants such as a specialty grocery, deli and boutique retailers. Glenn’s Motor Coach reported plans to mirror an existing building to double bus storage but cited difficulty hiring qualified drivers because insurers commonly require two years of commercial driving experience.
On grants, staff said the Taylor Family Farms Recreation Grant application was not eligible because Parks and Recreation could not demonstrate the necessary budget match; staff said the city lacked sufficient incidental funds to meet the match requirement. The coordinator reported the $10,000 branding grant for the identity project is approved and that work continues on a Smith small-towns grant application.
Staff said they are maintaining a shared spreadsheet of business interactions and will continue monthly check-ins with leads. They will also provide business resources such as contact information for Explore Minnesota to local operators seeking marketing support.
Next steps: staff will continue outreach, add more businesses to the shared Google Drive spreadsheet for the EDA and follow up with Explore Minnesota resources for Glenn’s Motor Coach.
