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EDA director outlines $948,000 Small Cities Development grant, new loan and façade programs
Summary
Economic development director Jordan Grossman told council that the EDC has disbursed more funds in 2024 than in recent years, launched a commercial façade grant and a small enterprise startup loan, and secured a $948,000 Small Cities Development Program grant for commercial and owner-occupied rehab projects.
Jordan Grossman, economic development director, presented a year-in-review of CEDA/EDA activities in Pelican Rapids and highlighted programs and grants intended to support business retention, redevelopment and housing.
Grossman said the city’s EDC now meets monthly, has included business owners on the board and has distributed more grant dollars in 2024 than it had in the prior five to 10 years. She described two new programs: a commercial façade program (up to $5,000 per application) and a small enterprise startup loan fund to provide gap financing when banks cannot cover full project costs.
Grossman announced the city was awarded $948,000 from the Small Cities Development Program in 2024; those funds will be divided between commercial rehab projects and owner-occupied residential projects, with project outreach planned for the coming spring. She also reported more than $100,000 raised for The Bridge Center community facility and that local developer Mike Carlson is building twin homes aligned with the city’s housing goals.
Councilors asked about applicant activity; Grossman said one application had entered the small-enterprise loan process and staff expect additional grant opportunities in early spring of 2025. Grossman also encouraged residents to subscribe to the updated city website for notices about programs and local projects.
The presentation was informational; no formal council action was required at this time.
