How can we help your business?
We are powering communities and locally-owned businesses with more than just electricity. The Cooperative's economic development objectives are to increase beneficial electric sales, create job opportunities, and enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.
Watch this brief video to learn more about the impact of our economic development efforts in southeast Minnesota.
Economic Development Resources
We work with all our community led Economic Development Authorities, and encourage businesses to check with local agencies for local aid.
People’s Energy Cooperative works with many other regional agencies to promote the growth of Southeast Minnesota, each with their own programs and approach.
- Dairyland Power Cooperative
- Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.
- Community and Economic Development Associates, Inc.
- Small Business Development Center - SE Minnesota
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
- Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
- E1: Entrepreneurs First
- Southern Minnesota Economic Impact Study
- United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development
We believe that Electric Vehicles provide an important element of future growth in many business sectors, and are excited to aid companies looking at this option.
- PEC EVs
- The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has several reports on the emerging technologies of electric vehicles for commercial application. Please contact staff to receive a copy.
People’s Energy Cooperative recognizes the economic growth of the region depends on being able to house a growing workforce, and we are working to help make those homes and all new construction as affordable and efficient as possible.
In addition to People’s Energy Cooperative’s Revolving Loan Fund, several other programs serve the regions need for start-up and operational capital.
Calling all MN-based farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and food businesses! You are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a free technical assistance program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will provide free, one-on-one coaching to help with everything from crafting business plans to writing grants to deploying strategies for marketing. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but spots are limited so apply today.
The HEN program also recently launched a number of free online resources, including recorded webinars on marketing, grant writing, and legal issues, as well as a new HEN Toolkit that covers many of the common issues agricultural entrepreneurs face. To access these resources and apply for free business coaching and assistance, visit Agricultural (cedausa.com). This program is made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
CEDA is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative community development practices and business growth in small towns. To learn more about HEN or CEDA, please contact Courtney Bergey Swanson at courtney.bergey@cedausa.com or 507-251-9272.
Finding a Site
The Cooperative maintains a list of available sites and can provide assistance in finding a site suitable to your business needs. Featured commercial and industrial development sites include:
Oronoco Crossings |
Tebay's Industrial Park |
Elgin Business Park |
176 acres near Eyota, MN |
Dover Industrial Park |
Enterprise Drive Development Park |
Schumann Business Park |
County Road 10 Development Area |
Bucknell Industrial Park |
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