The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) offers a compilation of financing options for businesses in all stages, whether a startup or longtime establishment. A few key DEED finance programs include:

Data Center Sales Tax Incentives - Companies that build data or network operation centers at least 25,000 square feet and invest $30 million in the first four years qualify for tax breaks.

Minnesota Job Creation Fund - Companies that invest a minimum of $500,00 in real property improvements and create at least 10 new full-time permanent jobs may qualify for rebates and other wage based incentives.

More information for DEED financing programs is available by clicking here.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Abatement

The city considers use of Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement for development projects that would otherwise not occur without public assistance. Use of these incentives is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the City’s policies, specific project criteria and demand on City services.

Initiative Foundation 

The Initiative Foundation offers business loans to entrepreneurs who:

- wish to start a new business
- have a sound business plan and acceptable credit
- create quality jobs with living wages and benefits
- advance local and regional goals for target industries

The foundation emphasizes technology-based, green value-added and agricultural operations. Nontraditional business owners, such as women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

SBA offers a variety of loan programs for different business needs. Popular SBA Loans include:

CDC/504 Loan Program - A powerful economic development loan program that offers small businesses another avenue for business financing. These loans are made available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA's community based partners for providing 504 loans. Click here to learn more.

General Small Business Loans: 7(a) - SBA's most common loan program for small businesses. This loan is available after use of alternative financial resources, including personal assets as personal invested equity. Click here to learn more.

Microloan Program - This program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The SBA provides funds to specifically designated intermediary lenders. The Southwest Initiative Foundation serves the Becker area. Click here to learn more.

Click here to be directed to the full SBA Loans and Grants site.

PACE - Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing

Is your business, farm, multi-family housing building, nonprofit, or place of worship interested in energy efficiency or adding renewable energy, such as solar? A new financing tool called Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, can help move your project forward.

How does it work? PACE financing is repaid as an assessment on your property tax bill for a set period. In this way, PACE eliminated the burden of upfront costs by providing low-cost, long-term financing. PACE is different than a traditional loan: there is less of a reliance on credit, the assessment stays within the property instead of the owner, and they can generally be repaid over longer terms than a bank might allow.

What can you do with PACE? Examples of potential building improvements that can be financed with PACE are solar arrays, HVAC upgrades, LED lighting, condensing boilers, digital controls, insulation, variable-frequency drive motors, building automation systems, and other water and energy conservation measures.

Who is behind PACE? The Saint Paul Port Authority provides the PACE funding and administers all aspects of the program. We place the assessment on the property, collect payments each year, and pass the money back to the Port Authority.

How can you take action? To learn more about PACE and take action, visit http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/pace for program details and application, factsheets, success stories, and frequently asked questions.

Business Tools and Partners

Becker Chamber of Commerce - The Becker Area Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Becker area so that its citizens and all areas of its business community shall prosper.

SBDC - Small Business Development Centers provide an array of no-cost technical assistance to small businesses and up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

SCORE - SCORE is a nonprofit association of volunteer business counselors that are trained to serve as advisors and mentors for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.
LegalCORPS - LegalCORPS provides free assistance in non-litigation business law matters to low-income owners of small businesses, small nonprofit organizations and low-income innovators in Minnesota - through the services of volunteer attorneys.

Initiative Foundation - The Initiative Foundation works alongside businesses to determine their needs and provide assistance and support to create a healthy business. The Foundation has access to a variety of consultants with a range of skills to assist with the variety of business challenges.

Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) - "Exploring. Starting. Managing. Growing. At any stage, we've got the right tools and expertise to help you succeed." DEED is the State of Minnesota's Economic Development Department, which offers resources to overcome many common business challenges, including financial resources."

Anderson Center - Provides management and leadership development forums for executives.

Enterprise Minnesota - A consulting organization that helps manufacturing companies become more efficient and well positioned to grow profitably.

Xcel Energy - Energy partner with incentives, information, guidance and other services to help with new construction projects and operational energy costs.

Sherburne County - Sherburne County created a Business Toolkit to help guide businesses through many different aspects of starting or running a business.