The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade, workforce development, and community development.

COVID-19

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is offering information for employees and employers affected by this pandemic. This includes information for temporary closure of in-person dining at restaurants, bars and others affected by the Governor's executive order. The link below provides information for employees and employers.

DEED Information

A Guide for Minnesota Small Business Who Need Help - Different programs make sense for different businesses during the pandemic time. So the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED) created a summary guide to help small businesses quickly see which programs might be right for their situation.

Business Emergency Loan Program - MN DEED is creating an emergency loan program for Minnesota's small businesses.  Thousands of businesses negatively impacted by Covid-19 could be helped.

The Business Subsidy Policy outlines the criteria for either tax increment financing or tax abatement.  Please see either of these tax incentive policies for detailed information.

• Business Subsidy Policy

Farmington partners with the Dakota County CDA and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers to offer the Open to Business Program. Business Advisor Natalie Mouilso offers one-on-one business counseling and personal assistance for entrepreneurs and business owners at no cost. Natalie will work with you to develop a strong business plan, identify challenges and opportunities for your business, and tailor solutions to your business questions. She can also help determine financial needs and identify and apply for financing that will meet those needs.

COVID-19
Open to Business is your FREE business assistance resource provided by Dakota County. During this time the Open to Business team is ready to discuss your business concerns from COVID-19 related funding needs (Federal, State) to cash flow and next steps for keeping your business open. Call or email. We are ready and here for you. Weekly virtual office hours via phone and zoom are available.  Appointments are available, but not required.  Office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 - 3 pm and Fridays from 9:30 am to noon.  Sign up today!

Open to Business Advisor
Natalie Mouilso
952-451-6390 (work)
[email protected]
www.opentobusinessmn.org

The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Farmington’s position relating to the use of tax abatement for private development above and beyond the requirements and limitations set forth by state law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications requesting tax abatement assistance.

• Farmington Tax Abatement Policy
• Farmington Tax Abatement Application

 

1. Fill in the form completely and save it
2. Attach it to an email or bring it in to City Hall

The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Farmington’s position relating to the use of tax increment financing (TIF) for private development above and beyond the requirements and limitations set forth by state law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications requesting tax increment assistance.

Tax increment financing (TIF) uses the increased property taxes generated by new real estate development within a tax increment district to pay for certain eligible costs associated with the development.

• Tax Increment Financing Policy
• Tax Increment Financing Application

 

1. Fill in the form completely and save it
2. Attach it to an email or bring in to City Hall

In coordination with the 2022 EDA Workplan, the EDA is offering a Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program for business properties within the City of Farmington.

The program was created with the intent of helping spur investment on commercial and industrial properties to foster property improvements, redevelopment growth and increase the productive use of existing infrastructure within the city. Eligible projects focus on property, building and code improvements which are permanent and anchored to the site. Projects utilizing this grant money must go towards a project which helps redevelop, maintain and/or expand the variety of business use on site.

Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program Guidelines

Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program Application

Submit completed applications along with bids to [email protected] or bring it to City Hall. Questions? Call 651-280-6825.

This grant program is now closed for the remainder of 2022. Please inquire for 2023. 

In coordination with the 2022 EDA Workplan, the EDA is offering a Façade Improvement Program for business properties along MN Highway 3 and within downtown Farmington.

The program was created to encourage businesses to improve their curb appeal by helping finance exterior façade improvements.

These improvements must be visible from public streets and sidewalks and include, but are not limited to: 

• Art or murals
• Awnings, canopies or marquees
• Decorative fencing
• Dumpster enclosures or utility screening
• Exterior lighting
• Exterior paint and re-siding
• Masonry repairs and tuckpointing
• Permanent landscape improvements
• Permanent patios
• Repair and restoration of windows and doors 
• Signage

The initial program deadline of March 31, 2022 has passed.

• Façade Improvement Program Guidelines
• Façade Improvement Program Application
• Facade Improvement Property Eligibility Map

Submit completed applications along with bids to [email protected] or bring it to City Hall. Questions? Call 651-280-6825.

The city offers new Farmington businesses the opportunity to host a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking event free of charge. In addition, the city would love to help celebrate business milestones and anniversaries. Anyone interested in connecting on these opportunities should reach out to Community Development Specialist Kalley Swift at 651-280-6825 or [email protected]. 

The city is a part of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is committed to building a stronger business community in Dakota County. They proudly serve the cities of Eagan, Farmington, Lilydale, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Rosemount, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. We're proud to contribute to the outstanding quality of life our businesses enjoy every day. Visit them on the web to learn of the many ways they’re helping make the Dakota County area the best possible place to live and work.

The CDA is a local government agency administering over 30 programs and managing over 2,100 units of affordable workforce and senior housing serving the communities and residents of Dakota County. They can assist you with buying a home by creating a plan to include credit repair, creating a household budget and identifying mortgage loan products.