Existing Businesses
Strong Businesses
Strong businesses create strong economies, and we want to help yours succeed! If you are a business currently operating outside of Lake City, and are looking to relocate or expand into the community, the Lake City Port Authority is here to help.
Ways We Can Help
- Business Finance Evaluation
- Price Evaluations & Adjustments
- Marketing Assistance
- Demographic & Market Information
- Resource Connection
- One-on-one Business Training
- Workforce Development
- Succession Planning
- Expansion Site Selection
- Business Loans
Reach out to our business specialist, Ben Strand at bstrand@ci.lake-city.mn.us for more information!
Christmas by the Lake: Storefront Decorating Contest
Registration Now Open!
Register your business now to participate in the first annual Christmas by the Lake: Storefront Decorating Contest! How it works:
- Business are asked to register as a participant by Friday, September 29th.
- Businesses will be asked to have their storefront windows decorated by Friday, November 24th. Maps will be created, showcasing where all decorated storefronts are located. The 2023 theme is Nutcracker – get creative with your decorations!
- Voting will open on Saturday, November 25th and close on Saturday, December 9th. Community members will be asked to vote once for their favorite storefront!
- Once voting closes, the business with the most votes will be the 2023 winner! The wining business will receive a holiday-themed trophy and bragging rights. One lucky voter will also receive a gift card to the winning business. No gift card? No problem! The Port Authority will work with you to determine an alternative prize.
To register, email Cailin Richard at crichard@ci.lake-city.mn.us by Friday, September 29th.
This contest was made possible through a partnership between the Lake City Port Authority, Shops of Lake City group and Lake City Chamber of Commerce. Funding was provided through a Small Town grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). Thank you to all of the fiscal and community partners who are helping beautify Lake City during the holidays!
Distributing Business Information
Looking to mail out information to the commuinty to rasie awareness for your business? Lake City has two options for you!
Lake City Shopper Insert
You can create and distribute ads as inserts in the Lake City Shopper. Prices may vary based on how many households you are distributing to. Reach out to the Lake City Graphic & Shopper staff for more information!
USPS Every Door Direct Mail
You can create and distribute ads through the U.S. Postal Service. Prices may vary based on how many households you are distributing to. Visit our local post office or visit usps.com for more information!
Upcoming Business Trainings & Events
Commercial Rehab
The Southeastern Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (SEMMCHRA) has funda available through the Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) to assist commercial property owners with building rehab projects. These funds can be used to improve the front façade, increase energy efficiency, improve accessibility and address code-related issues. Only businesses in a dedicated geographic area can apply; any business located within the red boundaries on the map to the left are eligible for assistance.
|
Commercial Rehab $40,000 Maximum SCDP Assistance |
|
|---|---|
| 5-Year SCDP Deferred Loan/Grant | 65% |
| Low-Interest SCDP Loan | 15% |
| Owner Match | 20% |
For more information, contact the grant administrator Sara Fuher at (651) 565-2638 ext. 221 or sara.fuher@semmchra.org.
Additional Resources
Business Groups & Resources
Chamber of Commerce
Shops of Lake City Group
Small Business Development Center
Business Trainings
Community & Economic Development Associates
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Red Wing Ignite
SCORE Mentors
U.S. Small Business Administration
Business Loans
Community & Economic Development Associates
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Goodhue County EDA