Archives for June 2026

On June 17, community leaders, elected officials, partners, and friends gathered in Floodwood for Our Towns, Our Future: Four Decades Strong – Growing Our Rural Region, a celebration of CEDA’s 40-year journey helping small communities do big things.

While the event marked an important milestone, the real celebration was the impact. Throughout the afternoon, attendees shared stories of projects, partnerships, and accomplishments that simply may not have happened without the support, guidance, and expertise of CEDA.

When asked how CEDA has helped their communities, the responses painted a powerful picture:

These comments reflect what CEDA is all about. Sometimes our work is helping secure funding for a major infrastructure project. Sometimes it’s providing grant-writing expertise, strategic planning, or economic development support. Other times, it’s simply helping communities navigate the next step when they’re not sure where to begin.

Over the past 40 years, CEDA has partnered with communities across rural Minnesota to turn ideas into action. From playgrounds and parks to housing, economic development, community planning, and public engagement, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside local leaders who are passionate about making their communities stronger.

The stories shared in Floodwood reminded us that our greatest impact isn’t just measured by the number of grants awarded or projects completed, it is also measured by the opportunities created, the partnerships built, and the confidence communities gain to pursue their goals.

As we celebrate four decades of service, we’re grateful for the communities, partners, and leaders who have trusted us to be part of their journey. And we’re excited about what comes next.

Because when communities have the right support, resources, and vision, there’s no limit to what they can accomplish.

Here’s to the next 40 years of helping our towns shape their future.

The 7 Rivers Alliance has received $250,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. as part of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Grants (SBDG).

The 7 Rivers Small Business Revitalization Grant Program will provide micro-grants of up to $10,000 directly to small businesses for eligible activities including equipment and technology upgrades, building projects, façade improvements, new signage, working capital to assist a start-up or start-up rent assistance for up to three months.

The grants will be available to small businesses with a focus on those in rural communities in Western Wisconsin – specifically in communities of 4,000 population or less. Businesses will also be required to participate in up to 20 hours of ongoing education, mentorship, or technical assistance. Businesses will have the option to provide a 10% cash match in lieu of receiving technical assistance.

Information about the grant and the applications is available on the 7 Rivers Alliance website – www.7riversalliance.org. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 1. Grant recipients will be announced by Dec. 31, 2026 and the funds will be allocated to the recipients through 2027.

The 7 Rivers Alliance also allocated $25,000 in additional funds to be used as part of the grant program.

The 7 Rivers Alliance service area in Wisconsin is Buffalo, Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties.

For other information, contact 7 Rivers Alliance CEO Chris Hardie – chris@7riversalliance.org.

Two Region 4 CEDA communities are laying the groundwork for safer, healthier, and more connected futures through participation in an Active Transportation Planning cohort.

The grant funded program provides technical assistance, community engagement opportunities, and planning resources to help communities develop a vision for better walking, biking, and rolling.

This summer, residents in Benson and Parkers Prairie had the opportunity to help shape that vision firsthand through community bike and walk audits. Guided by planning consultants, participants explored their communities, identifying barriers, opportunities, and potential improvements that could make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to get around.

The feedback gathered during these events will play a key role in developing each community’s Active Transportation Master Plan. These plans will serve as roadmaps for future investments in sidewalks, trails, crossings, bicycle infrastructure, and other improvements that support safe and accessible transportation options.

Active transportation planning helps communities improve safety and accessibility, support local businesses, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and downtown destinations. It also helps position communities to pursue future funding opportunities that can bring these projects to life.

A key component of the planning process is collaboration. Successful active transportation plans are built through partnerships between local leaders, residents, technical experts, and organizations that bring valuable perspectives and resources to the table. Agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation, regional public health partners, planning consulting firms, and community development professionals each play an important role in ensuring plans are both community-driven and technically sound. These partnerships help communities identify priorities, evaluate opportunities, and develop realistic strategies for implementation.

CEDA is proud to support these efforts and help our communities turn local ideas into actionable plans.

At CEDA, we believe that vibrant communities are built on the success of local entrepreneurs. Navigating business financing can be a challenge for any business, especially newly established or small businesses looking to expand. This is where CEDA can step in to help.

Our Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) can provide the capital needed to fill financial gaps that can help get projects across the finish line. If a local business has a realistic growth plan but is facing roadblocks with traditional lenders, CEDA can help provide the gap financing needed.

We offer two distinct loan programs designed to meet a wide variety of business needs:

• Microenterprise Fund (MEF): Tailored for for-profit businesses in CEDA-contracted cities or counties. Loans can be made up to $60,000 with a negotiable interest rate tailored to make the project feasible for prospective businesses.
• Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP): Dedicated to supporting Minnesota-based, for-profit businesses owned by minorities, low-income individuals, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities. This program funds microenterprises and innovative industries with loans ranging from $5,000 to $60,000 with a negotiable interest rate.

How Can These Loan Funds be Utilized?
CEDA’s RLFs can be used to support a diverse range of industries from Main Street retail to local manufacturing. Qualifying projects can use the funds for:

• Working capital and inventory
• Purchasing machinery, equipment, or real estate
• Building renovations and expansions
• New construction and site acquisition

If you know a business owner looking to start or expand, or if you want to learn more about how CEDA’s loan department can drive economic growth in your area, reach out to us today!

Connect With Us

• Phone: 507-867-3164
• Email: info@cedausa.com
• Website: www.cedausa.com