CEDA

Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) hosted the 2026 Rural Business Innovation Lab (RBIL) Annual Event on Wednesday, July 23, 2026 at the Community Center in Sartell, MN.

This event brought together small business owners and entrepreneurs and regional founders for a high-impact day dedicated to rural growth, resource connections, and entrepreneurial development.

This event is designed to provide direct technical assistance, capital guidance, and practical tools to businesses within the cohort. This year’s event featured inspiring insights, one-on-one advising, and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to polish their business pitches.

The event kicked off with guest speaker Shelby Stahl of Beloved Social, who delivered a session on leveraging digital marketing and social media storytelling to grow rural brands. Shelby highlighted actionable strategies for small business owners to build authentic online communities, reach new customers, and convert social media engagement into sustainable revenue; through demonstrating that rural businesses can have a wide-ranging digital footprint.

Entrepreneurs were also able to participate in one-on-one discussions through a Resource Roundtable. These discussions offered attendees direct, individualized access to subject matter experts and regional partner organizations. Attendees were able to discuss Succession Planning, ask questions regarding Human Resources, talk with an IT expert, inquire about grant writing and grant opportunities, visit with a loan’s expert on small business lending opportunities, connect with regional investors, and regional initiative foundations.

To wrap up the day, local entrepreneurs took center stage at the Entrepreneur Pitch Event. This event was designed as a constructive, high-value practice space, where entrepreneurs presented their business concepts and growth plans. Participants received real-time, actionable feedback on their business models, value propositions, and presentation delivery. Through this exercise they gained confidence and were able to polish their delivery as they approach investors, lenders, and future business partners.

CEDA for 40 years now has remained committed to helping small communities and entrepreneurs do BIG things through our Rural Business Innovation Lab. Through events like this we are able to offer technical assistance, planning and entrepreneurial support.

Download the Article

The brand new Keller-Baartman Bridge View Apartments are in full swing construction in Zumbrota!

This past Spring, an old bank building was demolished in order to make way for this new housing development on previously owned EDA property that was sold to a local business owner.

In an interesting twist, during the initial ground-breaking process, a time capsule from 1961 was discovered! What wonders from the early 60s were found: a 1960 phone directory, a newspaper, design documents from the bank being built, a book entitled Zumbrota: The First One-Hundred Years, and even a 1925 silver dollar. The contents of this time capsule will be on display at the Zumbrota Historical Society.

This apartment complex is an exciting project for the community. After a housing study several years ago and acknowledgement from civic and community leaders, confirmation for a growing demand for quality home options led to efforts to bring more housing have been underway. This significant undertaking was made possible through a strategic partnership and vital financial support, including a $2.9 million workforce housing grant. The grant, meticulously prepared and secured by CEDA, underscores the community’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and accessibility for its employees.

The expected construction completion for the 38-unit Bridgeview Apartments is February of 2027. This complex will off er a unique urban living experience while supporting the community and long-term vitality of Zumbrota as a whole, its businesses, and its downtown district.

Download the Article

The City of Murdock has been awarded a $30,000 Blandin Foundation grant to bring an exciting new business and placemaking idea to life.

The project will transform a highly visible city-owned lot along Highway 12 into a Business Pop-Up Site designed to help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and showcase their businesses while creating a new destination for residents and visitors.

At the heart of the plan are two permanent shed buildings that will provide affordable, flexible retail space for home-based businesses, first-time entrepreneurs, makers, bakers, artists, food vendors, and seasonal businesses. CEDA consultant, Laura Mitteness shared the, “the initiative creates business opportunities in a place where traditional storefront access is limited. The goal is not simply to place structures on a lot. It is to create a place where residents and visitors can stop for fresh sourdough, discover a local vendor, gather at picnic tables, and experience small town energy in a new way.”

Surrounding the buildings will be a welcoming community gathering space complete with landscaping, and room for additional vendors such as food trucks and musicians. The flexible design allows the space to evolve with community needs, creating opportunities for emerging local makers who may not otherwise have access to traditional commercial space.

CEDA partnered with the City of Murdock and the Murdock Area Community Club to develop the concept, secure funding, and provide implementation support. Together, the partners are creating a model that demonstrates how rural communities can combine entrepreneurship, placemaking, and community gathering into one innovative economic development project.

Download the Article

On June 25, the City of Cohasset welcomed residents to a Community Comprehensive Plan meeting, where community members had the opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and participate in meaningful conversations about the future of Cohasset.

The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to discuss the issues and opportunities that matter most to Cohasset’s future. Conversations focused on several key topics, including housing, economic development, and transportation. The thoughtful feedback, local knowledge, and diverse perspectives shared by attendees will play an important role in guiding the development of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-term vision for Cohasset, helping guide future decisions related to growth, infrastructure, land use, economic development, and community investment. Developing this plan is a collaborative effort between the City of Cohasset and CEDA, with community input serving as a critical foundation for the planning process.

The City of Cohasset is committed to maintaining an open, transparent, and collaborative planning process. As work on the Comprehensive Plan continues, residents can expect regular updates that include project data, summaries of public input, and preliminary findings. Additional opportunities for community engagement will be provided throughout the process to ensure the plan reflects the needs, priorities, and vision of those who call Cohasset home.

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and contributed to the discussion. Your participation is helping shape a stronger future for Cohasset.

Download the Article

The centerpiece of the two-year campground improvement project at the American Legion Campground near Warba, Minn., was the renovation and expansion of the swimming beach.

The beach was regraded to improve safety and accessibility, and stabilized to protect the shoreline and water quality of Sand Lake. For local residents, this means improved access to a nearby public swimming area in an underserved area, and for campers and visitors, it adds a high-quality amenity that enhances the overall campground experience in this rural part of Itasca County.

Along with the beach improvements, the project included upgrades to campsites and electric hookups, improved access and parking, new signage, a new maintenance building, and equipment to support ongoing upkeep. The $124,000 project was fully grant funded and done by a campground that is operated entirely by American Legion volunteers. The American Legion Campground partnered with CEDA’s Region 5 specialist, Lisa Randall, to coordinate grant requests and manage the project budget, helping bring the project from planning through completion. A picnic was held on June 18, 2026 for funders, contractors and volunteers to celebrate and recognize the project’s success.

Download the Article