People's Energy Cooperative has established a Rural Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund to further the public purpose of economic development through joint public and private investments consistent with the mission of the Cooperative.  Eligible applicants include public authorities and private ventures undertaking eligible projects which include, but are not limited to:

• Commercial and industrial site development
• Municipal infrastructure in support of commercial and industrial site development
• Purchase of machinery and equipment or working capital
• Community projects and projects that provide education and/or healthcare

Ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Agricultural production
• Refinancing existing debt
• Electric or telephone infrastructure purchase
• Any illegal activity

Contact Marty Walsh at People's Energy Cooperative for more information on terms and how to apply.

In addition, several other programs serve the region's need for start-up and operational capital.

• USDA
• 504 Corporation SBA Loans
• RAEDI Financing Programs
• DEED Programs
• SMIF
• Local Venture Capital Funds
  • Austin Area Angels
  • Southeast Minnesota Capital Fund
  • Ag Ventures Alliance
  • Hill Capital
  • Great North Labs

We work with all our community led Economic Development Authorities, and encourage businesses to check with local agencies for local aid.

• Eyota 
• Dover
• Plainview
• Elgin
• Chatfield
• Stewartville
• Byron 
• Kasson 
• Oronoco
• Pine Island
• Dodge County
• Olmsted County
• Fillmore County
• Winona County
• Mower County
• Wabasha County
• Goodhue County

People’s Energy Cooperative works with many other regional agencies to promote the growth of Southeast Minnesota, each with their own programs and approach.

• Dairyland Power Cooperative
• Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.
• Community and Economic Development Associates, Inc.
• Small Business Development Center - SE Minnesota
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
• Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
• E1: Entrepreneurs First
• Southern Minnesota Economic Impact Study
• United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development

We believe that Electric Vehicles provide an important element of future growth in many business sectors, and are excited to aid companies looking at this option.

• PEC EVs
• The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has several reports on the emerging technologies of electric vehicles for commercial application. Please contact staff to receive a copy.
  • Preparing to Plug In Your Fleet

People’s Energy Cooperative recognizes the economic growth of the region depends on being able to house a growing workforce, and we are working to help make those homes and all new construction as affordable and efficient as possible.

• PEC Construction Guidelines 
• Beneficial and Efficient Energy Program for New Construction 

Calling all MN-based farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and food businesses! You are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a free technical assistance program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will provide free, one-on-one coaching to help with everything from crafting business plans to writing grants to deploying strategies for marketing. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but spots are limited so apply today.

The HEN program also recently launched a number of free online resources, including recorded webinars on marketing, grant writing, and legal issues, as well as a new HEN Toolkit that covers many of the common issues agricultural entrepreneurs face. To access these resources and apply for free business coaching and assistance, visit Agricultural (cedausa.com). This program is made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

CEDA is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative community development practices and business growth in small towns. To learn more about HEN or CEDA, please contact Courtney Bergey Swanson at courtney.bergey@cedausa.com or 507-251-9272.