An ideal combination of rural community and progressive capabilities, Blue Earth is proud to be home to nearly 300 businesses, both large and small. Located at the intersection of Highways 169 and 90, Blue Earth offers an ideal location for distribution centers. The city is also home to two industrial parks. Moreover, Blue Earth has the high-speed internet and fiber connections every business wants thanks to BEVCOMM.

Ample Available Land & Buildings

Contact Amy Schaefer, Economic Development Specialist, at 515.578.0096 for additional information on the excellent development sites at the crossroads of US Highway 169 and Interstate 90 – the nation’s longest freeway. We’re also only 30 minutes west of Interstate 35.

Realtors

The real estate agents in Blue Earth are also an important source of information both for commercial buildings and employees seeking housing.

• RE/MAX Total Realty
• O/NE Realty

North Industrial Park

• Location Map
• Arial Photo

West Industrial Park

• Site Map 1
• Site Map 2

Plentiful Business Resources & Assistance

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) of the City of Blue Earth administers programs to assist new and expanding businesses.  Application materials for the programs can be obtained by contacting Amy Schaefer, Economic Development Specialist, at 515.578.0096 or amy.schaefer@cedausa.com. 

• The Revolving Loan Fund is a source of gap financing for working capital, equipment, inventory and building construction and renovation. View more information about the Revolving Loan Fund Program.
• The Forgivable Loan/Grant Program provides for the promotion and continuation of existing lifestyle businesses within the City of Blue Earth. Most of these businesses are owned and operated by one individual or a family. The program will provide an incentive for a new individual to purchase an existing lifestyle business and continue operations.  Download additional Forgivable Loan Grant Program information.
• The Commercial Building Improvement Forgivable Loan Program supports the maintenance and updating of commercial buildings within the city limits of Blue Earth. Obtain information about the Commercial Improvement Forgivable Loan

In addition, there are many other sources of financing that can assist a company in their location or expansion in Blue Earth.

• The Faribault County Economic Development Authority serves new and expanding businesses in Faribault County as a source of gap financing.
• The Faribault County Commercial Rehabilitation Forgivable Loan Program (CRL) is a loan program designed to assist the commercial businesses located within Faribault County. The purpose of the program is to upgrade the appearance of commercial properties to increase sales, property values and improve the business climate within the County. Funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis.
• The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is a regional foundation that also makes loans to businesses, provides management assistance and can be a source of equity capital.
• The Huisman Family Fund Grant and Loan Programs were created to support economic development efforts and businesses in Faribault County, Minnesota and the adjoining areas.
• Region 9 Development Commission is a regional source of business financing. Region 9 also hosts the Small Business Development Center, an office devoted to the success of emerging and established small businesses.
• The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development office is an important source of business grants and financing for new and expanding businesses in Blue Earth which is the seat of Faribault County- a USDA Rural Development Champion Community.
• The United States Small Business Administration is a source of financing for small businesses. Blue Earth area businesses have used the SBA and local banks are familiar with the process for working with the SBA.

The importance of preparing a business plan cannot be underestimated. It could likely be the deciding factor in securing an investment in or loan for your business. And, having a good business plan in place will give you the peace of mind that you are working within a budget and working toward defined objectives. As you prepare your business plan, the Economic Development Authority recommends making contact with the Small Business Development Center at the Region 9 Development Commission.The staff of the Small Business Development Center will assist you in performing a thorough financial analysis and projections for your business and assist in the preparation of a quality business plan.

Contact Information

Phone: 507.526.7336
Fax: 507.526.7352
Mailing Address: PO Box 38, Blue Earth, MN 56013
Physical Address: 125 W 6th St, Blue Earth, MN 56013

Mary Kennedy
City Administrator
mkennedy@becity.org

Amy Schaefer
Community and Business Development Specialist
Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA)
amy.schaefer@cedausa.com
Physical Address: 415 S Grove St Ste 4, Blue Earth, MN 56013
515.578.0096 – cell

EDA Board Members and Staff:
Rick Scholtes, City Council Liason
Dan Ristau, City Council Liason
Jamie Jones, President
Bill Roseau, Vice President
Chase Brandt, Treasurer
Peggy Olson
Lissia Laehn
Mary Kennedy, City Administrator, Assistant Treasurer
Amy Schaefer, Economic Development Specialist, CEDA representative
Rayne Hanevik, Office Specialist, Secretary