In response to COVID-19, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) has made $10,000 available for a City Utility Fee (water bill) Program. The funds are to assist qualified Farmington business owners with a one-time direct assistance grant of up to $500. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the allotted fund balance has been used.

The requirements for acceptance to the program are:

• The business must be located in Farmington
  
  
• The business must have 100 employees or less company-wide

How to apply:

1. Complete the Utility Fee Program fillable form.
   
   
2. Make a copy of your current city utility bill (water bill).
   
   
3. Attach the completed form (save it as a document to your computer) and copy of your current city utility bill (water bill) to an email to Cindy Muller at CMuller@FarmingtonMN.gov. 

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade, workforce development, and community development.

COVID-19

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is offering information for employees and employers affected by this pandemic. This includes information for temporary closure of in-person dining at restaurants, bars and others affected by the Governor's executive order. The link below provides information for employees and employers.

DEED Information

A Guide for Minnesota Small Business Who Need Help - Different programs make sense for different businesses during the pandemic time. So the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED) created a summary guide to help small businesses quickly see which programs might be right for their situation.

Business Emergency Loan Program - MN DEED is creating an emergency loan program for Minnesota's small businesses.  Thousands of businesses negatively impacted by Covid-19 could be helped.

Safe Work Environments - MN DEED has announced new tools to help businesses promote safe work environments.

The Business Subsidy Policy outlines the criteria for either tax increment financing or tax abatement.  Please see either of these tax incentive policies for detailed information.

• Business Subsidy Policy

Farmington partners with the Dakota County CDA and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers to offer the Open to Business Program. Business Advisor Natalie Mouilso offers one-on-one business counseling and personal assistance for entrepreneurs and business owners at no cost. Natalie will work with you to develop a strong business plan, identify challenges and opportunities for your business, and tailor solutions to your business questions. She can also help determine financial needs and identify and apply for financing that will meet those needs.

COVID-19
Open to Business is your FREE business assistance resource provided by Dakota County. During this time the Open to Business team is ready to discuss your business concerns from COVID-19 related funding needs (Federal, State) to cash flow and next steps for keeping your business open. Call or email. We are ready and here for you. Weekly virtual office hours via phone and zoom are available.  Appointments are available, but not required.  Office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 - 3 pm and Fridays from 9:30 am to noon.  Sign up today!

Open to Business Advisor
Natalie Mouilso
952-451-6390 (work)
nmouilso@mccdmn.org
www.opentobusinessmn.org

The Economic Development Authority has made funding available to land owners to be used for preparing their land for development. Land owners in the I-1 (industrial), IP (industrial park), B-1 (highway business) and B-3 (heavy business) districts. Grants are available in an amount up to $5,000 each.

For information, contact Adam Kienberger at 651-280-6820 or AKienberger@FarmingtonMN.gov

• Site Readiness Guidelines
• Site Readiness Application

1. Use Internet Explorer
2. Fill in the form completely and save it
3. Attach it to an email or bring in to City Hall

The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Farmington’s position relating to the use of tax abatement for private development above and beyond the requirements and limitations set forth by state law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications requesting tax abatement assistance.

• Farmington Tax Abatement Policy
• Farmington Tax Abatement Application

1. Use Internet Explorer
2. Fill in the form completely and save it
3. Attach it to an email or bring it in to City Hall

The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Farmington’s position relating to the use of tax increment financing (TIF) for private development above and beyond the requirements and limitations set forth by state law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications requesting tax increment assistance.

Tax increment financing (TIF) uses the increased property taxes generated by new real estate development within a tax increment district to pay for certain eligible costs associated with the development.

• Tax Increment Financing Policy
• Tax Increment Financing Application

1. Use Internet Explorer
2. Fill in the form completely and save it
3. Attach it to an email or bring in to City Hall

In conjunction with various city adopted plans such as the Downtown Redevelopment Plan and Trunk Highway 3 Corridor Plan, it has been acknowledged that redevelopment needs to focus on retaining, reinvesting, and reinvigorating underutilized buildings and properties within our commercial and industrial areas of the city. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) has made funding available to financially assist property owners & leasers for projects which focus on property, building, and code improvements which are otherwise seen as barriers for reinvestment, reuse, and redevelopment of a property.

Grants will be made in the amount of $1,500 up to $10,000 according to the scale in the guidelines and will require a 1:1 match by the applicant. 

Forms:

Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program Guidelines

Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program Application for Property Owners

Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program Application for Leaseholders/Tenants

To apply, please review the Program Guidelines, fill out the appropriate application (property owner or leaseholder/tenant), and attach it to an email. Applications should be sent to CMuller@FarmingtonMN.gov or brought into City Hall.

In conjunction with the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) has made funding available to downtown business owners to be used for building façade and exterior improvements. Improvements include items such as awnings, paint, tuck pointing, exterior lighting, decorative signage, windows, doors, gutters, accessibility improvements, permanent patios, utility screening, dumpster enclosures, etc.

Grants will be made in the amount of $1,500 up to $10,000 according to the scale in the guidelines and require a 1:1 match by the applicant.

• Downtown Façade Improvement Program Guidelines
• Downtown Façade Improvement Program Application

1. Use Internet Explorer
2. Fill in the form completely and save it
3. Attach it to an email or bring in to City Hall

The city offers businesses the opportunity to host a ribbon cutting event free of charge. Businesses interested in hosting a ribbon cutting should call 651-280-6803 or CMuller@FarmingtonMN.gov to schedule the event.

The city is a part of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is committed to building a stronger business community in Dakota County. They proudly serve the cities of Eagan, Farmington, Lilydale, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Rosemount, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. We're proud to contribute to the outstanding quality of life our businesses enjoy every day. Visit them on the web to learn of the many ways they’re helping make the Dakota County area the best possible place to live and work.

The Farmington Business Association is a non-profit business association dedicated to providing the residents of Farmington with a successful business environment, give back to the community through the planning and promotion of events within the City of Farmington, preserve and protect the historic downtown area, and provide networking opportunities to our membership.”

The CDA is a local government agency administering over 30 programs and managing over 2,100 units of affordable workforce and senior housing serving the communities and residents of Dakota County. They can assist you with buying a home by creating a plan to include credit repair, creating a household budget and identifying mortgage loan products.