Development Corporation of Austin & Mower County- Resources & Programs

City Administrator Jim Hurm
507-437-9941
Email: jhurm@ci.austin.mn.us

City Hall is located in the Municipal Building, a facility it shares with Austin Utilities. The city is governed by the mayor and a seven-member city council, which meets the first and third Monday of each month in the Council Chambers, located in the lower level of the Municipal Building.

Port Authority

Executive Director Jim Hurm
507-437-9941
Email: jhurm@ci.austin.mn.us

The Austin Port Authority is an enterprise fund of the City of Austin, Minnesota. The Authority was created by the City to carry out economic and industrial development and redevelopment within the City in accordance with such general policies as may from time to time be established by the Council and Mayor.

Public Works and Community Development

City Engineer Jon Erichson
507-437-9945
Email: jerichson@ci.austin.mn.us

Community Development Director Craig Hoium
507-437-9952
Email: choium@ci.austin.mn.us

The city of Austin Public Works and Community Development coordinates permits, zoning and planning. Community Development plays a key role in all economic development projects.

Mower County

Mower County Coordinator Craig Oscarson
507-437-9494
Email: info@co.mower.mn.us

Austin Utilities

General Manager Jerry McCarthy
507-433-8866
Email: talk2au@austinutilities.com

A municipal, not-for-profit utility, Austin Utilities provides electricity, gas and water to Austin area residents and businesses. Contact Austin Utilities for information on rates, conservation programs, rebates and incentives.

Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services

President Jim Krueger
1-800-734-6421
Email: djenson@fmcs.coop

For more than 70 years Freeborn Mower Services (FMCS) has been dedicated to bringing the power of electrical energy to farms, homes, businesses and industries in Southeast Minnesota. Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services serves Greater Mower County.

Qwest
1-877-300-4507

Internet, Home Phone and TV Provider

Jaguar
1-800-250-1517
Email: info@jagcom.net

SMIG
1-866-GET-SMIG
Email: smig@smig.net

SMIG has been providing reliable Internet access to the citizens and businesses of Southern Minnesota since 1995. Built on the foundation of a resourceful technical staff, reliable network infrastructure, and an overall concern for customer satisfaction.

Charter
1-800-314-7195
Email: Dexter.general@chartercom.com

JOBZ-State of Minnesota

Craig Hoim
Email: DEED.CustomerService@state.mn.us

Grow you business and increase your company's profits in one of Minnesota's Job Opportunity Building Zones. Our JOBZ initiative provides local and state tax exemptions to qualified companies that expand or relocate into targeted regions outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Tax Increment Financing

Craig Hoim
507-437-9952

Finances the costs of a new real estate development by utilizing funds gained through increased property taxes generated from the development.

Industrial Revenue Bonds

Craig Hoim
507-437-9952

Utilizes proceeds from city-issued revenue bonds to acquire and construct sites and facilities. Lease payments made by the business enterprise to city government are used to service the bonds.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

507-455-3215

They work to build a prosperous region with vibrant communities, innovative businesses and a skilled and valued workforce.

SMIF Revolving Loan Fund

EMERGING BUSINESS

Grants, loans, technical expertise and partnerships are available to:

BIOBUSINESS
ENTREPRENEURS
MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS

504 Corporation

John Garry

504 Corporation is a nonprofit organization certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance to small businesses. As a SBA Certified Development Company, 504 Corporation works with SBA and lenders to deliver the 504 Loan Program to small businesses. Provides up to 40% of project financing at a competitive fixed interest rate and term through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Minnesota Investment Fund

John Garry

Provides grants to help add new workers and retain high quality jobs on a statewide basis. The focus is on industrial, manufacturing, and technology-related industries. Grants are awarded to local units of government who provide loans to assist expanding businesses.

Financial Institutions

Private

US Bank Austin, MN Office
1-800-872-2657

Community Bank of MN
507-433-2265

Sterling State Bank
507-433-7325

Home Federal Savings Bank
507-434-2500

Accentra Credit Union
507-433-1829

Wells Fargo Bank
507-433-1891

First Farmers & Merchants Bank
507-433-3473

Financing Government and Non-Profit

Development Corporation of Austin

1. Austin Revolving Loan Fund (USDA RBEG)
2. USDA Intermediary Relending Program (USDA IRP)

Riverland Community College

The Training and Development Unit of Riverland Community College (RTD) advances the economic vitality of southern Minnesota by providing a variety of dynamic customized training for business and industry.

Workforce Center Austin

Small businesses need access to resources that can help business meet the challenges of owning and operating a small business.

For more information on financing your business needs, please see the Business Financing tab on this page.

Locally, several partners are available to help whether you are starting a business or running a small business.

SBA
A great online resource. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide excellent technical assistance to both start-up companies and small businesses.

SCORE
Score offers useful business templates for both entrepreneurs starting businesses and entrepreneurs with established businesses. Austin has an active SCORE chapter of retired executives exceptionally qualified to help with your business needs.

SMIF
Provides services and support for businesses ranging from loans, technical expertise and partnerships.

Riverland Community College
The Training and Development Unit at Riverland Community College (RTD) advances the economic vitality of southern Minnesota by providing a variety of dynamic customized training for business and industry.

DCA
Contact DCA for support in locating your business, learning more about possible financing and expanding your business.

Chamber of Commerce
The Austin Chamber of Commerce can help start-ups and small businesses think through some initial business planning as well as their jumpstart marketing efforts.

City of Austin
The city of Austin Public Works and Community Development Departments coordinate permits, zoning and planning.