HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 21 2014 EDA Report 8C
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: January 21, 2014
AGENDA #: 8C
PREPARED BY: Dan Rogness, Community & Economic Development Director
AGENDA ITEM: OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM – CHRISTINE PIGSLEY
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to hear about a new free business advisory
service for all of Scott County from Christine Pigsley (business advisor), called
“Open to Business”.
History
The Scott County CDA is spending $40,000 in 2014 to try a program that provides
free business advisory services to all businesses in Scott County. This program,
which is administered by the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers
(MCCDA), was most recently approved in 2013 by Dakota County.
Current Circumstances
Christine Pigsley will be the business advisor in Scott County, providing office
hours one day per week (Tuesday) in the county government center in Shakopee.
She is also available to meet businesses one-on-one outside of that time, if nec-
essary. City staff believes this will be a good tool for businesses in Technololgy
Village, home-based businesses, and all businesses located in Prior Lake. The
program may also provide micro-business loans that average $10,000 to $25,000.
Conclusion
Christine Pigsley will attend the EDA meeting and provide a summary of this pro-
gram for 2014.
ISSUES: The CDA will be coordinating a meeting in February that is specifically targeted to
banks and other business lenders in order to educate them on how this program
can assist their lending efforts.
FINANCIAL No impact.
IMPACT:
ALTERNATIVES: Information only
RECOMMENDED N/A
MOTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Program brochure for Dakota County
2. Star Tribune article, 1/07/14