Shoreview is Where Economic Development Happens

Shoreview is a small town with a thriving small business community that is fortunate to have access to many advantages its close proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area affords. But these businesses also benefit from the efforts of the people and organizations within its own boundary, like the City of Shoreview Economic Development Department. This May, there are two exceptional national efforts designed to bring awareness to the activities of the City of Shoreview Economic Development Department and other similar organizations - National Small Business Week and National Economic Development Week.  

Shoreview helps small businesses

There are numerous local and regional economic development resources available to entrepreneurs and businesses in Shoreview. The Shoreview Economic Development staff includes Tom Simonson, assistant city manager/community development director and Niki Hill, assistant community development director. They offer support and connections to the resources needed to address issues businesses face in Shoreview. For example, funding is always a bottleneck for businesses, regardless if an entrepreneur is looking to start up a business or an established company is determining its ability to expand. The city of Shoreview offers several funding assistance programs, like the Small Business Emergency Assistance Program, or local and state incentives that apply to specific situations. 

The city of Shoreview can also connect businesses to the training needed to further their operations, like the CEO Next Best Institute, which exists to help support growing companies at no cost to them. The program is tailored for businesses employing 10 to 99 individuals, with revenue between $1 and $50 million, that are past the start-up phase and looking to grow. Other area resources can be found here. 

The city established the Shoreview Business Peer Advisory Group, where fellow business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs gather together to exchange ideas and share experiences among each other in a safe and informal learning environment. The monthly group meetings are led by a member of our economic development commission, and an experienced business coach and facilitator. 

Additionally, Shoreview has two citizen-advisory boards tasked with providing economic development policy direction. The Shoreview Economic Development Authority facilitates economic growth by focusing on housing, business retention and expansion and commercial redevelopment. The five-member board is appointed by Shoreview’s City Council and includes three city council members and two at-large community members. In addition, the Authority works with many regional and state economic partners to provide the complete assistance every business requires.

The second is the Economic Development Commission, which supports business development and growth in Shoreview through business promotion, expansion, retention and attraction.

May 2022 recognition

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has promoted National Small Business Week in the first week of May for more than 50 years. In 2022, the event runs from May 1-7, including a virtual summit from May 2-5 that is free to register for. The summit offers tools, information and other resources entrepreneurs need to drive economic growth by making their ideas a reality. 

Those small businesses receive much of their critical support structure and guidance from economic development organizations. The International Economic Development Council’s seventh annual National Economic Development Week (EDW) is from May 9 to 13 and represents an opportune time to reflect on the importance of local economic development efforts to build a vibrant and sustainable community.

EDW is a chance to recognize economic developers, the local leaders and organizations who work tirelessly to recruit investors, develop businesses, create jobs, enhance the tax base and ultimately improve the quality of life of their communities. There are many resources available for those looking to participate in this year's events. The IEDC’s #EconDevWeek22 Toolkit offers a number of ideas while using #EconDevWeek can help amplify the value EDOs have in a community. 

The City of Shoreview Economic Development Department seeks to work together with area businesses and residents to facilitate the local economy's growth. Please contact us to learn how we can help you today!