Buy & Build Greater Mankato
Buy from Area Businesses and Build our Community!
When you Buy in the Greater Mankato area your money helps Build our community! The money you spend in the Greater Mankato regional marketplace goes into our schools, businesses, homes and community services. Businesses and organizations in the area currently spend $1.9 billion out of the Greater Mankato area on products and services. If we all Shift 5% of the money we spend outside of the region to area businesses, the impact could be significant.
 | If all businesses and organizations shifted an average of just 5%, it could have a $118 million economic impact & create 892 jobs. | |
| Making the shift might be easier than you think. | |
| Be recognized for committing to shift 5%. | |
| See the businesses and organizations that have taken the pledge. | |
| Visit greatermankatodirectory.com to find out what business in the area have the products and services you need. | |
| Learn more about Buy & Build Greater Mankato. |
When more money is spent in the area, the regional economy is enriched and businesses need more employees to manufacture products or serve customers, thus creating more jobs. According to a Greater Mankato Growth-commissioned University of Minnesota Extension study, if all business and organizations shifted an average of 5% of the money they spend outside the region to Greater Mankato businesses, together we have the potential to:
- Add $83 million in direct spending into the regional economy
- Make a $118 million total economic impact on our regional economy
- Create 892 new jobs
Click here for the full report with more detailed information about the impact you can make when you Shift 5%.
Shift the obvious…
Consumables like office or cleaning supplies, printed materials, ad specialties, and so many more are readily purchased locally and often can be delivered to your door.
Shift the subtle…
Next time you whip out the company credit card to pay for something locally, make sure the credit card is provided by a local institution.
Shift the unique…
Buy one of a kind wedding and baby gifts from local artists. Your gift will be unique, and best of all, locally made and sold.
Shift product purchases…
When shopping for a new or used vehicle, while comparing price and service after the sale, make sure to give Greater Mankato’s car dealers every opportunity to earn your business before buying elsewhere.
Shift service purchases…
Financial and insurance services purchased locally often come with face to face service that is priceless. Not only do you get a great deal on your services, you get personal customer service for free.
(Source: 5 Ways to Shift 5% provided by BuyRochesterMN.com)
Q What is the Buy & Build Greater Mankato Initiative?
A Buy & Build Greater Mankato is an initiative that encourages businesses and organizations in the Greater Mankato Area to shift 5% of the money they currently spend outside of the regional marketplace into the area. The results will create more revenue for our schools, businesses, homes, and community services which increase jobs and strengthen the local economy!
Q What is the potential impact on the community and the economy?
A Greater Mankato Growth commissioned a study by the University of Minnesota Extension which found that we have the potential to bring $1.9 billion back to the Greater Mankato regional marketplace. If all businesses and organizations shift just 5% of their purchases from outside to inside the regional marketplace, it will result in $83 million directly into the marketplace, with a total economic impact of $118 million and as many as 892 new jobs. Greater Mankato Growth will track this progress based upon the pledges that come in on this website.
Q How do you define “Greater Mankato”?
A The Greater Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes all of Nicollet and Blue Earth counties, and may also include those communities immediately adjacent, which makes up our regional marketplace.
Q Who are Buy & Build “Partners”?
A Partners are businesses and organizations in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties that have made a commitment to Buy & Build by pledging to either shift 5% or to continue to spend at least 65% of goods and services that are available in the Greater Mankato regional marketplace. See a list of the Buy & Build Partners here or you can see all businesses in the Online Business Directory where the Buy & Build Partners will have the Buy & Build logo next to their name!
Q How can my business or organization become a Buy and Build Greater Mankato Partner?
A Check out our suggestions on 5 Ways to Shift 5% and make the pledge!
Q Where do I go to find out where I can find products and services from the area, so I can Buy & Build?
A Find businesses in Nicollet or Blue Earth county and adjacent communities in the Greater Mankato Growth Online Business Directory. Search by name, location, or business category.
Q What if I already spend as much of my goods and services as I can that are available in Greater Mankato?
A We understand that some businesses and organizations have unique products and services that sometimes cannot be produced in our region, or some that have already made it a priority to spend as much as they can here. If so, you should definitely be recognized as a Buy and Build Greater Mankato Partner. Make the pledge, using Option B)
Q Why are we focusing on business and organization pledges?
A Business to business spending has the biggest impact on our local economy, according to the U of M Extension Office study.
Q What can consumers do to help Buy and Build Greater Mankato?
A Consumers can also use the Greater Mankato Business Online Business Directory and patronize those businesses and organizations that have pledged to be a Buy and Build Partner. While you don't need to make a formal pledge, you're spending decisions can definitely help to Buy and Build Greater Mankato too!