Existing Business Development

• Engaging with existing businesses in our area, through one-on-one visits and roundtables, to provide direct assistance or learn about current business needs.
• Helping existing businesses access resources, programs and organizations that can help them grow and expand.
• Working with various organizations to make the business community aware of workshops and seminars beneficial to their business.
• Making businesses and consumers (from within and outside the area) aware of the goods and services available in the Greater Mankato marketplace to create opportunities for our regional businesses.
• Providing opportunities to connect consumers directly to business for potential business traffic and sales.
• Offering existing businesses opportunities to be recognized for achievements through the Greater Mankato Business Awards & Hall of Fame.

Entrepreneur Resources through the Greater Mankato Business Accelerator

(a program of GMG and City of Mankato)

• Connecting start-up and emerging businesses to resources in the marketplace (e.g. technical assistance, space, capital).
• Providing individualized services to guide entrepreneurs through the stages of building a business.
• Supplementing existing resources in the marketplace when a needed service is not available, by working with others to develop new programs for entrepreneurs (e.g. Brian Fazio Creation Project and Wellspring Investor Alliance).

Business Attraction

• Providing comprehensive information, through online and printed sources, that give businesses considering locating in the area all the information they need.
• Working to attract new primary economy businesses to the marketplace utilizing an effective mix of targeted marketing strategies.
• Partnering with the State of Minnesota and statewide industry groups to participate in marketing opportunities to attract businesses to the region
• Facilitating and coordinating community responses to business expansion and location inquiries from outside the region.

Talent Initiatives

• Partnering with our local K-12 education system to provide opportunities that prepare students for the world of work and develop needed workforce talent through Career & Technical Education programs.
• Engaging young talent in our community, through programs such as the Greater Mankato Young Professionals.
• Providing comprehensive leadership training with a community focus through the Greater Mankato Leadership Institute.
• Attracting or re-attracting talent to the Greater Mankato area by connecting with our community alumni.

Community Coordination

• Serving as a catalyst for starting community events that make Greater Mankato an attractive place to live and visit.

• Coordinating community visioning activities related to Envision 2020 plan.
• Convening regional leaders to work together on issues important to our region through the Greater Mankato Leadership Delegation.
• Providing information about the livability assets of Greater Mankato.

Advocacy

• Approaching local issues from an educational standpoint by offering all perspectives and information and allowing constituents to make their own decisions.
• Maintaining a relationship with Southern Minnesota Advocates