Business Development/ Starting A Business
Small businesses are the foundations of our local economy. Whether you’re just starting out or are already running your business, the Chamber is here to help. This guide can assist you in finding the proper resources and get you started.
Starting a Business in Hibbing
Hibbing is the birthplace of a variety of businesses large and small. From enormous taconite mines to ma and pop small businesses, we will help any business interested in opening in our beloved community. Multiple business parks, service centers, malls and a bustling downtown main street are just a few of the commercial locations available for development. The Chamber is a business advocate and is here to help make your project happen! Hibbing has multiple agencies and resources which are available to assist and the Chamber can help connect you to those that apply to your project if needed.
CLICK HERE to tackle the most common questions you may have
Central Iron Range Business Resource Guide
The Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce BR&E committee has created a Central Iron Range Business Resource Guide with the information listed below. The guide is a resource for those looking to start, grow, and finance their business in the surrounding areas.
AEOA-Business Energy Retrofit (BER)/Downtown Building Rehabilitation (DBR)
Shining new light on local businesses. The BER/DBR programs helps local businesses regardless of size or type to improve commercial space and energy costs. Call Erik Bennett at AEOA at 218-780-8061 or email erik.bennett@aeoa.org
Business Energy Retrofit (BER):
The Standard Business Energy Retrofit Program (BER) is designed to aid in financing the energy retrofit project. The BER Program will support and provide the business up to $20,000 in eligible retrofit expenses or 1/3 of the total project up to $60,000. A $500.00 application fee will be required to participate in this program at the initial inspection and processed at the time of project closing.
BER FY25 Program (2025) - Business Energy Retrofit Program
BER FY25 (2025) - Business Energy Retrofit Program Application
Downtown Building Rehabilitation (DBR):
The Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DBR) is designed to help aid in financing code compliant construction and remodeling projects on main streets in downtown's. The DBR Program will support and provide 1/3 project cost up to $50,000 in eligible expenses. Up to 10% of awarded grant funding may be utilized for professional services such as an architect or engineer. A $500.00 application fee will be required to participate in this program and will be processed at the time of project closing. Total program funding this year is $250,000.
DBR FY25 (2025) - Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program
DBR FY25 (2025)- Downtown Buidling Rehabilitation Program Application
MN Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED)
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has developed two Pilot Grant Programs including the Innovative Voucher Pilot Program and the Job Training Incentive Pilot Program (JTIP). Giving awards to Technical Assistance and Employee Training.
Innovation Voucher Award Program:
The Innovation Voucher Award Program provides $5,000 to $25,000 awards to help small businesses purchase technical assistance and services necessary to advance research, development or commercialization of new or innovative products and services. For information on applying for a grant and finding a service provider, go to the DEED website or contact Sarah Miller at 651-259-7434.
Job Training Incentive Pilot Program:
The Job Training Incentive Pilot Program (JTIP) is for businesses that have less than 150 employees, considering hiring 5 new employees or increasing workforce by 10%, and business must be engaged in manufacturing, warehouse, distributions, information technology, finance, insurance, or professional or technical service activities. The program awards training grants of up to $50,000 for customized, proprietary training. Applications are being accepted until December 31, 2015. This is an extension of the pilot program's end date as funds are still available.
Business Development Partners
HEDA https://www.hibbingmn.gov/180/Hibbing-Economic-Development-Authority-H
HEDA Business Loan Guidelines and Application - HEDA - City of Hibbing
Store Front Loan Guidelines & Application
Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board
Business Assistance Request Form
State of Minnesota, Department of Employment and Economic Development
Center for Economic Development / Small Business Development Center
- Commercial PowerGrant Rebate
- Commercial & Industrial PowerGrant 'Saving More than Energy'
- Process to Calculate & Submit Commercial Customer Rebate
- PowerGrant Application - Lighting
United States Department of Agriculture
Contact: Matthew Johnson
Telephone: 218-725-5008
Employee Relocation & Recruitment
The Chamber will also help your employees as they relocate to our community. We will provide them with one on one assistance in finding resources such as realtors, service agencies, healthcare providers, etc. We will help them get their children registered for school or signed up for a favorite sport. We know that the success of your business depends on the well-being of your employees.
We will also help your business to find employees in the region. Local and state resources stand ready to assist you in employee training and recruitment. Our people are known for their strong work ethic and tenacity. Data shows that there is an ample worker pool within 60 miles - depending, of course, on the type of employees you are looking for.
For more information, please contact Shelly Hanson at s.hanson@hibbing.org or 218-262-3895.
Community Information & Statistics
About Hibbing, MN
Hibbing is the heartbeat of Minnesota’s Iron Range. Our community is 72 miles northwest of Duluth, 208 miles north of Minneapolis/ St. Paul, and 90 miles south of the Canadian border. The city is the largest on the Iron Range and serves as a regional center for government, healthcare, professional services, mining, retail, and education. 75,000 people live within a 60-minute drive to Hibbing. The people of our region have a strong work ethic which the region will need as expansions in the mining sector grow thousands of well-paying jobs.
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