Retain. Grow. Diversify.

Lead and support economic, community, and workforce development initiatives that retain, grow, and diversify the greater Rochester area economy.

Who We Are

Learn more about RAEDI’s Mission and Vision for the Rochester, Minnesota Community.

What We Do

RAEDI’s programs helps growing and new businesses in the Rochester, Minnesota and surrounding communities.

Why Rochester MSA

Whether you are searching for a new corporate home, a place to expand your business, or a new place to live, the Rochester area offers the finest in business climate, labor force, real estate, utilities, transportation, education, and quality of life.

Economic Development Funding Available

RAEDI has allocated $600,000 in Economic Development Funds (EDF) to support *Base Businesses in the city limits of Rochester. Funding is available as a result of the passage of the half-cent sales tax voted on by the residents of Rochester from 2012. This initiative underscores the commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within the community.

The EDF program offers low-interest loans (minimum $50,000) tailored to meet the needs of local businesses, providing them with the financial resources necessary to thrive and expand. Whether you’re a startup looking to scale up or an established enterprise seeking to invest in new projects, these funds can serve as an asset to fuel your growth ambitions.

Learn more about what a base business is and how the funds can be used.

Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program

The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program provides loan capital for businesses that are owned and operated by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color), low-income persons, women, veterans, and/or persons with disabilities. The program has additional goals of providing jobs for BIPOC and/or low-income persons, creating and strengthening BIPOC business enterprises, and promoting economic development in low-income areas.

Latest News

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Join us for the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. Event

Join RAEDI in celebrating the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Two Discovery Square, Rochester. The festivities will run from 4:30 p.m.…
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Cytotheryx Expands in Rochester

Rochester business, Cytotheryx, Inc., is applying for $870,000 in state funding to buy a new lab building and create 22 new jobs in Rochester. After the Rochester City Council voted…
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About
RAEDI

Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI)

Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) assists existing and potential businesses in the Rochester area secure the private and public resources needed to execute their growth plans. Since inception, RAEDI has assisted hundreds of businesses that have generated more than $2 billion of local economy activity, creating thousands of jobs.

Live, Work, and Invest

Discover more about Rochester and the surrounding area.

Business Funding

Whether through loans, grants or tax incentives, access to sufficient capital is essential when starting and growing your business. Learn more about local and state finance programs available for you.

Business Resources

Learn more about understanding and overcoming the challenges of starting and running a successful business in Minnesota and the Rochester area. Find the resources and guidance here to answer your questions so you can flourish in today’s competitive and ever-changing business world.

RAEDI Investors