ROUND 2: CARES Act/Coronavirus Relief Funds Grant Application Window Now Open October 12 - October 23
(For those who DID NOT apply the first round.)

Locate your business in the Greater Brainerd Lakes Area and grow with us

The Greater Brainerd Lakes Area is a vacation destination. But don’t let all the lakes, trees, and golf courses fool you, this area is also a thriving regional business hub. A growing number of companies have realized the many benefits of locating in this area and are working together to energize the community. Come join them!

Why not work where you play?

The Greater Brainerd Lakes Area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Minnesota. Stories abound of corporate employees fleeing the stress of an unbalanced work/home life in favor of a slower pace nestled in nature. With the help and support of the Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC), businesses are offering their employees a relaxed atmosphere enhanced by extraordinary natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Brainerd Lakes Area is the perfect place to expand or relocate a business or start a new venture.

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BLAEDC HAS WORKED TO INVEST OVER $707 MILLION IN CAPITAL INVESTMENTS<br />
INTO 446 PROJECTS CREATING 5,013 JOBS SINCE 1987

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Our Partners Know

MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS THE MISSION OF EXPANDING BUSINESS, BUILDING COMMUNITY, AND GROWING JOBS IN CROW WING COUNTY.

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Thank you to our Executive Sponsors

“BLAEDC has been an integral part of helping connect the dots and identify financial strategies for future business growth and development.”

Aimee Jobe Owner, NP Event Space September 6, 2017
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“BLAEDC was instrumental in our move to Baxter. Mike and Sheila met with us to connect us to organizations and individuals in this area that paved the way to a smooth transition for our family. Mike not only introduced us to business contacts, but also set up meetings for us to meet with the school district and tour Forestview Middle School at which both our children will attend this fall. We appreciated the warm welcome to the Baxter/Brainerd area!”

Brad and Paula Chapulis Baxter Residents September 6, 2017
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“Pequot Tool & Mfg. started working with BLAEDC back in the late 1980’s with our parents. BLAEDC helped them find affordable financing to build a new building and add machinery and expand our our business, so we could bring on new employees to grow our sales. Today, we see value in BLAEDC helping us find key people, to continue to help grow our business.”

Karlo Goerges CEO, Pequot Tool and Mfg., Inc. September 6, 2017
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“Navigating complex financing paths can be stifling. BLAEDC is very instrumental in making those connections as well as business contacts and site selection.”

Tom and Ellen Haglin Owners, LINDAR Corporation/Avantech May 31, 2017
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“BLAEDC has been instrumental in helping us develop relationships that led us to locate and more importantly grow our business in the Brainerd Lakes area over the last 20 years.”

Mike Dillon President, Lexington Manufacturing May 31, 2017
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BLAEDC NEWS

May 21, 2019

Published by Megan Rehbein at May 21, 2019

River to Rail: Brainerd council learns of downtown revitalization opportunities

Downtown parking solutions and tax increment financing districts became the focal points of a presentation on Brainerd’s River to Rail initiative in front of city council […]

March 2, 2018

Published by Megan Rehbein at March 2, 2018

Community activists gather for city revitalization event

For the community activists packed into the Northern Pacific Center’s Luminary Fern, Monday’s River to Rail event served as a moment to regroup and refocus. Disappointed […]