West Central Economic Development Alliance Explained: What We Do for Our Community
March 4, 2024
Making Wadena County the Best Place to do Business
With decades of experience under our belts, we at the West Central Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) know that many of you may have never heard of an Economic Development Alliance. Below is a helpful explanation of what we do for our communities across West Central Minnesota and why our work is crucial for community growth.
Why is WCEDA Important to Wadena County?
Economic development has the power to positively impact our communities in many ways. Businesses employ residents and provide local goods and services, putting money into our local economy. They also pay taxes that go towards vital services such as schools, roads, fire, and police. By attracting and growing businesses in our region, we are contributing to the advancement of our local economies.
What Exactly is WCEDA?
WCEDA was formed in 2011 as a private, not-for-profit organization that focuses on economic development in Wadena County and surrounding communities in West Central Minnesota. Our team directs entrepreneurs and startups to resources for growing their businesses, including our website which was designed as a helpful tool to assist aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members across the region.
Our mission is to give a voice to the economic and business interests of Wadena County and
surrounding West Central Minnesota communities by providing educational, networking, and advocacy resources and opportunities. Often through collaboration with community partners, we work with our communities plus new and current businesses to answer their questions about launching or growing their businesses.
Our work is strongly focused on:
- Education: Provide training and resources on topics that are crucial for business and regional success.
- Networking: Connect businesses and community members to share ideas and solve problems.
- Advocacy: Serve as a voice at the regional, state, and federal level for the economic interests of Wadena County.
We collaborate with local, state, and federal resources and departments to provide assistance for your business. Along with technical and startup assistance, we also offer support with transition planning, market identification, business plan development, educational opportunities and training, and business development attraction. We can help steer your business toward financial assistance and workforce development resources, help obtain permits and zoning approvals, and assist with finding an ideal site for your business. We also work to promote our area to residents and tourists.
Our first major priority involves business startups, plus retention and expansion of businesses. We direct entrepreneurs to the tools and resources necessary to help businesses grow, encourage micro-entrepreneurialism, and support workforce recruitment and retention throughout Wadena County.
Another one of our priorities is community capacity building. We are implementing strategies to update and promote housing options, promote downtown and commercial revitalization, decrease childcare shortages, increase access to housing developments, and recruit new residents.
Who is Involved in the Work that WCEDA Does?
Today, WCEDA consists of an Executive Board of volunteers representing banking,
government, non-profit, and private industry interests. Our full-time Executive Director is responsible for carrying out WCEDA’s day-to-day operations and strategic mission.
WCEDA is funded through our sponsors which include businesses small and large, cooperatives, and local units of government. We are forever in awe of their generosity and grateful for their strong commitment to economic development in Wadena County.
What Resources and Programs Does WCEDA Provide?
Wadena County has various incentives and programs including:
- Over $1,400,000 in local gap financing available.
- Local Revolving Loan Funds
- Tax Abatement Financing
- Tax Increment Financing
- Free and Low Cost Property
- Resources for obtaining other local, state, and federal funding.
For more information about WCEDA or for more details on becoming a sponsor, please feel free to download our information packet.