Heartland Lakes Development Commission

Heartland Lakes Development commission received funding from department of employment & economic Development (deed) under the main street economic revitalization program in two separate funding rounds. The program is intended to combat the negative impact of the pandemic to main streets that rely on travel tourism, retail, and accommodation. The result is that many businesses delayed or cancelled improvement or expansion projects.in the first round, Heartland Lakes received $200,000 to be granted to businesses located in park rapids. The second round expanded the geography to include the businesses located in akeley, nevis, dorset, laporte, and lake george.the program provides grant funding of up to 30% of eligible project costs up to a maximum award of $30,000. Eligible projects include costs associated with the repair or renovation of real property, new construction, landscaping or streetscaping, demolition or site preparation, predesign or design, engineering infrastructure, and related site amenities.heartland Lakes Development commission began awarding grants in february 2022. To date, 14 businesses have received a total of $221,671 in grant funds which has leveraged an additional $738,900 in local resources. Funding is available through december 31, 2024, with priority given to businesses located outside of the park rapids corridor until june 2023.the renovations to 100 8th street e were completed in january and the new cooperative working space opened, providing a wide array of services for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and remote workers.