October 2020
Region Nine Wins NADO 2020 Photo Contest Award
This year, nearly 120 images were submitted from NADO members across the country that demonstrated what makes their regions great places to live, work, and play. Images were judged in five categories: “Strengthening the Built and Natural Environments,” “Building Vibrant Places,” “Investing in Our Regional Economy,” “Sustaining Our Communities,” and “COVID-19 Response & Recovery.” A “People’s Choice” winner was also chosen online by the public via NADO's Facebook page where over 500 votes were cast.

The above photo was taken by Region Nine's rural equity specialist, Marjorie Zoe Negrón Muñoz, in Rasmussen Park off of the Red Jacket Trail in Mankato, MN. The Red Jacket Trail runs from Mankato to Rapidan, MN and follows a former railroad track that ran near the Blue Earth River and crosses the Le Sueur River. Region Nine wrote in support of the City of Mankato’s and Blue Earth County’s joint application to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission for Regional Designation of the Red Jacket Trail. This designation has the potential to assist both the Mankato and North Mankato area with continued community growth as well as offer more resources for maintenance and future trails connections.

The photo won NADO's 2020 Photo Contest for Strengthening the Built and Natural Environments.
Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. These activities connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors, and even investors — introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.

The Minnesota State University Mankato College of Business Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), Region Nine Development Commission, Small Business Development Center, Regional Center Entrepreneurial Facilitation, Greater Mankato Diversity Council, 1 Million Cups, Launch Minnesota, Social Media Breakfast - Mankato, and the Better Business Bureau invites all students, faculty, staff, and the entire regional community to an annual international celebration of entrepreneurship.

Events occur Monday to Friday, most in the later afternoon. Unless noted, all events are free.
Social Media Breakfast with Kurt Schrader
Kurt Schrader, a talented videographer, will be discussing how entrepreneurs can use video to further their goals.

This event will also feature information about Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 16-21) and will ask the help of everyone attending to get the word out about the 10+ events going on to celebrate entrepreneurship in the Mankato area.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Light breakfast provided.
When:
Friday, November 13th
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Where:
Zoom
The Visual Side of Social Media
When:
Friday, November 20th
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Where:
Best Western Plus,
2101 S. Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN
From short videos to scroll-stopping stills, visuals are king in the social media spectrum. Ashley Aukes, photographer and marketer, will share her tricks for creating visually engaging photos for social media. Whether you're working with a pro or going it alone - there will be advice for you during this engaging training!

This event is FREE and open to the public. Light breakfast provided.
In the Media
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant- Read more

Monday Informer: Rural Diversity Summit Set - Read more

DEI Engaged Exchanges: Episode 9 - Listen Here
$$ Grant Opportunities $$
CARES Act Recovery Assistance Loan Fund

Loans can range from $10,000 to $100,000. The first two years will have 0% interest, followed by 2% interest for the remainder of the loan term.

Two of the primary eligibility criteria are that the business must:

(1) demonstrate financial harm from the pandemic and (2) operate and be registered in any of the nine counties within Region Nine.

Please direct questions to rlf@rndc.org.



Deadline: Ongoing
Community Energy Transition Grant Program

The Community Energy Transition (CET) grant program was established in the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to award grants to assist eligible communities to address the economic dislocation associated with the closing of a local electric generating plant.

The CET grant program assists eligible communities with developing a plan to address the economic and social impact associated with the closing of a local electric generating plant.




Deadline: January 4
Calendar of Events
About Region Nine
Region Nine Development Commission takes great pride in working with and on behalf of counties, cities, townships, and schools throughout South Central Minnesota. Since 1972, being a partner for progress has led to the development of programs and identification of solutions in the areas of economic development, business development, healthy communities, transportation, community development, and leveraging regional resources. To learn more about our work and mission, visit www.rndc.org.
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