WHAT WE DO
Historically Rich and Naturally Pure!
The Ely Economic Development Authority encourages economic growth throughout the Ely area by promoting the business opportunities and advantages that Ely offers; identifying needs of the business community and facilitating strategic partnerships to address the needs; and, encouraging investments that create jobs, generate economic opportunities and improve the quality of life in the Greater Ely area.
The City of Ely provides unique opportunities for recreation, culture, and work not often seen in a city of its size. Ely continues to offer an excellent quality of life to residents of the region. The City strives to maintain outstanding educational opportunities, a full range of medical services, exceptional outdoor experiences, and an unequaled sense of community spirit.
Ely provides a safe and friendly atmosphere, in affordable neighborhoods that complement their natural surroundings. Ely supports business, industry, institutions, and entrepreneurship – providing long-term, quality employment, and economic vitality.
Leading Ely Employment Industries
View information about Ely’s population and demographics and download our Land Use & Comphrensive Plan.
OUR PARTNERS
Our partners are your partners. We work closely with organizations across our region to help businesses be successful as they look to expand or startup in Ely, Minnesota. As the EEDA we’ll make connections to the right programs and resources for your business.
The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency
The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) was incorporated in April, 1965, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and established as a Community Action Program (CAP) for the northeast Minnesota counties of St. Louis, Lake, and Cook. Service delivery for some programs has extended to the four neighboring counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, and Koochiching.
BLANDIN FOUNDATION
Blandin Foundation stands with rural Minnesota communities as they design and claim ambitious, vibrant futures. Blandin Foundation is a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. As of December 31, 2017, the foundation leveraged the proceeds from a trust worth approximately $407 million.
IRRRB
Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation provides vital funding, including low or no interest loans and grants for businesses relocating or expanding in the region. Additionally, a variety of grants are available to local units of government, education institutions, and nonprofits that promote workforce development and sustainable communities.
The Northland Foundation
The Northland Foundation is a publicly supported foundation serving the northeastern Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis, and the three Tribal Nations in the region: the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Through grantmaking, an operating program, business lending, and special initiatives, we help people and communities in our region to move forward together.
The Entrepreneur Fund
The Entrepreneur Fund actively partners with entrepreneurs in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin to spark growth and achieve success. We accelerate business growth with business loans and flexible financing, fuel success with strategic support and help promote a culture of entrepreneurship throughout the region.
DEED
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is the State of Minnesota’s principal economic development agency. Its mission includes supporting the economic success of individuals, businesses, and communities by improving opportunities for growth.
OUR MISSION & VISION
The Ely Economic Development Authority’s mission is to position Ely as one of Minnesota’s most desirable cities to open, grow and maintain a business.
The EEDA’s vision is to improve the economic vitality of the City of Ely and to enhance the overall quality of life by attracting and retaining businesses, creating partnerships, fostering employment opportunities, promoting workforce housing, business growth and expanding the tax base through development and redevelopment.
Community News, Events, and Quarterly Reports
City of Ely Commercial Development Corridor Program (forgivable loan)
The EEDA Development Corridor Program (DCP) provides a loan and forgivable loan/grant for up to a $75,000 project to qualified and approved applicants to be used for substantial physical improvements to Ely businesses to expand employment [...]
Main Street Grant Application – Now Open!
Main Street Revitalization Grant Thank you for your interest in the DEED Main Street Revitalization Program administered by Northland Foundation! In May 2022, the Northland Foundation was awarded a Main Street Economic Revitalization grant of $3 [...]
Federal grant will jumpstart next phase of Ely trailhead project
A $1.5 million federal grant will help the city of Ely take the next step in its trailhead and west end development project. The city was awarded the money earlier this week, and it will be [...]