New Ulm Economic Development Authority

07/24/2026

Fun Fact Friday:

07/06/2026

Alyssa Besemer, owner of Blooming Minds Daycare, received a $10,000 EDA Small Business Incentive Grant, presented by Heather Bregel, New Ulm EDA. Blooming Minds Daycare provides childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years old.

Learn more about it on the EDA website: https://newulmbusiness.com/blooming-minds-daycare-receives-eda-grant/

06/26/2026

Tami and Johnny Hanson, owners of Sota Street Studio, received a $10,000 EDA Small Business Incentive Grant, presented by Heather Bregel, New Ulm EDA. Sota Street Studio provides a welcoming place for your creativity to flow!

Learn more about them on the EDA website: https://newulmbusiness.com/sota-street-studio-receives-eda-grant/

06/18/2026

Lana Bianchi, the owner of Benny's at The NU Franklin, received a $10,000 EDA Small Business Incentive Grant, presented by Heather Bregel, New Ulm EDA. Benny's offers great food, drinks and atmosphere with live music three nights a week. Learn more about them on the EDA website:

https://newulmbusiness.com/bennys-2026-grant-check/

06/12/2026

Juan Ocampo, the owner of The Fusion Bar & Grill, received a $10,000 EDA Small Business Incentive Grant, presented by Heather Bregel, New Ulm EDA. The Fusion Bar & Grill offers great food and drinks with a fusion of cultures. Learn more about them on the EDA website:

https://newulmbusiness.com/the-fusion-bar-and-grill-receives-eda-small-business-grant/

06/05/2026

Edwin Morales, the owner of Tienda Alianza Latina, received a $10,000 EDA Small Business Incentive Grant, presented by Heather Bregel, New Ulm EDA. Edwin and his family enjoy offering a variety of their favorite specialty products with the community and invites you to shop at their unique store at 1610 S Broadway. Learn more about them on the EDA website:

https://newulmbusiness.com/tienda-alianza-latina-receives-first-eda-small-business-incentive-grant-in-2026/

04/08/2026

📊 Big News for Our Community!

We’re excited to share a powerful insight from Placer.ai data—visitors to New Ulm spent an estimated $18.9 million over the past year, up from $16.5 million the year before. 🎉

So what does this mean for us?

💼 Stronger Local Businesses – Increased visitor spending supports our shops, restaurants, and service providers, helping them grow and thrive.

👷 More Jobs & Opportunities – As businesses see more activity, it can lead to job creation and expanded services.

🏗️ Investment in Our Community – Higher economic activity strengthens our tax base, helping fund improvements to infrastructure, parks, and public amenities.

🎯 Proof We’re a Destination – More people are choosing to visit, shop, dine, and spend time here—and that’s something to be proud of!

This growth reflects the hard work of our local businesses, the success of our events, and the welcoming spirit of our community. Let’s keep the momentum going!

04/03/2026

📢 City Update: Enhancing Our Community with Data

The City of New Ulm is excited to announce a new partnership with Placer.ai to better understand and serve our community.

✨ What does this mean?

We’ll be using anonymized, aggregated, real-time foot traffic data to:

📍 Support local businesses with valuable market insights
🌳 Improve public spaces and guide thoughtful city planning
🎉 Enhance community events and experiences

🔒 Privacy First - Placer.ai follows strict privacy standards. All data is aggregated and does not track or identify individuals.

Together, we’re taking a data-driven approach to building a stronger, more vibrant community!

03/19/2026

Small Employers: Did you know that MN offers Small Employer Assistance Grants to help cover costs when an employee has taken leave under the new Paid Family Leave program?

If you qualify as a small employer under Paid Leave, you can apply for a grant to help cover costs when an employee has
taken leave. These grants help manage the cost of hiring temporary workers, increasing hours or wages, or training staff
while an employee is out on Paid Leave.

Grants offer up to $3,000 per approved leave, with a maximum of $6,000 per employer each calendar year. This is a
reimbursement program. Grant funding is for costs already incurred. The program is funded at $5,000,000 annually, and
once those funds are fully used, we will not accept additional applications that calendar year. Expenses incurred before
January 1, 2026, are not eligible.

More information on the grants is available on the following website.

Paid Leave is a way for small employers to support employees when they need it most. Find resources and information to help make Paid Leave work for you and your organization.

02/25/2026