Frequently Asked Questions: Todd County Development Corporation Overview

We are situated in the heart of Central Minnesota, offering direct and easy access to Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 71 which provides excellent connectivity to St. Cloud and Alexandria, as well as the Twin Cities and Fargo-Moorhead metro areas.

We’re also connected to other agricultural and industrial centers via four local trucking companies and an active municipal airport that accommodates corporate jets via a lighted, 3,000-foot paved runway.

Average wages across all sectors of Todd County are markedly lower than the rest of Minnesota, giving local employers a true cost advantage. Manufacturing wages typically sit 25 percent below the state manufacturing average. For current, more detailed wage information, click here or go to the MN DEED website.

Absolutely. Todd County has built a diverse agriculture and manufacturing base around one of the most productive, loyal workforces in the state. Its record-setting productivity rates, low turn-over, and affordable wages help labor and tech-intensive businesses to lower their operating costs and gain a competitive edge.

Todd County supports a diverse base of stable employers. Core industry clusters include livestock and egg processing, printing and publishing, transportation equipment, technology, healthcare, and government.

Yes! Todd Field Airport provides convenient access to the city from the sky. Business executives and hobbyists enjoy the ability to fly directly in and out of Todd County, whether for business or pleasure. Details about our airport include: 

• A 3,000' paved runway that is open year round
• Courtesy car available 24 hours a day
• Av gas via credit card sales
• Located 5 miles south of Todd County on T.H. 71

Todd County’s exceptionally good water system enhances fire fighting capacity, earning an ISO rating of 4. This low rating can reduce the cost of property-related insurance by 15-20 percent, creating another bottom-line advantage for new or expanding businesses.

Our county also offers competitively priced utilities and fast broadband speeds from CTC that are capable of supporting tech companies and data centers.

The 50-acre Southwest Industrial Park in the county seat of Long Prairie consists of 20 lots ranging in size from 1 to 5 acres each. The park is located just off of US TH 71 on 6th Avenue Southwest. It features an unusually low Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of 4, lowering the cost of property insurance for businesses.

It also is home to a 15,000 square foot "incubator" building that provides space for entrepreneurs and existing businesses, in addition to:

• Lot prices ranging from 66 cents to 90 cents per square foot with no assessments
• Shovel ready sites with utilities (water, sewer, natural gas, electric) available
• Quick access is available to US TH 71, TH 27 and TH 287 with Interstate 94 just 19 miles away
• Financing incentives 

You’ll find a variety of childcare options in Todd County, from home-based providers to licensed family daycares to church-affiliated care to suit a variety of needs and budgets. And the Todd County Head Start Program serves children 3 weeks to 5 years, including special needs children.

For a list of up to date licensed providers, click here.

Plenty! Todd County embodies the perfect mix of small town life and the natural beauty that can only be found in Minnesota. Museums, drive-in theaters, golf clubs, country clubs, museums, wineries, unique eateries, fun boutiques, community festivals… it’s hard not to find something to do here!  

Click here to explore each of our twelve communities.

Housing in Todd County is significantly more affordable than the national average. According to Zillow, our median home values are around $246k, which is also well below metro areas like Minneapolis, where $380k is the median.

Whether you’re looking to build your dream home, renovate an old farmhouse, or want a log cabin in the woods, there’s something for everyone in Todd County!

Yes! The businesses and residents who call Todd County home can reach other cities quickly. Located at the crossroads of Highway 71 and Highway 27, residents have immediate access to Little Falls, Brainerd, Sauk Centre and the Twin Cities (100 miles to the east). We like to say that when you live here, you’re close enough to the action to enjoy it, but far enough away to avoid it, too!

Known as the place “where the forests meet the prairie,” Todd County has a rich agricultural heritage and abundant recreational opportunities side by side. Small-town values and an easy pace of life characterize our area.

Life throughout our 13 communities is rural and peaceful but also rich in activity! Residents enjoy the area’s natural beauty, recreational parks, seasonal concerts, cultural activities, and the ability to raise a family in a close-knit friendly community. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of our numerous lakes and the Long Prairie River, as well as many parks and trails just waiting to be explored.

And did you know that Minnesota has been ranked as 2nd best State for Quality of Life (World Population Review 2022) as well as 3rd Best State to Raise a Family (WalletHub 2024)? We’d love for you to discover what the buzz is about!

Todd County Development Corporation (TCDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit economic development corporation that serves all citizens of Todd County, Minnesota. Originally established in 1990, TCDC operates as a non-profit organization assisting communities and businesses with educational, technical, financial, and site selection services.

You are welcome to contact us at 320.732.2128 or Leah.Wolkow@co.todd.mn.us

We are funded through Todd County allocation, local communities, local foundations, business sponsorships, and other non-profit/government agencies.

Absolutely. Our two-year technical colleges in near-by Staples, Wadena, and Alexandria offer extensive online courses, customized training, and industry-specific manufacturing programs.

The Staples campus of Central Lakes College supports Todd County manufacturers with programs in heavy equipment, machine tool technology, media, communications, and automated technology. Its unique robotics program is one of the best in the Upper Midwest.

Yes! According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, small businesses are truly the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, making up 99.5% of all businesses and employing 1.3 million people. That’s almost half of the state’s entire workforce.

We are proud to support both new and existing businesses through a variety of resources: everything from workforce development programs to revolving loan funds.

Contact us today to discover more about how we can help at 320.732.2128 or Leah.Wolkow@co.todd.mn.us 

Yes! We understand that each business has unique needs and may qualify for incentive programs they wouldn't otherwise know about, including Rural Development incentives.

Contact us today for help navigating the various options your business may qualify for! 
 

One of the many perks of doing business in Minnesota is that you can tap into multiple state incentive programs, including:

• Minnesota Job Creation Fund: Both new and expanding businesses may be eligible to receive up to $1 million for creating or retaining high-paying jobs and for constructing or renovating facilities or making other property improvements.
• Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF): Provides financing to help companies pay for new workers with the goal of retaining high quality jobs statewide for our skilled workforce.
• Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program: Provides capital support for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and low income individuals.
• Small Cities Grant: Provides funding for a variety of projects including infrastructure improvements, housing, and commercial rehabilitation. 

Some of our local incentive programs include:

• The Initiative Foundation: Works to create economic opportunity by lending funds to locally owned businesses and is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).  The Foundation’s business loans work to strengthen communities and diversify local economies. In partnership with other lenders, the Initiative Foundation offers loans to entrepreneurs who: 
  • Wish to start or expand a locally owned business
  • Have a sound business plan and acceptable credit
  • Create quality jobs with living wages and benefits
  • Advance local and regional goals for target industries
• Revolving Loan Funds (RLF): 
  • North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA) provides financial assistance to businesses through low interest loans for business expansions, new businesses and transfers of ownership in Region Five. The program is designed to offer fixed asset and working capital financing for new and expanding businesses.
  • Todd County Development Corporation provides additional access to capital for new and emerging small businesses where traditional sources of funding are unavailable or limited.  Strong consideration is given to value added agricultural manufacturing, technology, commercial/industrial and product manufacturing businesses that retain or create quality jobs.

Absolutely. You’ll find a variety of business incentives at the state and local levels in Todd County.

Yes! Our partner sponsorships include a variety of levels, from in-kind to platinum.

We would love to partner with your business! Together, we can sustain and promote diverse economic development throughout our region through things like education, training, and technical assistance to improve the quality of life for all of our residents. Click here to view and download the sponsorship form.