With a focus on creating jobs and supporting businesses, the mission of the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) is to drive economic prosperity in the City of Duluth, Minnesota. DEDA accomplishes its mission by leading significant development initiatives, being a catalyst for sustainable redevelopment, and prudently investing in unique resources that leverage other investments.
As the City of Duluth’s economic development agent, DEDA works to stimulate business investment, expand economic prosperity, grow the local tax base and strengthen public-private partnerships. DEDA’s partnerships and initiatives are paying off with a vibrant, diversified economy and a business climate that creates jobs, builds prosperity, and secures a strong tax base to fund vital City services to sustain healthy neighborhoods.
DEDA’s website hosts a range of resources for doing business in Duluth, including financing tools and an overview of key industries, demographics, and lifestyle components such as guides to Duluth neighborhoods, outdoors recreation, and local entertainment options.
DEDA connects entrepreneurs and business owners to resources such as UMD CED, the Entrepreneur Fund, and the Small Business Association, along with employee location and retention resources including NORTHFORCE. DEDA also offers access to Northland Connection’s Business IQ properties database, plus other tools and partners that can help start or grow a business, including APEX and Northspan.
DEDA has technical expertise in redevelopment projects and can provide sound advice to seek clean up or redevelopment grants for companies that want to expand or build in commercial districts but may be hampered by legacy contamination. To date, DEDA staff have helped Duluth obtain over $16 million in clean up funds for projects such as Clyde Iron Works, Loll Designs, Epicurean, Rohlfing Distributing, and many others.
You can visit DEDA’s website at dulutheda.org to learn more, or reach out to Deputy Director of Planning & Economic Development Adam Fulton at afulton@duluthmn.gov for further info.