Three Programs
Kandiyohi County Economic Development (KCED) is administering 3 programs that are funded by the Kandiyohi County HRA.
All three programs are to improve the exterior of business building.
Program One- City of Willmar - Forgivable Loans- seven $10,000 loans awarded
Program Two - Kandiyohi County - Deferred Loans $10,001-$50,000
Program Three- Community Projects rach community gets $10,000
Property Enhancement Program
The Program is established to:
Encourage business owners and commercial property owners to improve the exterior appearance of
commercial and retail buildings including the addition or improvement of permanent signage.
Enhance streetscapes in order to revitalize and strengthen the overall business climate within Kandiyohi
County.
Promote economic benefits such as improved business retention, increased sales tax revenue, higher property
values, increased commercial lease rates and strengthened economic vitality.
The property Enhancement Program is for the 2026-2027 years or until funds are no longer available.
All three program must meet the following criteria:
Willmar - Forgivable Loan Program
Applications for businesses in predetermined downtown area (see map), are accepted during a window open from August 1 through August 31. Seven awarded businesses will be notified during the last week of August. Each of the seven selected businesses will receive up to $10,000 for building exterior improvements. Each building owner must contribute 20% of the project costs.
This assistance is structured as a loan, which will be fully forgiven at the end of five years. If the property is sold or the business closes before the five-year term is complete, the loan must be repaid in full at that time.
Kandiyohi County - Deferred Loans
Building owners or business owners — with the property owner's permission — may apply for a deferred loan to improve the exterior of their building or business.
This loan carries no interest and requires no payments for five years. At the end of the five-year term, the full loan balance is due as a balloon payment. If the building is sold or the business closes before the five-year term ends, the loan becomes due in full at that time. This deferred loan is not transferable to a new owner.
This program is open to all business that meet the requirements listed above in every community and township in Kandiyohi County.
See the requirements above for this program.
Community Projects
Eligible communities: Atwater, Blomkest, Hawick, Kandiyohi City, Lake Lillian, New London, Pennock, Prinsburg, Raymond, Regal, Roseland, Spicer, Sunburg, Svea
Each community will have available $10,000 to enhance or improve the exteriors of downtown businesses. The City Council or Township Board will work with KCED team to identify what businesses and improvements would have the greatest impact for the community. Each recipient business will need to contribute 20% of the improvement.
The KCED team will be reaching out to each community to begin the process.