Helping Minnesota Retain and Expand Local Business through Local Action

Forty to 80% of new jobs are created by existing firms, rather than by attracting new firms to a community. Keeping an existing business is often easier than recruiting new firms. The BR&E program helps community leaders and communities work together to identify barriers local businesses face as they try to survive and grow. With the help of Extension and UMN experts, the community surveys small businesses and analyzes the results. The resulting report provides valuable information and ideas to invigorate the local economy. BR&E reports don't sit on a shelf. Because the BR&E process strengthens community ties, ideas turn to action.

Contact Information

Michael Darger Area Program Leader Community Economics 460 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108-6068 Email: darger@umn.edu Phone: 612-625-6246 Fax: 612-625-1955 Elizabeth Templin Regional Extension Educator Andover Extension Regional Center Bunker Hills Act Ctr L-1, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW Andover, MN 55304 Email: templin@umn.edu Phone: 763-767-3880 Fax: 763-767-3885

Program Team Contact your Community Economics Regional Educator