Innovate, Scale, Grow! Resources Abound for Emerging and Established Business Owners in Brookings

From startups conceptualized in basements to established businesses on Main Street, collaboration is the key to economic success in Brookings. Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) works with numerous area organizations to help its local entrepreneurs innovate, scale and grow.

“The opportunities are certainly exciting,” said Matty Kerr, Business Development Specialist for the BEDC. “There’s a lot of growth potential in this area for many industries, so our business leaders are poised to work statewide and even nationwide. I wouldn’t want us to rest on our laurels as a business community and think they can’t compete in a broader marketplace, because they can.”

Knowing Where to Start

The expansive array of resources aren’t just for those dreaming of starting their own business; established entrepreneurs are also encouraged to take advantage of educational trainings and materials, grants and low interest loans, and access to research facilities, student talent, and opportunities for collaboration through the BEDC’s Start-Up Hub, such as:

• CO.STARTERS, an accelerator program designed to provide you with the insights, relationships, and tools to turn your idea into a sustainable business
• Launch Founder, which helps founders find the shortest path from “idea” to “business” by jump starting their venture and connecting them with mentors and investors  
• The BEDC Business Retention & Expansion program, which helps owners understand data-driven trends to help drive development initiatives, resources, and growth
• Innovate SoDak, a collaboration of the BEDC and SDSU’s Research Park to boost economic development by encouraging businesses and communities to explore creative solutions using university technology, faculty expertise, and student talent 
• Taking advantage of state and local incentives that could be applied to their project

“We encourage all of our business owners, regardless of their size or years in operation, to contact us so that we can help develop a plan that helps them scale and grow in a way that is manageable,” said Stephanie Mason, VP of Economic Development and Operations for the BEDC. “Sometimes, it’s just a matter of knowing where to start and we can offer personalized guidance for everything from finances to creative workforce solutions.”

Opportunities to Grow and Thrive

Brookings joins communities nationwide in celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month and the importance of local small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Brookings community is intentional about ensuring that support and opportunities exist to foster their growth. Examples include projects focused on housing, childcare, infrastructure, industrial investment, and downtown development plans, all illustrated in May’s 2024 Brookings Economic Summit. 

The scope of dedication extends beyond BEDC to numerous area leaders like the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Brookings, South Dakota Small Business Development Center (SBDC), South Dakota State University (SDSU), and Visit Brookings. As a result, existing and relocating entrepreneurs and small businesses have tremendous access to a dynamic economic ecosystem supplying available resources, incentives, and opportunities to support their expansion and prosperity.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have the agriculture and manufacturing businesses here, but they’re not the only industries,” says Kerr. “You need to be able to get those basic services whether it’s food, groceries, health care, personal care…It’s cool to see that not only are business owners believing they can grow and thrive here but also seeing the marketing opportunities they come up with to help each other.”

Whether you dream of launching your own company or an established business in search of additional support, the BEDC invites you to explore all our resources. For more information, click here!