Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation

05/15/2026

https://conta.cc/4dbhYeS

Email from BLAEDC Brainerd Exterior Grants: Apply Now! BRAINERD EXTERIOR GRANTS Grant Applications Are Open! Property owners and business owners are encouraged to consider improvements incorporating a

05/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the BLAEDC Annual Meeting! We appreciate the incredible support from our members, partners, and community leaders who continue to help move the Brainerd Lakes Area forward.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Deerwood Bank, for helping make this event possible. We’d also like to thank our Board President, Sandy Zutz-Wiczek, for her leadership and remarks, Brad Pieper for sharing insights on Fans of MN Hockey Day 2027 – Brainerd Lakes Area, and our keynote speaker, Andy Rangen, for an engaging presentation on AI in the real world.

We are grateful for the continued collaboration and energy that make our region such a great place to live, work, and do business!

05/05/2026

Join us tomorrow! 🍻

Our final Entrepreneurs on Tap of the spring is happening Wednesday, May 6 from 5:00–6:30 PM at Up North Social in Crosslake.

Don’t miss this last chance this season to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members in a relaxed, informal setting. It’s a great opportunity to network, share ideas, and gear up for the busy months ahead.

No registration needed—just show up and join the conversation.

See you tomorrow! 👏

04/30/2026

🚨 Apply Now: Brainerd Exterior Improvement Grants 🚨

Looking to upgrade your building or signage? You may be eligible:

🏢 Façade Improvement Grant
Businesses adjacent to Washington St / Hwy 210 may qualify for a 50% matching grant up to $5,000 for exterior building improvements.

🪧 Sign Improvement Grant
Businesses within Brainerd city limits may qualify for a 50% matching grant up to $1,000 for signage improvements.

Funding is limited and first-come, first-served.

👉 Learn more and apply:
https://growbrainerdlakes.org/brainerd-exterior-improvement-grant/

04/30/2026

Join us tomorrow morning for Marketing Mornings! ☕🍩

Start your Friday with fresh ideas, great conversation, and a little caffeine boost. This session will focus on Telling Customer Stories and Testimonials—a powerful way to build trust and connect with your audience.

We’ll be hosting a watch party in the CTC Room at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber from 8:00–8:45 AM—plus coffee and donuts will be waiting for you!

While virtual attendance is an option, we’d love to see you in person to connect and make the most of the experience.

👉 Registration is required: https://forms.gle/qHP8wqA9Zb2RxhC27

See you tomorrow!

04/29/2026

One week to go! 🎉

Join us for our next Entrepreneurs on Tap on Wednesday, May 6 from 5:00–6:30 PM at Up North Social in Crosslake.

This is your chance to connect with fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Whether you're looking to share ideas, make new connections, or just enjoy a great conversation—this is the place to be.

No registration needed—just show up, grab a drink, and join us! 🍻

📅 Mark your calendar and bring a friend!

04/27/2026

⏰ Opening Today at 9:00 AM

The Brainerd Exterior Improvement Grant applications go live this morning for both façade and signage projects.

If you’re planning to apply, now’s the time—make sure your materials are ready so you can submit your online application as soon as it opens.

👉 Preview the application and get ready:
https://growbrainerdlakes.org/brainerd-exterior-improvement-grant/

04/24/2026

🚨 Final Call! Registration closes TODAY 🚨

Registration for our 2026 Annual Meeting closes TODAY—and you won’t want to miss this one.

Join us for a morning of networking, community updates, and real-world AI insights from Andy Rangen.

👉 Don’t get left out—register now:
https://forms.gle/DMKRFFCb2D1rw5w79

04/24/2026

⏰ Just one week to go!

Our next Marketing Mornings is right around the corner—don’t miss this session on Telling Customer Stories & Testimonials.

If you’re looking for a more authentic way to market your business, this is it. Learn how to turn real customer experiences into powerful content that builds trust and drives decisions.

🗓 Friday, May 1 | 8:00AM
📍 CTC Room at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber
☕ Coffee + connections + practical marketing takeaways

Spots are limited—save yours today!
👉 https://forms.gle/qHP8wqA9Zb2RxhC27

04/23/2026

⏰ Last Chance to Register!
Tomorrow is the deadline to save your spot for our 2026 Annual Meeting!

Join us for a powerful morning featuring:
🎤 “AI in the Real World: What It Means for You and Your Business” with Andy Rangen

Plus updates from BLAEDC leadership and a special preview of Hockey Day MN 2027 🏒

👉 Don’t wait—register now: https://forms.gle/DMKRFFCb2D1rw5w79

Click the link above for more information and what to expect the morning of!