Business Resources

Port Authority Business Assistance

The Port Authority of Winona is the partner for economic development activities in the City of Winona.  The Port Authority of Winona has a number of financial resources available to support business innovation, entrepreneurs, and to assist business expansion projects, along with attracting new businesses to the City of Winona.  

The Port Authority of Winona also promotes economic development by purchasing, leasing, and selling property, along with conducting property searches for specific business needs.   The Port Authority works closely with our local financial institutions to help businesses grow here.   Available buildings and land can be viewed here. 

  • Port Authority of Winona Revolving Loan Fund Application (RLF)

    The Port Authority of Winona RLF is designed to provide matching funds to companies in the City of Winona to assist in business expansion, business retention, and attracting new businesses and entrepreneurs. The Port Authority of Winona RLF provides matching loans ranging from $10,000 to $150,000; not to exceed 50% of projects costs.  Please refer to the Port Authority of Winona RLF Guidelines.  The RLF is intended to address a gap in the financial package and not act as a replacement to traditional bank lending or business owner equity. 
  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

    When a TIF District is created, a base valuation of the property is established. All taxing authorities continue to receive tax revenue from the base valuation. Taxes from increase in assessed value go to the TIF account and pay debt or other financial obligations necessary to complete the redevelopment project. After the obligations are met, the TIF District closes and all taxing authorities benefit from the new, higher valuation.

    By State Statute, the Port Authority of Winona can consider establishing a TIF District to support economic development, redevelopment, and housing.  When considering establishing a TIF District, the City and Port Authority work with bond counsel and financial advisors to create the TIF district pursuant to Minnesota Statutes.  

    There are different State Statutes that apply to each type of TIF District. Here are some Basics of TIF.

  • Tax Abatement

    With Tax Abatement, the City rebates its portion of property taxes back to the property owner who then uses it to help offset development costs. Tax abatement is simpler and less restrictive than tax increment financing, and is quite useful for smaller projects.

    The City of Winona Council must approve all tax abatements.

The Port Authority of Winona also has access to a variety of other financing and technical assistance resources to help your business succeed.  If you or someone you know if looking for resources on how to start a business, look no further! Here’s the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce’s HOW TO START A BUSINESS GUIDE.

Let the experienced Port Authority of Winona staff help customize funding for your future success. Please contact Port Authority of Winona staff for more information about programs that may be available to your business. 

  1. Port Authority of Winona



  1. Want to Start a Business?
  2. Business Loans & Grants
  3. Workforce Development & Training
  4. Opportunity Zone

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) 
DEED is the state's principal economic development agency.  DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Here is a link to DEED’s resource book (PDF) 

Winona Area Chamber of Commerce 
The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, ensures that local, businesses of all sizes have access to the resources, opportunities, and workforce talent they need to innovate and sustainably growIf you or someone you know if looking for resources on how to start a business, Look no further!  (PDF)

Launch Minnesota 
Launch Minnesota is a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

Launch Minnesota Education Grants 
Education grants are used to support the start and scale of startups through organizations that promote statewide collaboration, and networking services.

Location and Expansion Assistance  
Whether you're looking to expand an existing business, relocate from another state, or need regulatory and permitting guidance for a complex startup, expansion or relocation, our managers have the right background, information, and connections to other state and local agencies to help turn your plans to reality.

Minnesota Business First Stop 
Minnesota Business First Stop streamlines the development process for complex business startups, expansions or relocations that involve financing, licensing, permitting and regulatory issues that overlap multiple state agencies. 

Small Business Assistance Office 
This office helps reduce the expense of starting a business in terms of money, time, expertise, and lost opportunity for startups and established businesses alike by offering individual consultation services along with a comprehensive series of business guidebooks (all free of charge).

Small Business Development Centers  
This statewide network of Small Business Development Centers provides professional expertise and guidance for pre-venture and startup stage businesses as well as for established businesses ready to take things to the next level.