Forward Devils Lake Celebrates Economic Development Week: Highlighting Our Commitment to Business Success

Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation is excited to celebrate Economic Development Week (EDW) from May 6th - May 10th. EDW, established by the International Economic Development Council, highlights the importance of economic development in our region and across the globe.

“Economic development is crucial to Devils Lake’s growth and prosperity. It encompasses various initiatives, from attracting new businesses to supporting existing ones, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing our community's overall quality of life,” stated Brad Barth, Executive Director of Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation. "Through our efforts, we aim to foster a supportive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to our region's economic growth,” he said.

Understanding the Role of Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation

Economic development is crucial in enhancing Devils Lake’s financial well-being, wealth, and overall quality of life. Economic development involves various activities to attract, create, and retain jobs to foster a resilient and growing economy. This collaborative effort requires close coordination between businesses, government entities, and various community stakeholders to achieve sustainable success.

Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation supports businesses in Devils Lake. Our services include:

• Business Retention & Expansion (BRE): Support existing businesses to thrive and expand, creating jobs through infrastructure improvements and resource access.
• Marketing & Attraction: Develop and execute campaigns to attract businesses and talent, showcasing community strengths to internal and external audiences.
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development: Support small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to capital, space, and technical assistance.
• Real Estate Development: Engage in projects like industrial parks and incubators to stimulate economic growth.
• Incentives: Help businesses access financial services and incentive programs for growth and expansion.
• Workforce Development: Collaborate with agencies to ensure a skilled talent pool, understanding and addressing company workforce needs.

Driving Economic Development: How Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation Supports Business Success

Devils Lake is conveniently located in the state's northeast quadrant on Hwy 2, about 80 miles south of the Canadian border and 95 miles west of the Minnesota border. Devils Lake businesses benefit from easy road, rail, and air access to the area. Two highways, one railroad, and three airports in close proximity make Devils Lake an ideal spot for industries to do business. Devils Lake is a regional center for every aspect of daily life in a 60-mile radius. As a result, the area can pull workers, shoppers, and healthcare patients to businesses.

The Forward Devils Lake Economic Development office works with business owners to help them navigate the financial incentives offered locally and through the State of ND. It partners with the North Central Planning Council staff and the local ND Small Business Development Center (ND SBDC) to develop and deliver specific business plans. 

Some of the services the local Small Business Development Center provides in a confidential, no-cost counseling process are:

• Business plan development
• Preparing Financial projections
• Analysis and budgets
• Assistance with loan requests
• Business purchases and sales

Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation: Your Partner in Business Growth and Development

During EDW, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our economic developers and local leaders, who are committed to driving economic growth and improving our community's quality of life. We invite you to join us in recognizing their efforts and learning more about economic development's impact on our region.

To learn more about how Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation can support your business or get involved in our economic development initiatives, visit https://www.forwardevilslakend.com or contact us here.