City Resources
Downtown Business Incentive Program
Businesses located within the downtown or highway 61 corridor are eligible for the downtown incentive program. This incentive program features reduced building permit fees, 10 day building permit turnaround times, and a 1 time tax abatement of up to $5,000.
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Downtown Incentive Program Application [link]
TIF Districts
For projects meeting the criteria for the establishment of a TIF district the City of Forest Lake may consider tax increment financing. To determine if your project is eligible, please contact Dan Undem at 651-209-9727 and fill out a complete a city TIF application.
County Resources
The Open to Business Program is offered to entrepreneurs and residents of Washington County by the Washington County CDA and can provide to your business:
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Loans for both new/emerging and second-stage/growing businesses
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Acquisition financing for real estate
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Assistance with business plans, financial projections, and loan applications
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Technical assistance with all aspects of business operations
Tax Abatement
For projects meeting certain criteria the Washington County Board of Commissioners may consider property tax abatement. To be considered, the business must complete an application with all information requested and must be accompanied by a letter of support of resolution approved by the local municipality in which the project will be located. A copy of the City’s approved application may be accepted by the County.
