Our Mission is to facilitate the development and retention of diverse and economically viable businesses and to encourage and assist communities to provide sustainable and supportive environments in which these businesses can prosper.

We can help you with—

• Business Plans
• Cash Flow Projections
• Financials
• Research Phase of Business
• Identify Strengths
• Business Management Plan
• Marketing Concepts such as website creation, social media for business and other marketing opportunities.

We can direct you to the most appropriate agencies and resources to answer questions regarding:

• Taxes
• Laws
• Grant Programs
• Funding
• Zoning
• Permitting

BSAG has established a Loan Fund which was made possible through the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program.

The intent of the loan fund is to create or retain at least one new job for every $10,000 loaned out to area businesses.  The fund acts as a gap lender by filling in business funding needs that are not available from traditional sources such as banks and other business development loan funds.

Loan funds can be used for a variety of activities:

• Land
• Construction
• Equipment
• Operating capital
  
  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++==

Big Stone Area Growth (BSAG) is a non-profit economic development organization funded by Big Stone County with additional support from the Cities of Graceville and Ortonville.

The sole purpose of BSAG is to expand the economic base of Big Stone County by assisting with business development, workforce development, and community development.

Our services are confidential and are provided free of charge to all new and existing businesses in Big Stone County.

—

Mission Statement:
Our mission is to facilitate the development and retention of diverse and economically viable businesses and to encourage and assist communities to provide sustainable and supportive environments in which these businesses can prosper.

Our Services

• We can help you through the research phase for the business you are considering, and help you identify your strengths and how they fit into your overall business management plan.
• We can help you through the business planning process, considering basic business management principles.
• We can direct you to available funding sources specific to your project and help you get the financial management and profitability analysis you need to ensure a successful business venture.
• We can direct you to the most appropriate agencies and resources to answer questions regarding taxes, laws, grant programs, funding, zoning, permits, etc.
• We can assist you with basic website creation and social media options for businesses and organizations.

Loan Assistance

The Board of Directors for Big Stone Area Growth (BSAG) is excited to report the establishment of a new resource for area businesses looking to start or expand. The BSAG Revolving Loan Fund can provide gap financing for businesses that are creating new employment within the county. The fund was made possible through a $99,000 from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant program.

The intent of the loan fund is to create at least one new job for every $10,000 loaned out to area businesses.  The fund acts as a gap lender by filling in business funding needs that aren’t available from traditional sources such as banks and other business development loan funds.  Loan funds can be used for a variety of activities, including land, construction, equipment and operating capital.  The loan fund will not act as the sole lender in a project and requires the business to provide some equity into the project.

BSAG Revolving Loan Fund Application (PDF format)