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Thrive MINNETONKA 3 <br />Community and business leaders from across the region were thrilled to break ground on the Southwest Light Rail Transit project in November. The 14.5-mile route will have one station in Minnetonka – Opus Station – near Highways 62 and 169. Two other stations – Shady Oak and City West – are just outside the city’s borders. <br />The project received critical approval in November 2018, and construction started in December 2018. Heavy construction will take place from 2019–2022.The line is expected to open in 2023. <br />The green line extension will connect Minnetonka to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, the airport and surrounding communities Hopkins, Eden Prairie and St. Louis Park. <br />Learn more at eminnetonka.com/SWLRT. <br />Featured Business Programs We’re here to help! <br />Construction begins on Southwest Light Rail <br />The following programs are two examples of resources to assist businesses. <br />For a full list of programs and resources, visit eminnetonka.com/business. <br />Minnesota Investment Fund <br />The Minnesota Investment Fund provides financing to help add new workers and retain high-quality jobs. The program focuses on industrial, manufacturing and technology-related industries to increase the local and state tax base and improve statewide economic vitality. <br />All projects must meet several eligibility requirements. Businesses must privately finance at least 50 percent of total project costs, and most successful applications have at least 70 percent private financing. <br />Learn more at eminnetonka/business (“Financing and Resources” section) or contact Rob Hanson at rhanson@eminnetonka.com or 952-939-8234. <br />Business Recycling Grants <br />Hennepin County offers grants, signage, technical assistance and research assistance to help businesses and organizations start or improve recycling programs, reduce waste and donate usable goods. <br />Grant levels range from $2,500 for recycling containers to $50,000 for large or innovative projects or programs. For competitive large grants, a 25 percent match is required. No match is required for smaller grants. <br />Visit hennepin.us/businessrecycling to learn more and apply. <br />The city’s economic development staff is here to help with financial assistance programs, workforce development and site selection. We can also connect business owners with contacts and programs at the state, county and federal level. <br />The city also has planners, inspectors and engineers available to help businesses with technical needs. Contact our staff – contact information listed on Page 4 – to learn more about how we can help you thrive! <br />We’d also like to have your information on file – please visit eminnetonka.com/business-information-form to add or update your contact information. We’ll only use it to contact you directly or share relevant news, programs and assistance. Thank you!