This page will feature news, information and updates about economic development and livability here in Freeborn County. We will also feature links and resources to help local business grow and expand our local economy.

5 Reasons to Attend ALEAP Events

March 23, 2018

Have you heard about ALEAP? ALEAP was started to encourage the growth of entrepreneurship and small businesses in Albert Lea and Freeborn County. Here’s 5 reasons why you should attend…

Here’s to 2018

February 1, 2018

While 2017 may have seen its fair share of challenges there are still successes to celebrate as well as projects to look forward to in 2018. As stated by President…

ALEAP Blog: Water your plants

January 4, 2018

January – the time to change calendars and set new year’s resolutions. Looking back at past resolutions it seems like setting a resolution just hasn’t gotten me the results I…

ALEAP embraces new entrepreneurs

November 17, 2017

This month marks the 10th Anniversary of Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov 13-19). Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators and is observed in 165…

ALBDC Welcomes New Tenant; building now full

September 29, 2017

The Albert Lea Business Development Center (ALBDC), housed under the ALEDA umbrella, serves as a place for entrepreneurs and small business owners of Freeborn County to gain access to the…

ALEAP on its way to reach goals!

September 21, 2017

The Albert Lea Entrepreneur Advancement Program (ALEAP) was started in 2015 to encourage growth of entrepreneurs and small business owners in Freeborn County. Goals of 5 new businesses and 15…

ALEDA Board supports community efforts to retain hospital services

July 18, 2017

On Wednesday, July 12th, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) held their monthly board meeting. Among the items discussed, was the recent announcement by Mayo Clinic Health Systems Albert…

ALEAP works with local entrepreneurs

July 11, 2017

Entrepreneurs and small business owners support our economy by offering 47.9 percent of jobs in Minnesota at over 500,000 businesses. Entrepreneurship may be a dream of many, but it’s not…

Make your entrepreneur dreams come true – space available in the ALBDC

June 8, 2017

ALEDA manages the Albert Lea Business Development Center (ALBDC), a business incubator, one of the few in Minnesota which offer the entrepreneur a quality space, free business services, and professional…

Industrial Parks in Albert Lea

May 23, 2017

Dedication to economic development has deep roots in our community. In the early 1950’s the first community owned industrial park in the United States was built in Albert Lea. This…