Otter Tail County - Business Development Newsletter - January 2026
Otter Tail County - Business Development Newsletter - January 2026
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January 2026 |
County Update |
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2025 Otter Tail County Visitor Snapshot |
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In 2025, Otter Tail County saw more than 1.3 million visitors who took 697,000 overnight trips (up 3.7% compared to 2024) and stayed for more than 2 million nights. These visitor metrics show continued strong activity for hospitality, retail, and recreation businesses. While the total number of visitors decreased slightly by 6.6% from 2024, this mirrors trends seen in many other destinations in 2025.
The busiest visitor days fell on key summer and holiday weekends including July 5, August 9, August 30–31, and May 25, making these prime opportunities for targeted promotions, staffing, and extended hours. The largest number of visitors came from Cass County, ND; Hennepin County, MN; Clay County, MN; Stearns County, MN; and Douglas County, MN. 28 percent of visitors traveled from 100–250 miles away, reinforcing the value of regional marketing and advance trip planning.
Visitors play a vital role in the county's economy, supporting local jobs, small businesses, and community amenities. Otter Tail County is grateful to our business community for the welcoming experiences you provide and for continuing to make the county a destination visitors return to as we kick off 2026.
Source: Placer.ai |
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Business Success Spotlight |
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Fergus Falls Partners Lead Child Care Expansion |
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The Child Care Expansion Project in Fergus Falls is a collaborative community initiative led by PioneerCare and Fergus Falls Area Habitat for Humanity, with guidance from the City of Fergus Falls’ Rural Child Care Innovation Program and Otter Tail County. Backed by local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and civic leaders, the project’s goal is to expand access to quality, affordable child care, strengthen the local workforce, and support local families.
The project will add up to 70 new child care slots over the next three years. Construction of twin homes with space for six independent family child care providers is anticipated to start in spring 2026 and continue through 2028. The site for construction is on vacant land owned by PioneerCare off Channing Avenue.
The project is a great example of public-private partnership to address community needs.
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Business Resources |
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PROMISE Act Grants |
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West Central Initiative (WCI) is accepting applications from businesses and non-profits for PROMISE Act Grants of up to $50,000. Grant funds can be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, equipment, and other similar expenses that occur in the regular course of business.
The applicant can be a business, a developer seeking funding to complete an eligible project, or a nonprofit organization. Other eligibility requirements and priorities:
The application is primarily focused on a review of financial documents and tax returns. Applications are due by January 15 at 4:30pm.
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Training Opportunities |
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AI Courses for Business through M State |
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are helping people write emails, plan projects, learn new things, and solve problems faster. These tools are reshaping how businesses market, hire, serve customers, and plan for growth.
M State's Workforce Development Solutions team has new virtual courses to show you how to use AI confidently and effectively. The cost per course is $29.
Sign up for individual courses here>> Learn more about the courses>>
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Partner Update |
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SBDC Fergus Falls Rural Edge Program |
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The West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering the "Rural Edge: Smart Strategies for Small Business Success" cohort program to businesses at no cost. The program is built by local SBDC consultants who have experience working with rural entrepreneurs, so it will provide practical, real-world tools tailored to small-town businesses. Participants benefit from a cohort-based learning model that combines group sessions, peer connection, and one-on-one consulting focused on individual business goals.
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Featured Resources |
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Paid Leave Application Review |
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The new Minnesota Paid Leave Program started on January 1. When an employee applies for Paid Leave, employers will be asked to review certain details of their leave application so the state can verify their eligibility and calculate their payments.
Step-by-step instructions for reviewing an application are available>> |
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Transition Planning Video Series |
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University of Minnesota Extension designed short videos (2-4 minutes) to help businesses successfully transition. Whether you are an owner, employee, adviser, or a prospective buyer or entrepreneur, find short clips that match your interest.
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Rave Facility for Emergencies |
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If there is a fire, medical emergency, or active threat at your business or organization you may not have access to important details or you may have trouble remembering them when you call 9-1-1. Rave Facility allows you to create a secure profile with details you want the Sheriff’s Office dispatch center and public safety responders to know about your facility in an emergency.
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Stay Up to Date |
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There are great initiatives and projects underway around Otter Tail County. Share this newsletter with someone in your network and invite them to subscribe. If you have information about efforts in your area that you would like to share, please submit to cda@ottertailcounty.gov for inclusion in an upcoming newsletter.
We also invite you to share the website notification center at ottertailcounty.gov/notification-center/ to encourage further sharing of information with the public. People can sign up for specific notifications of interest and they will receive an email when an event or related news occurs. |
Otter Tail County
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Sarah Bernstetter Project Manager-Community & Economic Development
- January 02, 2026
- (218) 998-8722
- Send Email