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Bill Jaffa Announces Retirement After 36 Years with the Scott County Community Development Agency

Bill started at the CDA (then HRA-Housing and Redevelopment Authority) in 1985 as the Community Development Director and then was promoted to the Executive Director just a year later. Before coming to the Agency, Bill went to college for secondary teaching, coached Golden Gloves boxing through the Minneapolis Model Cities program, and was a Chamber President. We bet back then,…

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2021 FAST-TRACK CHALLENGE

Scott County FAST-TRACK Challenge 2021 Finalists Announced The Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship will be hosting the 5th Annual Scott County FAST-TRACK Challenge on Thursday, October 21, 2021.   This year’s applicants are featuring projects in the health/wellness space, tech and manufacturing areas.  Applications were received from entrepreneurs in several Scott County communities including Elko New Market, Prior Lake, Savage and…

First homebuyer Community Land Trust Program!

As I stopped in to see Nimo, she was painting and working to get her home ready to move in.  Her five kids have picked out their bedrooms and can’t wait to move in!  Nimo stated that she has always wanted to own a house, but more importantly wanted her kids to have a backyard.  Nimo feels the Community Land…

Educational Scholarships Awarded!

This year, we were able to provide an educational scholarship to three great students at different stages of their educational careers.  Students are participants of a CDA rental assistance program. Abdikadir just graduated from high school and is on his way to St. Thomas in the fall.  Abdikadir’s educational goals have been influenced by the pandemic.  He wants to major…

Plans for the 5th Annual Scott County FAST-TRACK Challenge Underway

In 2017, the Technology Village Business Accelerator Board of Directors discussed ways to help new businesses in the county fast-track their business on the road to success. Over the past four years, approximately 20 businesses have competed in annual Scott County FAST-TRACK Challenges, “Shark Tank” like business competitions, where they compete for start-up funds and professional services.

Finalists named for 2020 Fast-Track Business Challenge

Do you ever wonder who develops the ideas for new products or services and how they turn the ideas into a thriving business? Scott County has many entrepreneurs that do just that. For the past four years, the Scott County FAST-TRACK Business Challenge has assisted new business owners, giving them the opportunity to fine tune their business plans, prepare a…

Do you know of any homeowners or renters in your community who could use some financial help due to the COVID-19 crisis?

Scott County, the Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), and CAP Agency know that people throughout our community are financially hurting. Virtually every sector of the American economy is reeling from the continued fallout from the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, not the least of which are those who matter most to us: Our residents. People should not have to choose…

Press Release: Scott County Community Development Agency Announces Small Business Recovery Fund

Scott County Community Development Agency Announces Small Business Recovery Fund The Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) is launching a small business recovery fund to assist small businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Businesses in Scott County who meet certain criteria may receive a forgivable loan up to $5,000 to assist with recovery efforts. Additional local forgivable loan funds…