DEED operates over 50 different economic development programs that support businesses of all sizes across the state. These programs enrich Minnesota's economy and make our state one of the best states to start a business, put down roots and raise a family. Every month, we highlight the ways these programs are supporting businesses in our communities through our Stories of Impact.

Staff North Freeze Dry, Sonja Lubrecht (City of Little Falls), Chinwe Ngwu (DEED), Donna Corbo (DEED), Alex Smith (City of Little Falls) and Staff North Freeze Dry. DEED and City of Little Falls staff were able to tour North Freeze Dry to see the impact of the company's business expansion project catalyzed by the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF).

This week our highlight brings us to another Little Falls business, North Freeze Dry. North Freeze Dry manufactures one of the most important essential goods for Minnesotans, premium freeze-dried food for our furry companions. It produces premium freeze-dried pet food for top brands sold internationally. The company's freeze-drying facility in Little Falls is one of the industry's largest, most advanced and fully integrated freeze-drying manufacturing facilities – meaning the facility covers the entire process from start to finish – with the latest technology to ensure food safety requirements are met.

DEED's Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) enabled North Freeze Dry to bolster production with a new Spiralizer machine, greatly increasing pet food production. The company recently expanded to a new 80,000 square foot freeze-drying facility, where they were able to create 97 new jobs.

North Freeze Dry's new Spiralizer machine.

MIF provides financing to help add new workers and retain high-quality jobs on a statewide basis. The program provides capital to local units of capital to local units of government who in turn provide loans to support expanding businesses in their communities. MIF focuses on industrial, manufacturing and tech industries to increase the local and state tax base and improve economic vitality in meaningful ways for communities across the state. 

To learn more about MIF and DEED's business financing programs, visit our /deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/ssbci/index.jspFor Business page.