IRRR and AEOA Celebrate 1,000 Small Business Grants
IRRR, AEOA celebrate 1,000 small business grants
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Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 2:06 AM
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IRRR, AEOA celebrate 1,000 small business grants
Yesterday, 06:00 AM
Allison Martinson, co-owner of the Maco Theater, speaks about the impact of BER grant support during the milestone celebration in Virginia.
Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) and Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) celebrated a small business grant milestone during an Oct. 7 event at the Maco Theater in downtown Virginia.
Since their inception, the Business Energy Retrofit (BER) and Downtown Building Rehabilitation (DBR) programs have awarded more than 1,000 grants across the Taconite Assistance Area, representing approximately $18.75 million in IRRR program funding. The totals include the latest round of awards in August 2026.
IRRR created and funds both programs with revenue from taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry, and AEOA administers the grants.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our region. Their owners represent the very best of northeastern Minnesota through their hard work, ingenuity, and commitment to their communities,” said IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina.
“Reaching more than 1,000 grants reflects the strength of this partnership and the commitment of business owners throughout the region,” said AEOA Executive Director Mark Page.
The event highlighted the impact of these programs on local businesses and the communities they serve.