Elk River Thrives Because of Its Small Business Owners

Elk River is growing thanks to its small business community. As of 2024, there were 2,484 business establishments in Sherburne County and 28,081 jobs, an average of 11 jobs per company. While there are many major employers in the area, Elk River is growing thanks to contributions by small businesses and entrepreneurs.

“A small business owner might only have a few employees, but these new hires add up when hundreds of small businesses create jobs,” says Josh Mollan, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Elk River. “Elk River is growing because of major investments, but also because its residents support their favorite restaurants, shops, and service providers.”

Sherburne is the 11th-fastest-growing county in Minnesota out of 87 counties. Small businesses play a big part in that growth, while also making this region a desirable place to live. This Small Business Week, we are exploring the impact of local companies and sharing how the city supports them. 

Manufacturing Leads Sherburne County Employment 

Manufacturing firms remain among the county's biggest employers, accounting for 14.8% of total jobs (4,144 employees). However, many manufacturers are small businesses, with only a few dozen employees. There are 166 manufacturing businesses in the county, which means the average company has 25 employees.  

Manufacturing also offers one of the highest average wages in the county at $71,988. These high-paying jobs allow Elk River residents to invest in their communities and support other small businesses.

Local students have a chance to learn more about the manufacturing industry through the annual Cool Jobs Tour. This event is designed to showcase local employers so students can see their future careers in Elk River. 

Arts and Entertainment are Growing in Elk River

Arts, entertainment, and recreation jobs saw the largest increase between 2023 and 2024, with a 14% increase in the number of workers in this field. Sherburne County has 37 arts and entertainment companies that employ 393 total workers. This means the average entertainment business has around 10 employees.

The budding arts scene reflects the quality of life in Elk River. People are pursuing their passions and turning their hobbies into viable careers, while residents are supporting the arts by attending live events and sharing their favorite performers and creatives.

A love of art is found throughout Elk River, and visitors can explore various pieces through our Public Art map. There are also several events throughout the year to meet artists, hear live music, and enjoy the greater community. 

Elk River Residents Love Dining Out

Many small businesses in Elk River offer food and retail services, allowing residents to enjoy a delicious meal with their family on a night out. The local community is so committed to helping new restaurants and stores succeed that the Downtown Elk River Business Association (DERBA) won the 2024/2025 Retail Community of the Year.

Eating in Elk River has never been easier with the new Dine Elk River page, where residents and visitors can explore different options and plan their meals.

This support leads to new restaurants opening and existing ones expanding to new locations. Together, food service and accommodation account for more than 9% of jobs in the county, supporting 2,552 jobs across 124 establishments.   

Elk River Entrepreneurs Have Supporters and Resources

Elk River small businesses are diverse in their size, industry, and operations. They make up a few dozen employees and companies with single entrepreneurs alike. However, what remains consistent is the support offered by community members and the resources shared by local organizations that want them to succeed.

Both the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority (EDA) actively invest in small business owners throughout the year. The Chamber has networking events and various community resources, while the EDA showcases local companies in its video content. When construction threatened local companies' foot traffic, the EDA created Open for Business videos to showcase the wonderful business owners around town. These have expanded to other Elk River companies and continue to be shared months later.

The EDA also enjoys meeting directly with business owners to learn about their goals and future plans. If it can help in any way, it will.

Celebrate the Small Business Ecosystem in Elk River

There’s never a bad time to support small businesses, and Elk River has plenty of opportunities to enjoy local restaurants, visit nearby stores, and shop small. This Small Business Week, give a shout-out to your favorite companies or write reviews to show your support. These actions cost nothing but can mean everything to the companies you love.

There’s plenty of room to grow in Elk River. Contact the EDA if you are ready to launch or grow your business. Our team can share the resources we have and connect you with other experts who are eager to see you succeed.