Northwest Minnesota's Economic Powerhouse
Ignite your business potential in Pennington County—the driving force behind Northwest Minnesota’s thriving economy. Here, you’ll find a prime location, a highly skilled workforce, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a welcoming, business-friendly environment. As the county with the highest economic output in Northwest Minnesota (including all 12 counties in Economic Development Regions 1 and 2), Pennington County isn’t just a place on the map—it’s the cornerstone of success for businesses ready to start, expand, or relocate.
Latest News
Building a Business Outdoors: Tony Dorn to Speak at TREK
Join Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection (TREK) on August 4 in Thief River Falls as local entrepreneur Tony Dorn, owner of Kingpin Bear Baits & Scent, shares how he built a successful business around hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Learn from his entrepreneurial journey, enjoy coffee and networking, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members. TREK is free and open to anyone interested in small business and a vibrant local economy.
Key Initiatives
Join Us Thief River
Resident recruitment, welcoming events, and community navigator services.
Thrive in Thief River
Supporting the development of diverse, attainable housing options for older adults.
Childcare
The purpose of the Advance TRF Childcare Collaborative is to retain and increase high quality childcare capacity.
ATR Job Hub
The Job Hub is a place to connect employers and prospective employees, search area job listings and access job services.
GIP
Gilbert Industrial Park features build-ready lots, conveniently located along County Highway 16, only four miles from the airport.
Small Business
TREK, business navigation , training, coaching, and more for small businesses, supported by funding from MN DEED.
Housing
If you are considering a move to the Thief River Falls area, you have many options for housing, as well as access to several resources. Check out the “Buy” page to learn more about home ownership and related resources. Visit the “Rent” page to learn more about rent opportunities and resources.
Looking for an apartment or townhome? Whether you are looking for a market-rate apartment or income-qualified apartment, the Thief River Area has may options for you!
Looking for a turn-key two bedroom home and a garage? A fixer-upper? Whatever you are looking for, you can likely find it here, in the Thief River area.
“The tremendous work ethic, innovation and commitment of the people here in northwestern Minnesota is unsurpassed. Those values have always been a clear differentiator in driving Digi-Key’s growth and success within our industry.”
“Thief River Falls is a community steeped in tradition. It’s traditional here to welcome new residents, to greet passers-by on the street, to proudly display our “Prowler Pride”, and to fiercely support our local businesses. TRF is the place to live, grow, and thrive!”
Advance Thief River
Mailing Address
PO Box 773
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Office
By Appointment Only
Spark Hub
(Inside Garden Valley Building)
1412 3rd Street West
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Contact Us
Drop us a message to let us know what you need and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!
(c) 2026 Advance Thief River. All rights reserved.







