Chaska Commons sign, industrial building, downtown Chaska, Chaska Business News

Chaska Business News

January 2026

A new year brings fresh opportunities, new goals, and continued momentum for Chaska’s business community. As we step into 2026, we’re excited to celebrate the innovation, collaboration, and resilience that make Chaska a great place to do business.

This e-newsletter is one way we stay connected—sharing local business stories, helpful resources, and updates that support your success. Whether you’re a long-standing business in our community or just getting started, we’re glad you’re here and look forward to what the year ahead will bring.

Beginning in 2026, Chaska Business News will be published every other month, allowing us to continue delivering meaningful updates while highlighting the people and businesses shaping our community.

Feel free to share this post. Sign up for the Chaska Business News on our Notify Me Website, or contact Julie Grove, Economic Development Coordinator at jgrove@chaskamn.gov.  

If you are not interested in receiving these emails please click unsubscribe at the bottom of this post. 

business resources

Business Resources

Grant Opportunities

Many grant opportunities are available right now for Minnesota businesses. The list below highlights a selection of current programs designed to support business growth and development. Take a moment to explore these opportunities and consider applying for those that best fit your business needs.

STEP Grant (MN DEED) 
Minnesota small businesses looking to expand into international markets may be eligible for funding through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grants. These grants provide up to $7,500 in financial and technical assistance to Minnesota companies with an active interest in exporting to foreign markets.

Administered by DEED, the funds can be used for approved export related activities such as trade missions, developing foreign-language websites, and exhibiting at trade shows.

Visit DEED’s website for eligibility details, a full list of allowable expenses and application instructions

Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) Grants
The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership is focused on training and retaining workers and keeping jobs in the State of Minnesota. There are a variety of programs designed to offset training related expenses available to businesses, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. An example is the Automation Training Incentive Program, which provides up to $35,000 for companies to train employees in the use of new automation technology.

Program and application information is available on the state’s web page.

Amber Grants for Women
The Amber Grant program (founded by WomensNet) awards at least $30,000 each month to women owned businesses. Numerous $10,000 grants are available, including general grants, start-up grants, and category specific grants that rotate monthly.

With one simple application, applicants are considered for all monthly grants and a $25,000 year-end award. The application includes just two questions: Tell us about your business or business idea and Tell us what you would do with the money if awarded a grant. Applicants are encouraged to speak authentically about what matters most to them and their business. Visit WomensNet to view the application.

National Association of the Self-Employed Growth Grant
NASE offers Growth Grants of up to $4,000. Grant funds are intended to help businesses grow by supporting hiring employees, marketing efforts, and investing in equipment or software. Since 2006, NASE has awarded approximately $1 million.

You must join NASE in order to apply. Visit their website for more information.

marotta

Business Spotlight

Marotta Controls
Location:  3650 N Chestnut St Suite 101-B

Marotta Controls is a family-owned aerospace and defense company headquartered in New Jersey, founded in 1943 to support the United States during World War II. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted provider of advanced control systems, delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions for aerospace and defense applications. In 2023, Marotta opened a satellite location in Chaska to design, develop and manufacture Motorfox brushless DC motors. Today, Marotta’s products are used across a wide range of platforms—including submarines, surface ships, space launch vehicles, satellites, manned and unmanned aircraft, and missile systems—supporting some of the most demanding missions in the world.

Why was Chaska chosen for Marotta Controls’ newest facility, and what makes this location special within the company?
Marotta’s Chaska facility is home to MotorFox, the company’s dedicated center of excellence for electric brushless DC motor development and production. MotorFox was initially established to support Marotta’s rapidly growing control actuation systems portfolio. Since opening in 2023, the team has expanded its role significantly—now supporting multiple Marotta product lines while also serving as an electric motor solutions provider for external customers.

Chaska was selected for its proximity to a deep and experienced talent pool in motor design and manufacturing, allowing Marotta to build and scale this specialized capability while accelerating innovation across the business.

What’s something your team builds that you like to point to and say, “That started right here”?
One of the things we’re most proud of is our line of high-performance brushless DC motors. Prior to opening our Chaska facility, these motors were fully outsourced through our supply chain. In just two short years, our team has built this capability in-house—designing, developing, and manufacturing an entire family of brushless DC motors right here in Minnesota. It’s a great example of how quickly the team has grown and how this site is strengthening Marotta’s vertical integration and long-term innovation.

Marotta Controls has been family-owned since 1943. How does that show up in the day-to-day culture at the Chaska facility?
The family-owned atmosphere transcends locations through constant communication, joint efforts to help our teams succeed and the care that goes into not only the products, and solutions made but the relationships built with each team member, supplier, and customer.

What excites your team most about the work being done here? 
We’ve been privileged that we have gotten to really handpick the employees of the Chaska location based on their skill, their passion, and their knowledge. By focusing on individuals that want to “win”, we have a whole team that is fired up about constantly improving the motors we create, and in turn being leaders in motor solutions. We know that what we create matters; it’s the driving force that keeps our entire team excited about the work we do.

What would you like the Chaska community to know about Marotta Controls as a new neighbor?
Our people really are a big reason we succeed. As part of the growth happening within the organization including our Chaska location; that more than doubled employees last year, we strive to hire locally, source locally and be a transparent organization that looks to continue expanding our presence in this great community.

If you’re interested in having your business featured in the update, or if you have information to share, email Julie Grove. 

State of the city

State of the City

Chaska is hosting the first ever State of the City event on Wednesday, January 28th at the Chaska Community Center.

Mayor Hubbard will give a presentation on what we've been working on in 2025 and what is planned for 2026. Each of the city departments will also have a table with information about the services they provide. 

In addition, the Arts Consortium of Carver County will have woodworking art on display in the hallway outside the theater.

Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: 6:00- 7:30 p.m. (presentation around 6:15 p.m.)
Location: Chaska Community Center Theater (1661 Park Ridge Dr)

community events

Community Events


MLK Human Rights Celebration
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights celebration will be held January 19th.  There will be a keynote speaker, performances by local musicians, and the presentation of the 2025 Chaska Human Rights Award. This free community event is hosted by the Chaska Human Rights Commission.

All the details are on the MLK Human Rights Celebration website.

Date: January 19, 2026 
Time:  7:45a.m. to 9 AM
Location: Chaska Event Center (3210 Chaska Blvd)

Fishing Contest
On Saturday, February 14, the Chaska Fire Department Relief Association will host its annual ice fishing contest at Firemen’s Park and the Chaska Event Center. The event includes bonfires, s’mores, door prizes, raffles, food & drink, and a raffle at 3:30 pm.

Raffle Tickets are $20, and only 1,500 tickets are sold. You can buy tickets from any active or retired firefighter. Don't know a firefighter? Stop by the Chaska Fire Station!

You don’t have to be present to win. All proceeds go the Chaska Fire Department Relief Association. 

Date: Saturday, February 14 
Time: Doors open at Noon, Contest is 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: Chaska Event Center (3210 Chaska Blvd)

Chaska Community Center Carnival
Gather family and friends for the Chaska Community Center Carnival. This family-friendly event features a variety of games, prizes, refreshments, and classic country-themed entertainment for all ages.

Date: Friday, March 6  
Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Location: Chaska Community Center -Free to attend 

locally yours the dive spot

Video Series- Locally Yours

Episode 7-The Dive Spot

Welcome to Locally Yours—where we spotlight the Businesses and the stories that make them unique. Join Mayor Taylor Hubbard and Councilmember McKayla Hatfield as they explore local shops, meet the people behind the scenes, and try something new. 

Watch Locally Yours with The Dive Spot

Watch Locally Yours past episodes

brick city

Need Event Space?

Planning an event? The Brick City Banquet Room at the Chaska Community Center could be the perfect space for your next gathering. Ideal for graduation parties, anniversaries, birthdays, and also well suited for business meetings, lectures, and conferences. With a versatile layout and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great fit for both celebrations and professional events!

For more information: jwiemann@chaskamn.gov, 952-227-7748

Copyright 2014 Chaska All Rights Reserved.
City Hall, 1 City Hall Plaza, Chaska MN 55318

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