Impact
Closing the software industry gap in Greater Minnesota
The Brainerd Lakes area has strong healthcare, retail, tourism, and trades — and a clear underrepresentation of software product companies and computer & mathematical occupations. Spatialytics is built to change that equation.
How we create impact
High-wage work that stays
Software product development, spatial platforms, and SaaS create roles that are less seasonal than tourism and higher-wage than many local service jobs. Keeping that work in the region matters.
Tools that reduce overhead
Local print shops, small manufacturers, and service businesses often run on fragmented systems. Better software frees capacity and can support stronger wages and retention.
Pathways for local talent
CLC and other regional programs produce graduates in computer-related, design, natural resources, and business fields. More local product companies give them a reason to build careers here.
The industry gap is real
Northwest Minnesota employs roughly 2,400 people in Computer & Mathematical occupations — about 1.1% of regional employment. Statewide the share is closer to 3.4–3.7%, with the Twin Cities holding the large majority of those roles.
Local government and utilities have internal GIS and IT roles. Independent software product companies and spatial-analytics startups headquartered in the Brainerd Lakes area are rare. That is the gap Spatialytics is designed to help fill.
Full regional comparison →Talent retention starts with opportunity
When high-wage software and spatial roles are scarce locally, talent leaves or never returns. Building product companies in the region is one of the most direct ways to change that pattern.
Spatialytics is intentionally structured so that growth in the business can translate into year-round roles and mentorship pathways connected to local education programs.
Aligned with regional goals
- → Diversify beyond seasonal tourism and retail
- → Grow higher-wage employment
- → Support local business competitiveness
- → Keep CLC and regional graduates in the area