Minnesota grants for Small businesses

The Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program and the Low-Density Population Pilot Program, established by the Minnesota legislature in 2014 and continued in 2023, are aimed at promoting broadband infrastructure expansion in Minnesota's unserved or underserved areas. Managed by the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), these programs provide grants to assist broadband providers with the costs of infrastructure installation. The 2024 grant application cycle, announced by DEED, will open on March 12, 2024, with an application deadline of May 10, 2024. Applicants must register and submit applications via DEED’s Grants Management System, following the detailed instructions on DEED's website. The announcement of awards is anticipated in Summer 2024, with project completion required by December 31, 2026. DEED also hosts an information webinar to guide applicants through the application process.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to implement projects that prevent waste and promote the use of reusable materials.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This grant option, part of the Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program, aims to support early-stage research into innovative treatments and rehabilitative techniques for spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. The Tier 1 Pilot Project Grant does not require preliminary data but encourages it, reflecting early investment as researchers prepare to seek larger grants. The funding amount can reach up to $125,000 for a project duration of two years with an additional one-year no-cost extension.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the AGRI Value-Added Grant, a reimbursement grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to support value-added businesses such as bioenergy producers and hemp processors in increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products through investment in equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a grant of over $1 million to public, private, and nonprofit owners of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Minnesota to replace their old vehicles with new, cleaner models, aiming to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality.

This funding opportunity supports the development of educational materials focused on the cultural heritage of orally-based communities in Minnesota, such as the Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo, for K–12 students.

This grant provides funding to public and private entities to develop a network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations along major highways in Minnesota, promoting accessible and reliable EV infrastructure.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This funding initiative provides financial support to childcare providers in East Grand Forks to help reduce operational costs and improve service quality, ultimately increasing the availability of childcare slots in the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to gasoline-dispensing facilities in Minnesota for installing or upgrading systems that capture harmful emissions during fuel transfers, promoting cleaner air and environmental compliance.

This program provides $100,000 investments and support to high-growth, early-stage companies led by Black, Brown, and women entrepreneurs in Minnesota.

This funding opportunity is designed to help small businesses, government entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits repair high-emitting vehicles in Minnesota, particularly in underserved communities, to improve air quality and reduce pollution.

This funding opportunity supports the development and expansion of clinical training programs for health professionals in rural and underserved urban communities across Minnesota, focusing on enhancing the state's healthcare workforce.

This program provides financial assistance to certified small businesses in Minnesota, particularly those owned by underrepresented individuals, to help them improve their skills and competitiveness for MnDOT contracts.

This program provides financial support to local businesses in Renville County for innovative projects that promote growth, sustainability, and job creation.

This funding opportunity supports collaboration between Minnesota businesses and educational institutions to create customized training programs that enhance workforce skills, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals.

This grant provides funding for the design and installation of exterior murals on commercial properties in the West 7th corridor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, aimed at enhancing community identity and visual appeal.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.