Minnesota Business and Commerce Grants

This grant provides funding for organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin to implement impactful water quality improvement projects and promote environmental stewardship within their communities.

On March 26, the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) jointly announced the launch of a Promise Act grant opportunity tailored for business owners in northeastern Minnesota. Pat Campanaro, serving as the Cook County consultant for the Northland SBDC, expressed her pride and happiness regarding the collaboration between the EDA and SBDC. The competitive Promise Act grant initiative, sanctioned during the 2023 legislative session, aims to extend assistance to businesses and communities grappling with economic adversity induced by the pandemic. The Northland SBDC has allocated $1.1 million in grants for eligible small businesses and certain nonprofits in northeast Minnesota. The grant application criteria for businesses are delineated as follows: Grants are accessible to currently operating businesses with gross annual revenues ranging from $10,000 to $750,000, as substantiated by their 2021 and 2022 tax returns or Forms 990. Grant amounts will be determined based on 2022 revenues, with the following tiers: Revenues of at least $10,000 but not exceeding $100,000 may qualify for a $10,000 grant. Revenues ranging from at least $100,000 to $350,000 may merit a $25,000 grant. Revenues between $350,000 and $750,000 may be eligible for a $50,000 grant. Preference will be given to applicants who did not receive substantial COVID-19 relief funding exceeding $10,000 from the State of Minnesota. Additionally, according to the Northland Foundation, nonprofit organizations may apply, provided they derive 30 percent or more of their revenue through non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model. Grant applications opened on March 26 and will be accepted until May 21. The application form for the Promise Act grant program can be accessed through the provided link. To facilitate the application process and address queries, Campanaro and Theresa Bajda, the executive director of the EDA, announced weekly open office hours at the EDA office in Grand Marais, located at 425 W Hwy 61, Suite B. Bajda mentioned the availability of morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to accommodate diverse schedules. Interested individuals can find the scheduled office hours by contacting 218-387-3112 or reaching out to Campanaro via email at pcampanaro@gmail.com. Campanaro emphasized their shared goal of fostering economic opportunity in Cook County and expressed satisfaction in collaborating with Bajda to advance this objective and inform businesses about available services that can positively impact their opportunities for growth. WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins conducted an interview with Pat Campanaro, the Cook County Northland SBDC consultant, and Theresa Bajda, the executive director of the EDA, discussing the Promise Act grant opportunity. The audio recording of the interview is accessible below.

This funding opportunity supports Minnesota-based organizations and individuals conducting applied crop research to improve agricultural practices and outcomes for local farmers and rural communities.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in Minnesota to deliver job training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial skills development for individuals from communities of color and low-income backgrounds, focusing on high-growth industries.

This funding opportunity supports local governments, Tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in Central Minnesota to develop innovative projects that enhance workforce housing and attract and retain workers.

This grant provides financial support to individuals, businesses, and organizations in Minnesota to start, modernize, or expand processing operations for meat, poultry, eggs, and milk, with a focus on increasing sales and market access for locally raised livestock products.

The Organizational Development program, funded by the City of Saint Paul through its Cultural STAR fund, provides grants for projects aimed at strengthening the management, administration, or operations of recipient organizations. This program aligns with the broader mission of the Cultural STAR fund, which is to promote cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly in the downtown Cultural District, by strengthening the arts and culture community. The intent is to challenge organizations, infuse new thinking, develop new systems, or strengthen existing systems to foster growth and development, thereby contributing to the overall cultural and economic health of Saint Paul. The target beneficiaries of this program are primarily nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located within the City of Saint Paul, with a significant focus on those within the Cultural District of downtown Saint Paul. Informal or unincorporated arts-focused groups, individuals, and one-time arts projects can also apply if associated with an eligible nonprofit and serving as a fiscal and contract sponsor. Additionally, businesses in the Cultural District may apply for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment, and City departments or divisions are eligible when partnered with an eligible organization. The program explicitly excludes churches, religious organizations, political groups, and federal, state, and county agencies. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around several key areas. Cultural STAR dollars are intended to build and diversify audiences, promote a broad range of cultural offerings, produce long-term impact, and leverage additional financial support. Specifically, the grants aim to attract audiences, develop and improve cultural facilities, and build the capacity of artists and cultural organizations. A geographic focus is maintained, with at least 80% of funds allocated to nonprofit organizations within the Cultural District, and the remaining 20% to businesses in the Cultural District or nonprofits located in Saint Paul but outside the Cultural District. Expected outcomes and measurable results include projects that advance the mission of the recipient group and have the potential for significant or long-term impact. The program anticipates strengthened management, administration, or operations within grantee organizations, leading to enhanced cultural vitality and economic growth within the city. While specific quantitative metrics for "significant or long-term impact" are not explicitly detailed beyond the general aims, the emphasis on audience development, facility improvement, and capacity building suggests an increase in public engagement with arts and culture, improved infrastructure for cultural activities, and a more robust and sustainable arts community. The grant size of $1,000 to $10,000, with a minimum request of $5,000, indicates a focus on projects that can achieve these outcomes within a one-year grant duration.

This grant provides financial support to grocery stores and small food retailers in Minnesota to improve their facilities and equipment, making healthy and affordable food more accessible in underserved communities.

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.

The Neighborhood STAR program, administered by the City of Saint Paul’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), is a grant initiative established in 1993. It allocates revenue from the city’s half-cent sales tax to fund capital improvement projects that enhance the vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods. This program offers reimbursement grants of $5,000 or more, aiming to strengthen the community through various physical improvements. The program's mission aligns with fostering neighborhood growth and economic development within Saint Paul. The target beneficiaries of the Neighborhood STAR program include public, private, non-profit, or for-profit entities located in or doing business within Saint Paul. Additionally, city departments, quasi-governmental entities, churches, and religious organizations can apply when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group, provided their projects are non-sectarian, open to the public, and for non-religious functions. The program specifically excludes political groups, federal/state/county agencies, and individual homeowners/condominium/townhome owners. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the vitality of the city's neighborhoods through tangible capital improvements. The program prioritizes a diverse range of capital improvement activities. These include renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of commercial, residential, or industrial properties; fixed interior and exterior improvements such as walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, and HVAC; minor public improvements; and beautification of public or private open spaces with elements like trees, rain gardens, and play equipment with a life expectancy of 7+ years. Creative placemaking/placekeeping activities, including public art, are also encouraged, especially those that promote cultural diversity. Non-profit neighborhood organizations providing funding programs for local businesses and homeowners are also eligible. Expected outcomes of the Neighborhood STAR program include revitalized commercial, residential, and industrial properties, improved public and private spaces, enhanced community aesthetics, and increased accessibility. Measurable results could include the number of properties renovated, the square footage of improved public spaces, the installation of new public art or infrastructure, and the successful completion of projects within the anticipated September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026 timeframe. Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds, simplifying access for smaller projects and further demonstrating the city's strategic priority to support neighborhood-level improvements directly.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local communities, non-profits, and organizations to develop and expand childcare services, addressing the shortage of quality childcare providers across Minnesota.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research and outreach projects that improve the health and sustainability of Lake Superior and Minnesota's inland waters, targeting academic institutions, nonprofits, and collaborative teams focused on aquatic resources.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) “Difference Maker” grant round aims to support community initiatives within Douglas County, Minnesota, by fostering positive change. This grant aligns with the AACF's mission to provide leadership and financial support, building partnerships that extend beyond the grant itself to advance projects and initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofits, schools, and government entities, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to broad community engagement. The grant targets residents within Douglas County, with a particular focus on addressing basic needs, supporting and strengthening families, children, and youth, and promoting diverse cultures. The AACF seeks to fund programs and projects that will bring about positive change in the Alexandria area community, ultimately aiming for a sustainable positive impact. They specifically look for initiatives that build social capital across generations and cultures, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. The AACF's strategic priorities are evident in its focus areas, which include Education (especially K-12 and after-school programs), Social Services, Health (education, physical and mental health, abuse/violence reduction), Arts and Culture, and Civic activities that build, promote, and preserve communities. The foundation’s theory of change appears to be centered on fostering innovative solutions, encouraging collaborative efforts with various community partners, and supporting projects that create highly impactful and visible outcomes, inspiring further community investments. Expected outcomes include creating innovative solutions to community challenges, capitalizing on emerging opportunities, and building or supporting collaborative efforts among community partners. The grant also emphasizes making a sustainable positive impact, building social capital, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Projects are expected to have a lasting impact, whether through capital projects, new or expanded programs, or other strategic investments. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, and the grant encourages initiatives that can demonstrate measurable results in these focus areas.

This program provides funding to agricultural and rural electric cooperatives in Minnesota to develop facilities that produce eco-friendly nitrogen fertilizers using renewable energy and green hydrogen.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, for exterior home improvements that enhance curb appeal and neighborhood aesthetics.

The Initiative Foundation offers grants to nonprofits and local government units, focusing on program or capacity-building support, projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strategies to address workforce shortages. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to serve its 14-county region in Minnesota and Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe, by fostering community and economic development. The grants are intended to be strategic investments, not ongoing support, with individual grants seldom exceeding $7,500. The grants target 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local government units serving specific counties and Native nations within the Initiative Foundation's geographic service area. The impact goals are to strengthen communities by addressing urgent needs, particularly in low-income communities, promote behavioral change towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, and develop community-based solutions for regional workforce shortages, leading to family-sustaining wages. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrably contribute to these outcomes. Priority consideration is given to proposals focusing on capacity-building support for nonprofits, especially those addressing urgent needs or low-income communities, including business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Other key focuses include cost-share for projects creating behavioral change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancement of community-based strategies to tackle regional workforce shortages in sectors with family-sustaining wages. Support for early-stage feasibility or pilot projects by local and regional community and economic development entities is also a priority. Expected outcomes include strengthened organizational capacity for nonprofits, measurable progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and tangible reductions in regional workforce shortages. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "behavioral change" and "community-based strategies" implies a desire for demonstrable and sustainable impact. The Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in the priority areas, indicating a theory of change that by investing in these key areas, they can foster stronger, more equitable, and economically resilient communities. Ineligible expenses include grants to individuals and businesses, expenses incurred before grant receipt, capital expenses, projects not directly benefiting residents in the service area, replacement of government funding, religious activities, lobbying, school curriculum development or athletic programs, and out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts, and historic preservation are not focus areas for discretionary grants, and potential applicants in these areas are encouraged to consult with staff before applying.

Aitkin County has been awarded a grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The Aitkin County Board of Commissioners, have approved this grant funding to be used to directly impact the Community of Aitkin County by establishing the Aitkin County Childcare Acceleration Grant Program. The purpose of this grant fund is to help support community members who aspire start their career in childcare and become childcare providers in Aitkin County in an effort to drive economic growth.  The funding will help support fees associated with new licensing and training needed to open a childcare center or at home facility, general remodeling costs to meet licensing standards and/or funding support to add additional employees to new and existing childcare businesses.

The Special Project grants, offered by the City of Saint Paul through its Cultural STAR fund, aim to support quality arts activities across all disciplines within the city's geographic boundaries. This initiative is deeply aligned with the fund's overarching mission to promote cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly within the downtown Cultural District, by strengthening the arts and culture community. The grants are designed to support projects that contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors, thereby fostering economic development. Target beneficiaries for these grants include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located within the City of Saint Paul, as well as informal arts-focused groups, individuals, and one-time arts projects that partner with eligible nonprofits. Businesses in the Cultural District are also eligible for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment. The impact goals are centered on building and diversifying audiences, promoting a broad range of cultural offerings, producing long-term cultural impact, and leveraging additional financial support for the arts. The Cultural STAR Program prioritizes projects and programs that attract audiences, develop and improve cultural facilities, and build the capacity of artists and cultural organizations. A significant focus is placed on the Cultural District of downtown Saint Paul, with at least 80% of funds allocated to nonprofit organizations within this targeted area. The remaining 20% can support businesses in the Cultural District or nonprofit organizations located elsewhere in Saint Paul. This geographic focus underscores the strategic priority of revitalizing and enriching the downtown cultural hub. Expected outcomes include increased audience engagement with diverse cultural offerings, enhanced and accessible cultural facilities, and strengthened organizational capacity within the arts and culture sector. Measurable results could include metrics related to audience attendance, the number and variety of cultural events, improvements in cultural infrastructure, and the ability of organizations to secure additional funding. The Cultural STAR fund's theory of change is that by investing in these areas, it will lead to sustained cultural vitality and economic growth, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for both residents and tourists.

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.