Minnesota Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible schools, businesses, and nonprofits in Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota, for projects that significantly reduce solid waste through innovative practices and improvements.

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.

This funding opportunity is designed to help Minnesota retail service stations upgrade their infrastructure to sell higher ethanol fuel blends, particularly benefiting small businesses and communities with limited access to biofuels.

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 Ramsey County's Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure program is a redevelopment grant, offering $100,000 to $500,000 for projects that intensify land use, facilitate multifamily housing, improve pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure, and promote development in disinvested areas within transit, economic, and cultural corridors in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses and certain nonprofits in Minnesota that have experienced significant revenue declines due to economic hardships.

This program provides funding to non-profits and public organizations for projects that improve the community in areas such as arts, education, economic development, and historic preservation within the ISD 88 region.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

This program provides financial assistance to Minnesota farmers for purchasing and installing safety equipment in their grain storage facilities.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Small-Town Grant Program. Donor Name: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Small Town Grant Program seeks to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way your community works together, solves challenges, creates a welcoming community and sense of belonging for all. SMIF seeks proposals which focus on collaboration throughout the project and will impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of your community. Funding Information  Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation offers up to $10,000. Grant Period 12 Months. Geographic Areas Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation serves south central and southeastern Minnesota which includes 20 counties, 175 communities and one Native nation. This includes the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Goodhue, Martin, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Mower, Rice, Olmsted, Steele, Sibley, Waseca, Wabasha, Winona and Watonwan, as well as Dakota Oyate (Prairie Island Indian Community). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible organizations are units/agencies of government, IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (current status, not pending), and public institutions (public schools, public higher education, etc.) Organizations which do not comply with the above status may seek a fiscal agent who holds one of the above legal statuses. Exclusions Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizations General operating expenses and expenses not directly related to the project Programs or services mandated by law Routine maintenance Campaigns or endowments For more information, visit SMIF.

This funding opportunity supports K-12 schools in nine Minnesota counties to collaborate with professional artists on various arts projects, promoting access to the arts for historically marginalized communities.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks applications which foster communities to build inclusive, welcoming entrepreneurial environments to advance equitable entrepreneurship opportunities in the lives of all people. Donor Name: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of this grant program is to support IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, units/agencies of government or public institution organizations which are providing direct resources and services to start and expand business opportunities within diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations in southern Minnesota. Examples of initiatives may include the creation of an entrepreneurial education program for diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations, organized community dialogue to build inclusivity around entrepreneurship, expanded access to business resources for all community members; the development of systems to advance equitable entrepreneurial activity and reduce the wealth gap among entrepreneurs of diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations. Applications should effectively illustrate the following Creates economic opportunity and advances economic prosperity for racially diverse populations of potential/existing entrepreneurs. Focuses on the well-being of potential/existing BIPOC entrepreneurs who have experienced inequities. Removes community or systemic barriers to increase access to skills, knowledge, or talents for potential/existing BIPOC entrepreneurs. Demonstrates that initiatives can be sustained or grow beyond the initial funding. Funding Information Up to $10,000 is available to qualified and approved applicants, and recipients will have 18 months to implement their work.  Grant Guidelines  Proposals must be submitted by an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organization, a unit/agency of government or a public institution.  Informal and grassroots organizations are eligible to apply but will be required to have an eligible fiscal host.  Proposals must demonstrate a direct benefit to SMIF’s 20-county region.  10% cash match is required An interim progress report and final written report will be required by all grant recipients Exclusion Ineligible organizations or activities include: Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizations General operating expenses (including staff funding) and expenses not directly related to the project/program Capital funding, real estate investments, fixed assets, equipment, capital campaigns or endowments Project/program expenses incurred prior to application Projects/programs in progress prior to application or completed (excludes planning phase) Funds for re-granting or to establish loan pools Research projects or school-related internships Strategic plans, feasibility studies or project planning without implementation and completion within the 12-month timeframe Participant stipends (scholarships for participant fees may be considered) Organizations that have an open Inclusive & Equitable Communities Grant (cannot close grant prior to project end date listed in contract). For more information, visit SMIF.

The Mayer Economic Development Authority (EDA) Local Business Improvement Grant Program is designed to stimulate private investment in high-quality improvements that contribute to the overall strength and community vitality of local business economy. Donor Name: Mayer Economic Development Authority State: Minnesota City: Mayer Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Mayer EDA establishes funding to assist private business owners in their efforts to make broad improvements to enhance the economic prosperity of the community. Funding Information Program grants are up to a $10,000 match. A minimum of 1:1 match for funding is required. An applicant may only be awarded one grant per property per 12-month period. Eligibility Criteria Grants will be made available to owners or tenants of a commercial property located within the corporate limits of the City of Mayer, Minnesota. The business must be current on all applicable taxes, licenses, permits, and in good standing with the State of Minnesota. The business must be current on their utility account with the City of Mayer. Ineligible Applicants Home based or primarily residential businesses. Churches. Schools or other similar institutions. For more information, visit EDA.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to innovative technology startups in Minnesota for research, development, and business expenses, helping them grow and succeed in their early years.

The Initiative Foundation provides grants to nonprofits and local government units for program or capacity-building support; projects that advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and strategies to address workforce shortages. Donor Name: Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Proposals that focus on at least one of the following areas will be given priority consideration: Capacity-building support for nonprofits, with priority to those addressing urgent needs and/or the needs of low-income communities. This includes support for business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Cost share for projects intended to create behavioral change associated with advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Advancement of community-based strategies to address regional workforce shortages in sectors which lead to family-sustaining wages. Support for local and regional community and economic development entities advancing early-stage feasibility or pilot projects. Funding Information Grants seldom exceed $7,500 and are not intended to provide ongoing support. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local units of government that serve Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and/or Wright counties, and/or the Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe within the boundaries of the 14-county region served by the Initiative Foundation. Ineligible Expenses  Funding requests from outside the Initiative Foundation’s geographic service area will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funding. The following expenses are ineligible and will NOT be considered for funding: Grants or reimbursements to individuals and businesses. Expenses incurred prior to the receipt of a grant award. Capital expenses (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles, etc.). Programs or projects that DO NOT directly benefit residents in the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service area. Replacement of or substitution for government funding. Religious activities. Lobbying or campaigning for a candidate, issue or referendum vote. Development or purchase of school curriculum or support for school athletic programs. Out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts and historic preservation are not focus areas for the Initiative Foundation’s discretionary grants. Potential applicants are encouraged to speak with staff before beginning an application associated with one of these areas. For more information, visit Initiative Foundation.

This grant provides financial support for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to improve their recycling and organics recycling efforts by acquiring containers and compostable bags.

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 Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG) is available to eligible schools, businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in the significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Waste reduction is the most environmentally preferred strategy for managing solid waste. Waste reduction projects eliminate the use of materials that end up being discarded from production and sales processes. Waste reduction projects can take many different forms, including reusing source materials, bulk purchasing, packaging changes, technology enhancements or production redesign. Program Goals The Waste Reduction and Innovation Grant has the following program goals: Increase waste reduction and recycling activities within the business community. Support source specific reduction, recycling, and reuse needs. Provide innovative solutions to waste reduction problems. Support sustainable solutions to ensure growth of on-site efforts by staff and contractual services related to waste reduction and recycling. Support efforts to manage operations higher on the waste management hierarchy as it relates to: waste reduction and reuse activities. market development activities. food recovery and donation. Composting/organics collection. hard to recycle materials/ source separated materials. large business, industrial and college campuses. Priority Areas Impact – Estimated weight in pounds of waste, recycling or organic material that will be reduced or eliminated. Innovation – Implementation of a new idea or technology with clear waste reduction outcomes. Types of Waste  The primary material reduced must be mixed municipal solid waste (MSW). Garbage, refuse and other solid waste from residential, commercial, industrial and community activities that the generator of the waste aggregates for collection. For the purposes of this grant, solid waste includes garbage, refuse or sludges in solid, semisolid, or liquid form. Waste is typically disposed of in garbage, recycling or organics collection systems. Funding Information One-time grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to eligible businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in a significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Applicants must contribute a 10% cash match of the total project cost. Uses of funds  Equipment & Materials  Industry-specific equipment and supplies that eliminate solid waste from the production process or captures materials for reuse. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Equipment and supplies that move businesses from disposable items to reusable options. Construction & Infrastructure  Waste, recycling and organics management infrastructure improvements among co-operative businesses located within the same building or business park. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Research & Development  Industry-specific consultation costs to reduce the creation of solid waste at its source, which is beyond the expertise of R&E consultants. Costs related to the research and development activities of products or services that would significantly reduce solid waste in Ramsey and Washington County. Company must be located within Ramsey or Washington counties. Staff or consultation time to develop environmentally preferable purchasing plans. Staff or consultation time to develop co-operative purchasing groups to leverage access to bulk materials which align with the business’s environmental purchasing plan. Education & Engagement  Staff time to develop an onsite “Green Team.” Production and printing of custom signage, labels and education materials. Eligibility Criteria  Businesses must meet the following criteria: Be one of the following types of businesses: For profit Nonprofit Private college or university Place of worship Schools Ramsey County: Charter schools with less than 250 students and all private schools Washington County: All charter schools and all private schools Must have a permanent physical location in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. Previous recipients of BizRecycling grants may apply. Applicants must be in compliance with their previous grant contract. Ineligible entities include: Home-based businesses All public entities including federal, state, county and city; public colleges and universities Public K-12 schools in Ramsey County Residential apartment buildings. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

The Food Recovery Grant supports programs that recover surplus, edible food from businesses, organizations and/or farmer’s markets for distribution to people in need. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Recovery Grants are open to businesses (food donors, including food producers, distributors, grocers and cafeterias), nonprofit organizations and college food shelves in Ramsey and Washington counties. Funding Information Grant awards are up to $20,000. Uses of funds  Food Recovery & Donation Materials for food recovery activities, including collection materials (buckets, boxes, bags, etc.) and food mobility equipment (carts, pallets, etc.). Storage costs, including rental and/or equipment purchase. Transportation costs, including vehicle rental. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work. Infrastructure and equipment for use in food recovery and donation efforts. Education & Engagement Staff recycling training (one hour wage per employee). Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must meet the following criteria: Eligible businesses include: Businesses (food donors) Food producers Distributors Grocers Cafeterias Food shelves and banks Colleges (donation and food shelves) Farmers markets Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. All food recovery associated with this grant must take place in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

This funding opportunity assists Minnesota dairy farmers in modernizing their operations and developing strategic business plans by covering half the costs of hiring qualified consultants.