Minnesota has no shortage of small business grants and they come in many shapes and sizes, which means finding the right grant for you may require some homework. Here are the best places to begin your search:
Minnesota Rural Business Development grant
Offered by the US Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Rural Business Development grant program aims to improve the rural community by providing funds to create jobs and deliver economic benefits and technical advancements. If your business is based in the state and it provides goods or services that could support this mission, you may be eligible for a grant from a pot that sets no limit on award amounts, (although smaller awards do take priority). Grants may be made to a public body/government entity, an Indian tribe, or a nonprofit entity that primarily serves rural areas. The grant money must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation economic impact grants
The Southern Minnesota initiative foundation (SMIF) economic impact grant program offers up to $20,000 to companies that are creating infrastructure to help develop the region’s economic prosperity. While not limited to these areas, the SMIF gives tourism, the arts, food accessibility, and business services as examples of eligible initiatives.
Minnesota Department of Administration
Although it does not provide direct grant funding, the Minnesota Department of Administration provides a grants management hub and a database of grants available by sector, which makes it a great place to start your search for money. Find grants for science and technology projects, educational initiatives, disaster prevention schemes, housing projects, health programs and many, many other topics. Award sums and qualifying criteria vary by category.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers a twin resource hub to the Department of Administration’s grant directory. Once again you’ll find a wide array of grants specific to the agricultural industry and of keen interest to ranchers and farmers.
MORE: Find other business grants for farmers.
Minnesota Grantwatch
Minnesota Grantwatch also operates a directory of current grant opportunities, although not all may be specific to Minnesota-based organizations. Up to 2,000 grants may be available at any one time, with award values and qualifying criteria varying by category and mission goal.
Amber Grant for women
The WomensNet Amber Grants awards multiple grants per year to women wishing to start or grow their own business. $10,000 is offered monthly in three separate categories (total of $30,000 per month available). Participants who win a monthly prize also automatically qualify for the draw for an annual $25,000 award – with three prizes available, one for each award category. You can apply for any of these grants by completing an online application and paying a $15 entrance fee.
MORE: Discover other grants for women, black women and minorities.