Small Business Grants in Minnesota
Minnesota has a diverse and resilient small business economy anchored by manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and a surprisingly strong technology sector centered in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Minnesota SBDC are the primary points of contact for grant research.
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Minnesota's Small Business Economy
Minnesota's key industries include healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and financial services. Grant programs are often tailored to these sectors, meaning businesses in these industries tend to qualify for more opportunities — and face less competition for state-specific awards than for purely federal programs.
Top Grants Available to Minnesota Businesses
These are nationwide programs with no state restrictions. Minnesota businesses qualify for all of them.
Jobber Grants for Home Service Businesses
Jobber
Annual $250,000 grant program exclusively for home service businesses — plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, landscaping, painting, pest control, cleaning. Grand prize $100K, plus $50K, $25K×2, and $10K×5. Requires joining the free Jobber Home Service Community Forum before applying.
HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD does not grant CDBG funds directly to businesses, nonprofits, or individuals — the direct grantee is always the city or county government. There is no application a business can submit to HUD; a business can only lobby its local government to fund a project. Verified against hud.gov 2026-07-14.
Accion Opportunity Fund Grants
Accion Opportunity Fund
Primarily a LOAN provider (term loans, SBA 7(a), equipment/truck financing) — actual grants are rare, sponsor-specific, time-limited side programs (e.g. a past $10K Black-owned-business grant, a past $5K restart grant), not a standing $25K general grant. Most current activity is loans, not grants.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
USDA Rural Development
Grants covering up to 50% of project costs for HVAC upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy installations at rural small businesses. Strong fit for HVAC contractors upgrading client equipment or their own facility.
IFundWomen General Grant
IFundWomen
Ongoing grants and coaching for women-owned businesses. IFundWomen partners with major brands to fund women entrepreneurs across all industries.
Amber Grant for Women
WomensNet
Monthly $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses plus a $50,000 year-end grant. One of the most accessible women's business grants — $15 application fee, no minimum revenue, rolling monthly deadlines.
Cartier Women's Initiative Award
Cartier
International grant for women-led, for-profit businesses with positive social and/or environmental impact. Up to $100K for finalists.
Visa She's Next Grant Program
Visa
Grants and mentorship for women-owned small businesses, with a focus on Black women entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
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Get My Free Minnesota Grant ReportMinnesotaState Programs & Resources
In addition to federal grants, Minnesota has state-specific programs worth exploring.
Minnesota DEED Small Business Programs
Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development runs the Minnesota Investment Fund, Small Business Development Loan Fund, and various workforce and business development grants.
Minnesota SBDC
The Minnesota SBDC offers free business consulting and grant search services at locations across the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota.
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD)
Provides grants and loans to small businesses in the Twin Cities metro area, with a focus on entrepreneurs from underserved communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there grants specifically for Minnesota businesses?▼
Yes — Minnesota has state-specific programs including Minnesota DEED Small Business Programs, Minnesota SBDC, Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). In addition to the federal grants above, our report includes guidance on finding and applying to Minnesota-specific programs.
Are there grants for Minneapolis or St. Paul small businesses?▼
Minneapolis has active grant programs through the Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, the City of Minneapolis Business Resource Center, and multiple CDFIs. St. Paul has its own small business grant programs through the City's Department of Planning and Economic Development.
Does Minnesota have grants for agricultural businesses?▼
Minnesota is a top agricultural state with strong USDA Rural Development activity and state-level grants through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Ag Development Fund and Begin Farmer programs.
Are there Minnesota grants for minority or immigrant-owned businesses?▼
Minnesota has strong support networks for minority entrepreneurs including the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA), African Development Center, and various CDFI programs targeting Latino, Somali, and Hmong business communities.
Do I have to pay back a grant?▼
No — grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. Unlike loans, grants are awarded outright for qualifying business activities. Some grants have reporting requirements (spending documentation) but no repayment obligation.
How long does it take to receive grant money?▼
It depends on the grant. After approval, most federal grants disburse within 30-90 days. State grants vary. Some private grants (like Hello Alice and Amber Grant) can move faster. Our report identifies the fastest grants to apply for.
What if I don't have any certifications?▼
Many top grants are open to all small businesses regardless of certifications. That said, certifications like WOSB, VOSB, or MBE can dramatically increase the number of grants you qualify for. Our report includes a certification roadmap if you qualify.
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