Financing Programs
Our business financing programs help companies and communities retain existing jobs and create new high-quality jobs. Not all businesses are eligible. Qualifying companies must meet specific job creation and wage goals.
Minnesota Investment Fund
The Minnesota Investment Fund provides financing to help companies expand, add workers and retain high-quality jobs.
Minnesota Job Creation Fund
Provides up to $1 million after specified job creation and capital investment goals are achieved.
Minnesota Foreign Trade Zones
Store goods, assemble products, manufacture or re-export goods without paying Customs duties.
Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program
Provides loan capital for businesses that are owned and operated by minorities, low-income persons, women, veterans and/or persons with disabilities.
Native American Business Loan Program
Supports Native-owned businesses and promotes economic opportunities for Native peoples statewide.
Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program
For companies with employees called to active duty and veterans returning from active duty.
Minnesota 21st Century Fund
Provides loans to or makes equity investments in innovative mineral processing facilities.
Minnesota Main Street Economic Revitalization Program
This program provided grants to nonprofit partner organizations to fund 30% matching grants up to $750,000 and guaranteed loans up to $2,000,000 to eligible recipients for eligible projects that are designed to address the greatest economic development and redevelopment needs that have arisen in communities across Minnesota since March 15, 2020.
Child Care Economic Development
DEED grants that are used to implement solutions to reduce the child care shortage in the state.
SBIR-STTR Federal Funding for High-Tech Companies
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.
The State Small Business Credit Initiative
Minnesota has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for up to $97 million for small business financing support.
Community Wealth Building Program
Makes low-interest loans to community businesses that are at least 51% owned by targeted populations.
Promise Loan Program
Provides loans to businesses located in communities adversely affected by racial discrimination, civil unrest, and other challenges.
Cannabis Industry Navigation Program (CanNavigate)
DEED partners with local and regional community-based organizations across the state to help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the regulatory structure of Minnesota’s legal cannabis industry.
Cannabis Industry Startup Financing (CanStartup)
DEED’s lending partners will provide loans to eligible cannabis microbusinesses with a priority given to social equity applicants. Loans are for $2,500 to $50,000 and can be up to $150,000 with private matching funds.
Additional DEED Programs to Assist Cannabis Businesses
DEED offers a variety of business and industry support programs that business in the legal cannabis industry may benefit from. Learn more here.
Minnesota Forward Fund
Provides grants and loans to businesses making large private capital investments in new and existing industries for which federal funding requires a state match.
Promise Act Grant Program
This program, through a series of statewide partner organizations, will award grants to eligible businesses in specific communities. A total of $86,480,000 million will be awarded as grants in multiple rounds.
Minnesota Expanding Opportunity Fund Program
Provides long-term loans to Minnesota nonprofit corporations to increase lending activities with Minnesota small businesses.
Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan
Provides loans of up to $75,000 for investigation, remediation, or equipment to help businesses meet or exceed environmental regulations.