Development Partnership

Development Partnership grants provide funds for research, planning, education and development-based initiatives that support the long-term economic growth of northeastern Minnesota.

Contact: Shawn Herhusky, Shawn.Herhusky@state.mn.us or 218-735-3067.

Grant Cycle Dates: July 1, 2025 - May 29, 2026 or until program funds are substantially committed for the fiscal year, whichever occurs sooner. 

Eligible applicants: Cities, townships, nonprofits, Tribal governments and governmental entities created pursuant to Minnesota Statutes located within the agency's service area. 

Multi-organization collaboration is encouraged. 

FY26 Development Partnership Grant Guidelines

Grant Application Portal and Form

Success Story

DIY Trees is an innovative online nursery specializing in fast-growing hybrid Poplar trees, like the patented University of Minnesota InnovaTree™ and the TurboTree™ which grow up to 10 feet per year and absorb carbon dioxide four times faster than most other species. DIY Tree kits are affordable at $30 each and include everything the homeowner or business needs for the first year of growth. DIY Trees sold out of its first 1,000 trees in 2024 and is on track to sell up to 1,500 trees in 2025. Owner and entrepreneur Tim White utilized services of Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for support with website search engine optimization (SEO), Google Analytics and marketing strategy, helping him expand his digital reach and drive online sales.

IRRR provides a Development Partnership grant to Northland Foundation to support Small Business Development Center (SBDC) representatives located on the Iron Range and designated to assist the service area. The SBDC regional consultant can provide no-cost technical support to local businesses (existing and startups) such as business plan development, feasibility and financial analysis, market research, advertising and sales, loan packaging, strategic planning, accounting systems and e-commerce.