Grants Overview

There are two grant programs available through OCM's Division of Social Equity.

CanGrow provides grants to eligible organizations to help farmers navigate the regulatory structure of the legal cannabis industry and to nonprofits to fund loans to farmers for expansion in the legal cannabis industry.
CanRenew provides grants to eligible organizations for investments in communities where long-term residents are eligible to be social equity applicants. The request for proposals is now open. Apply online by Jan. 12 at 4:30 p.m. CST.

These grants are available through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

CanStartUp is a loan program available to new cannabis microbusinesses. DEED will award funds to nonprofit corporations through a competition grant program; the selected nonprofit will use the funds to provide loans to eligible cannabis microbusinesses, with priority given to social equity applicants.
CanNavigate awards grants to eligible organizations to help people navigate the regulatory structure of the legal cannabis industry and develop technical assistance resources or navigation services to individuals.
CanTrain awards grants to eligible organizations to develop and implement a workforce development program that will provide support, navigation services, and training to people interested in a career in the legal cannabis industry.

The following grant is provided by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

Dual Training Grant is a funding source that generates collaborative and strategic educational solutions between employers and related instruction training providers across Minnesota. Employers or organizations of employers may apply for grants to reimburse expenses related to instruction toward attaining an industry-recognized degree, certificate or credential for their employees.

Resources for grantees

Grantee Manual (updated 8/4/25)
This manual provides basic information for grant recipients on how to properly administer and manage grant funds.

Help Protect Public Funds poster (updated 8/4/25)
Grant recipients are required to post a notice in a public area and/or on their website explaining how to report suspicion of waste or fraud related to state grants. Recipients may print this poster and post it in a public area.

Continuum of Readiness for the Cannabis Industry (updated 11/6/25)
OCM developed a continuum of readiness to help individuals and organizations assess their capacity for success in the cannabis industry.

Contact

For questions, email grants.ocm@state.mn.us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When, where, and how can I apply for the grants?

The application submission window for the CanRenew community restoration grant is open until 4:30 p.m. CST, January 12. Apply using the online application form. All CanRenew grant materials are available on the CanRenew Grant webpage.

The CanGrow farmer training grant and CanGrow farmer loan grant are now closed. For more information, visit the CanGrow Grant webpage.
Will CanRenew be available for the entire state?
How much is the maximum grant award?
How many grants will be made available?

We won’t know specific number of grants awarded until applications have been submitted and evaluated. In terms of program dollar amounts, the CanRenew program has $10.9 million in available funding, and the CanGrow program has $2 million. OCM will use 3% of appropriated funds to administer and monitor the program, with the remaining funds available to be awarded as grants.
Do second generation immigrants qualify?
When and how can an out-of-state applicant be a part of these programs? Do they have to be nonprofits?

Out-of-state applicants can apply as long as their investments are made in Minnesota. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Proposals are actively encouraged from organizations that can make an investment in Minnesota communities where long-term residents are eligible to be social equity applicants as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 342.17.
Will grants be available to people with felonies that were dismissed instead of expunged?

Grants are awarded to organizations, not to individual applicants. However, organizations that serve individuals impacted by the criminal justice system are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that OCM will be completing background studies on organizational leaders. Organizations led by individuals with certain felonies will be disqualified. Refer to the RFPs for more information.
Do you need to be a social equity applicant to apply for grants?
Can anyone apply for the grants?
Organizations can apply for these grants; individuals benefit from them.

Organizations eligible for CanRenew and CanGrow grants include:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Federally recognized Tribes
- Educational institutions
- Private businesses
- Community groups
- Units of local government
- Partnerships between different organization types
Has the disability community been considered for CanRenew and CanGrow eligibility?

The disability community can benefit from both programs. CanRenew can support investments in communities with social equity eligible residents, and these communities and the needs addressed in the grants can support people with disabilities. CanGrow offers technical assistance and loan support specifically for Minnesota farmers and this can include farmers who are disabled.
Do I have to live in and or open a business in a social equity qualified area to be considered for a grant?

For the CanRenew program, funds must be used to serve people living in eligible Minnesota communities identified as social equity areas. For CanGrow, priority is given to organizations that work in these eligible communities; however, residency in the area is not required. Additionally, priority consideration is extended to farmers who may reside in social equity areas but operate their business in another location. This information is collected and assessed by the grantees, as they are responsible for screening farmers for lending opportunities.
Which, if any, grants are for private businesses?

CanGrow revolving loan grants can be used to support businesses owned by farmers entering the legal cannabis industry. Private businesses may apply for CanRenew funding for community investment projects in social equity areas. They may also apply for CanGrow Technical Assistance Grants as long as the businesses are providing technical assistance to farmers.
What is the timeline for dispersal of funds from the grant programs in order to plan cash flow?

Funds will be disbursed according to the project timeline and budget outlined in the grant agreement. The grants are processed on a reimbursement basis: upfront funding is not provided. Funds will be disbursed once all documentation is received and follow state processes. Applicants can expect a schedule upon approval, which will assist in planning cash flow. Grants will need to begin operating within 90 days of award notice.