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Launch Minnesota Newsletter: August 2023 Edition

Innovation Grants Return for Startups

Launch Minnesota is accepting applications for our Innovation Grants – awards that provide up to $35,000 to innovative, scalable startups in Minnesota.

Since inception, Launch Minnesota has awarded $6.4M to 187 companies. More than 60% of our Innovation Grants have been awarded to targeted businesses, which includes those that are woman-owned, veteran-owned, BIPOC-owned or located in Greater Minnesota.

Applications for the new round of Innovation Grants opened on August 1 and will close on August 31. After this month, the next opportunity to apply will be January 2024. Companies that previously received a Business Operations grant are no longer eligible for additional Business Operations grant, but may receive an SBIR/STTR Matching grant if eligible.

Check out the Innovation Grant page on DEED’s site for additional information and to see if your company might qualify.

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Funding for Entrepreneurial Support Organizations

Launch Minnesota’s Education Grants are designed to enhance our state's innovation ecosystem by growing regional connectivity and partnerships to help start and scale businesses and keep our state globally competitive. Grantees may use funds for outreach and education to businesses and organizations, collaboration with institutions in and outside their region, and startup events such as networking and pitch competitions. Applications are due September 14.

Small Business Assistance Partnership Grants The funding is intended for consulting and direct services to small businesses – especially those facing systemic barriers to growth. Applications are due August 31.

A recording of the informational webinar for each grant is now available on this page.

Now Hiring: Launch MN Director

DEED’s Office of Small Business Development is accepting applications for the next Director of Launch Minnesota. The Director will work with key ecosystem leaders to build programmatic efforts and market them throughout the state. They will also work with multiple stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors and higher education institutions, to grow the program’s impact.

Applications are due August 16.

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MnDOT Mobility Program

The Office of Transit and Active Transportation at the Minnesota Department of Transportation has opened its first Phase 1 cohort enrollment for Moving Greater Minnesota Forward, a new innovative mobility initiative dedicated to improving transportation options in Greater Minnesota. This program is designed to provide technical and financial support to ideas to improve shared mobility options for rural, tribal, and small urban communities. Applications are due September 1.

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Welcoming Wednesday - August 9

Launch Minnesota is partnering with coworking spaces and economic development agencies across the state to assist startups and small businesses during Welcoming Wednesdays.

On the second Wednesday of each month, spaces across the state spotlight a range of available business resources in their communities. There will be experts at each location, including business coaches, Launch Minnesota regional leaders and Small Business Development Center consultants.

See who’s hosting in your community

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference 2023

Registration is now open for the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference. Hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension, the CEC Conference is a celebration of entrepreneurship in rural Minnesota communities. This year’s conference will take place in New London, and the dates are September 14-15.

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