Funds Awarded to Small Child Care Businesses in Minnesota
DEED recently awarded $1.4 million in child care economic development grants. Awarded to 11 programs and organizations around the state, the grants are projected to support the creation of more than 1,100 new child care slots.
More than 80% of the awarded funds will go toward programs in Greater Minnesota. Administered by DEED’s Child Care Office, this grant program provides funding to organizations and communities to invest in new or expanding child care businesses, including facility improvements, worker training, attraction, retention and licensing and other strategies to reduce the child care shortage.
The following organizations were awarded Child Care Economic Development Grants in this funding round:
- City of Melrose – $100,000
- City of Windom – $100,000
- Discovery Place (Thief River Falls) – $51,500
- Excell Academy for Higher Learning (Brooklyn Park) – $100,000
- Lakes Area Enrichment Center (Starbuck) – $100,000
- Northfield Healthy Community Initiative (Northfield) – $200,000
- Northland Foundation (Duluth) – $200,000
- Northwest Minnesota Foundation (Bemidji) – $200,000
- Prairie Pines Child Care Center (Fosston) – $73,333
- WomenVenture (St. Paul) – $200,000
- Wonder World Preschool, Inc. (Slayton) – $100,000
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Find the Right Funding for Your Small Business
DEED’s Funding Matrix makes it easier to explore grants, loans and other financing programs available to Minnesota businesses. Compare programs, review eligibility requirements and identify funding opportunities that may fit your business needs.
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NorthStar Behavioral Health Grows with SBDC Assistance
After being laid off in 2025, Eric Bailly turned years of behavioral health experience into a national consulting practice with guidance from the SBDC.
Today, NorthStar Behavioral Health Advisory helps behavioral health providers, insurers, nonprofits, and policymakers improve access to mental health and substance use services across the country. From choosing the right business structure to developing a professional marketing strategy, West Central SBDC advisors provided support throughout the startup process.
"There's nothing like having that human touch of someone who's been down these roads and can share other people's experiences."
Learn more about Eric’s SBDC experience
LEDC's Plaza del Sol Opens in St. Paul
After years of planning and construction, the Latino Economic Development Center is preparing to open Plaza del Sol on Saint Paul’s East Side. Supported by $750,000 through DEED’s Main Street Economic Revitalization Program, the new destination will feature a food hall, commissary kitchen and event center. Plaza del Sol provides entrepreneurs with affordable space, business assistance and financing resources while creating a vibrant community gathering place. A soft opening is planned for early August.
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August Small Business Call: Mid-Year Financial Checkup
Join our monthly Small Business Call for an informative financial checkup with the Small Business Development Centers.
The middle of the year is the perfect time to evaluate your business's financial health and prepare for what's ahead. This monthly call will guide business owners through a mid-year financial checkup, including cash flow management, key financial metrics, and practical strategies to strengthen financial performance.
Participants will also learn about access to capital, funding options, and how to prepare financially to improve their ability to secure financing when opportunities arise. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and strategies to finish the year strong and position their business for future growth.
Register for August
Previous Small Business Call recordings
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
University of Minnesota Extension's seventh annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference will take place Sept. 17 - 18 in St. Joseph. Last year's conference brought together nearly 100 entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development professionals, decision makers, and community champions. Participants had the opportunity to connect with others who care about entrepreneurship in their region, as well as be inspired by collaborative, community-based approaches to supporting entrepreneurs.
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Resources Available for Manufacturers who use PFAS
Beginning this fall, manufacturers around the world must report intentionally added PFAS chemicals in products sold or distributed for sale in Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is supporting manufacturers with reporting guides, instructional videos, email support, virtual office hours, and more. Initial reports on PFAS in products are due September 15. Due date extension requests should be postmarked by August 16.
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August 3-6: MN Cup Division Showcases
August 12: WomenVenture Overview
August 13: ILT Founder Showcase
Startup and Small Business Calendar
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