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If you need an ASL, or a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format please contact Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 (711 or 1-800-627-3529 for MN Relay). If you need any other reasonable accommodation to participate, please email your request to ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us.

Office of Civil Rights News

Financial resources available for small businesses

Micro Grants

The Micro Grant Program helps Minnesota-based certified small businesses increase capacity and compete more effectively on MnDOT contracts by providing up to $3,500 of financial assistance. Funds are provided as reimbursement for preapproved expenses, including trainings such as MnDOT’s upcoming Traffic Engineering Training opportunities.

Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

Visit www.mndot.gov/civilrights/micro-grant.html for more information about Micro Grants, including eligibility requirements.

DEED Training Grant Programs

Through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) works with businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to train or retrain workers, expand work opportunities and keep high-quality jobs in the state. The goal is to target short-term training for full-time employment in the growth sectors of the state’s economy.

Grants are offered through a variety of programs to offset training-related expenses incurred by business, industry, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to meet current and future workforce needs.

Visit https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/training-grant/ for more information about current opportunities.

MN Small Business Support Grants

• Minneapolis and Saint Paul PROMISE Act Grant, for small businesses in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. For more information: https://www.mnpromiseact.org/eligibility
• The Neighborhood STAR Program, for economic development in Saint Paul neighborhoods. For more information: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-and-economic-development/economic-development/neighborhood-star
• CORE Grant Program, for small businesses in the Capitol Area of Saint Paul. For more information: https://sppa.com/portfinancing/coregrant
• Small Business Assistance Grant Program, for small businesses in the city of Bloomington. For more information: https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/bus/small-business-assistance-grant-program
• Latino & Immigrant Business Emergency Relief Fund, for Latino-owned businesses throughout Minnesota. For more information: https://www.ledcmn.org/news/business-emergency-relief-fund/

More ways MnDOT helps certified small businesses

One-to-one Small Business Assistance program

 One-to-one Small Business Assistance sessions may be virtual or in-person depending on your preference. Our experts are available to assist you in a variety of areas.

• To schedule a one-to-one business assistance meeting, email Stacia Rice.
• Questions: Amy.Severson@state.mn.us, 651-421-4619

MnDOT Small Business Resource Center

The MnDOT Small Business Resource Center empowers small businesses with the tools, connections and confidence needed for success on MnDOT projects. Resources include:

• Personalized one-to-one business support
• Workshops and training opportunities
• Networking events with MnDOT staff, prime contractors, and other small business owners
• Certification support
• Physical location in the North Metro offering free Wi-Fi, print and copy access, kitchens, meeting rooms and friendly staff

See the event calendar for details on all SBRC events. For questions, contact Berta.Hartig@drbteam.com

More information

For more information please visit www.mndot.gov/civilrights