Community partner,

This is a reminder that the CanGrow farmer training and loan grant request for proposals (RFP) deadline is next week, on Monday at 4:30 p.m.

The CanGrow farmer training and loan grant supports Minnesota farmers entering or expanding in the legal cannabis market by funding partner organizations. This initiative focuses on equitable access to resources, training, and financial support to help farmers build sustainable businesses. By supporting farmers through education and financial resources, the CanGrow grant aims to strengthen Minnesota’s cannabis industry and promote economic growth in historically impacted communities.  

CanGrow farmer training grants will fund eligible organizations to provide educational materials, training, and technical support to farmers who want to enter or expand into the legal cannabis industry. Project categories eligible for funding will be outlined in the request for proposals.  

CanGrow farmer loan grants will fund nonprofit corporations to assist farmers by providing low-interest loans for entering the legal cannabis industry.  

Grants will support communities where residents are eligible to be social equity applicants. Learn more about social equity qualifications.  

Grant overview  

The CanGrow grant provides funding to organizations that will, in turn, assist farmers with:  

• Education and training  
• Business planning and compliance support  
• Mentorship and technical assistance  
• Access to low-interest loans for startup and expansion  

Funding opportunities  

• CanGrow farmer training grants: expected to range from $10,000–$100,000 per project for training, business support, and compliance guidance.  
• CanGrow farmer loan grants: expected to range from $200,000–$500,000 per eligible organizations for low-interest loan programs, with individual farmer loans ranging from $2,500 to $50,000, or up to $150,000 with matching funds.  

Who can apply?  

For CanGrow farmer loan grants:   

• Nonprofit corporations   

For CanGrow farmer training grants:  

• Nonprofit organizations   
• Federally recognized Tribes
• Educational institutions   
• Local units of government   
• Private businesses   
• Community groups   
• Partnerships between different types of organizations  

Learn more by visiting the CanGrow webpage. 

Additional assistance

OCM hosted technical assistance sessions to guide prospective CanGrow grant applicants through the request for proposals process. Watch a recording of our technical assistance session.

How to apply

For more information, including the full request for proposals and application instructions, please visit the CanGrow webpage. This is a competitive grant program. The deadline to apply for the CanGrow grant is June 1, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. CDT.    

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to email grants.ocm@state.mn.us.  

Thank you!