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Economic Response Fund: apply for grant funds today
Small businesses may now apply for Economic Response grants through the Minneapolis Foundation.
The Economic Response Fund was designed to help small businesses address needs caused by reduced revenue, workforce challenges, temporary closures, or safety and security concerns.
Small businesses with 40 or fewer employees may be eligible for grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. CST on March 4, 2026.
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Other relief funds for businesses
As additional relief funds become available, we will provide updates.
Co-op Start-up Course begins March 3
There's still time to register for the City of Minneapolis Cooperative Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) Co-op Startup Course — a free, five-session virtual training for groups interested in starting a cooperative business or converting an existing business to a co-op model.
Led by Cooperative Development Services, all sessions for this interactive course take place in March via Zoom. Participants will learn to:
- Evaluate their co-op idea
- Develop a business plan
- Understand legal structure and funding strategies
- Explore cooperative conversions as a succession option
This training is open to Minneapolis-based groups and businesses.
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Funding available to support healthier workplaces in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis Health Department is accepting applications for the Healthy Worksites Program. The program offers microgrants up to $3,000 plus technical assistance to help small businesses and nonprofits strengthen workplace wellness efforts.
Funds may support initiatives focused on healthy eating, physical activity, breastfeeding support, and mental wellbeing. The program is funded by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP).
Who’s eligible?
Minneapolis-based (or branch) small businesses and nonprofits with 10–200 employees are eligible for Healthy Worksite Microgrants.
How to apply
Visit the City of Minneapolis RFP webpage, select Current Opportunities, and search for HLTH_2026 Healthy Worksites Program.
Applications are due 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Updates to City’s Two Percent Loan program
Small business owners in Minneapolis can use the City’s Two Percent Loan program to help finance building and leasehold improvements and some equipment purchases. This loan can match private loan funds, with the City’s loan funds at a 2% interest rate for up to a 10-year term.
This year, we increased our maximum loan amounts to add more of our low-cost capital to your business’s project. Businesses throughout Minneapolis can now qualify for up to $75,000.
- Small businesses in “eligible” (blue) areas can qualify for up to $100,000
- Small businesses in “priority” (orange) or “Cultural District” (purple) areas can qualify for up to $125,000
Small businesses are business entities – either for-profit or non-profit – that meet specific defined criteria around number of employees and annual gross revenue.
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Business District Support grant application re-issued
Great Streets Business District Support (BDS) grants from the Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) help build vibrant business districts. The program’s goals are to help nonprofit organizations strengthen neighborhood business districts by promoting businesses, attracting new customers, and hosting events and activities to energize the area.
This year’s Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the program has been reissued with a new deadline for grant funding of Friday, March 13, 2026. The previous NOFA was posted in late 2025, prior to the implementation of Operation Metro Surge. By reissuing the NOFA, we can better address the significant and widespread economic impacts of Operation Metro Surge. All organizations that applied for the November 2025 deadline must reapply to this NOFA to be considered for funding.
Organizations that did not respond previously are also welcome to respond to this NOFA.
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Build your future workforce with Step Up interns
Minneapolis youths are now applying for summer 2026 Step Up internships and we’re looking for employers who want to add an intern to their roster. Hosting a Step Up intern isn’t just good for the young person you hire, it’s good for your business too.
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Access local talent: Connect with motivated young people eager to learn and contribute.
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Shape tomorrow’s workforce: Help develop the skills your industry needs.
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Fresh perspectives: Interns bring new ideas and energy to your team.
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Community impact: Show your commitment to equity and opportunity in Minneapolis.
Big changes are coming to Step Up this year—it’s the perfect time to get involved. Step Up now offers two tracks based on interns’ experience level:
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Foundations: For youths ages 14–21 new to the workforce. Step Up pays wages.
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Pro: For career-ready youths ages 16–21. Employers pay interns directly.
Step Up Pro will partner with local small businesses to develop internships this summer. They’re offering a total of five internship subsidies in a competitive process to qualifying small businesses that create in-depth, career-focused internship opportunities. If you’re interested in exploring how you can participate, please contact Andrew Peterson.
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Host a parket or street café this summer
 Applications for the 2026 parklet and street café program are now open. Parklets turn curbside parking spots into small seasonal public spaces with seating, plantings, and more. They help make our city more walkable and welcoming.
Street cafés offer businesses a chance to expand their seating into the parking lane and activate the neighborhood. Street cafés operate as an extension of a business and require a license.
Community groups, businesses, and interested neighbors are invited to learn more by attending one of the City’s upcoming application support events.
The City recommends that you start the application process early. Street Café and community-hosted parklet applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Additionally, the City is looking for three community partners to host City-owned parklets. Selection is based on a competitive process and applications are due March 31.
Learn more about the parklet and street café program
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