Economic development
November budget forecast: Down, up, then down again
November budget forecast: Down, up, then down again Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its November forecast this morning, providing an updated look at the state’s fiscal situation in the current biennium as well as the 2028-29 biennium. The forecast shows both good and bad news. The good news is that the 2024-25 biennium ended…
Read MoreApplications open for MPCA brownfield grants
Applications open for MPCA brownfield grants Abandoned gas stations, former dry cleaners or old manufacturing spaces exist in every community. Properties like these—called brownfields—can be a challenge to redevelop and often sit idle for years due to risks of perceived contamination. This can lead to neighborhood blight, unsafe structures, and polluted spaces that can harm…
Read MoreNorth Star Promise report provides insight into potential student workforce development in Greater MN communities
North Star Promise report provides insight into potential student workforce development in Greater MN communities Recently, the Office of Higher Education released a preliminary report about the North Star Promise program from the 2024-25 school year. The North Star Promise program served 53,567 students during the 2024-25 school year. The North Star Promise provides scholarships…
Read MoreDEED now accepting applications for Contamination Cleanup/Investigation & RAP Development grants
DEED now accepting applications for Contamination Cleanup/Investigation & RAP Development grants The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit, is accepting grant applications through the Contamination Cleanup and Investigation and RAP Development Grant Program. This grant program assists local communities with the investigation and cleanup of soil, soil vapor,…
Read MoreDEED: Businesses report cautious optimism, but higher costs, for year ahead
DEED: Businesses report cautious optimism, but higher costs, for year ahead The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced survey results today that indicate that while businesses in Minnesota have concerns about operating costs, consumer spending, and inflation, they expect revenue and productivity to increase or stay the same over the next year. Read…
Read MoreDEED awards more than $5 million in BDPI to North Branch, Sartell, Willmar
DEED awards more than $5 million in BDPI to North Branch, Sartell, Willmar The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced that more than $5 million in total funding has been awarded to the cities of North Branch, Sartell, and Willmar through the BDPI program. The BDPI program is a key GMNP priority and…
Read MorePaid Leave developments at the Legislature
Paid Leave developments at the Legislature There has been a fair amount of chatter at the Capitol and in the media revisiting the Paid Leave program that the Legislature enacted during the 2023 legislative session, which is due to go into effect on January 1, 2026. At this time, Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) has been…
Read MoreDEED announces prequalification process for $652 million in federal broadband funding
DEED announces prequalification process for $652 million in federal broadband funding The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that the agency’s proposed map of eligible locations to receive high-speed broadband through the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding allocation has been formally accepted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.…
Read MoreChild Care Economic Development Grants Announced
Child Care Economic Development Grants Announced Congratulations to members and your partners who were awarded this second round of Child Care Economic Development Grants funding to support the startup or expansion of child care slots! I hope you saw that 84% of the funds will go to Greater Minnesota, estimated to create 1,337 child care…
Read MoreMinnesota Expanding Opportunity Fund Program
Minnesota Expanding Opportunity Fund Program The Minnesota Expanding Opportunity Fund Program is a state-funded program providing low-interest loans to Minnesota nonprofit corporations, Tribal economic development entities, and community development financial institutions. Lenders can receive up to $600,000 at one time to provide loans to the small businesses they serve. Applicants must be CDFIs that are…
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