State Programs & Incentives

Under this program businesses in Greater Minnesota (outside the seven-county Twin Cities area) will receive sales tax refunds on all purchases made during a seven-year period. To qualify, business must have operated in greater MN for one year. The business must be willing to increase full-time employment at the facility by two employees or 10 percent of current employment, whichever is greater, within three years.

This pilot program provides up to $25,000 to help small businesses pay for technical assistance and services from public higher education institutions and nonprofit entities.

Qualifying companies will receive vouchers, which can be redeemed for technical assistance and services that include research, technical development, product development, commercialization, market development, technology exploration and improved business practices.

Companies with 40 or fewer employees, with at least half of the employees based in Minnesota, may apply. Recipients must provide a cash match equal to 50 percent of the voucher award.

The program provides grants of up to $50,000 to new or expanding Minnesota businesses that need to train new workers as quickly and efficiently as possible. The program is available to businesses that have fewer than 150 full-time employees and are increasing their Minnesota workforce by at least 10 percent, with a minimum of five new jobs.

Priority will be given to businesses in the manufacturing, skilled production and information technology industries and firms located in Greater Minnesota. Businesses may use a variety of training providers or use in-house trainers.

Workers can be trained in basic skills, advanced technical skills, specific industry equipment, processes, safety, worker-related language, soft skills and other areas identified by the employer.

Recipients must provide a cash match equal to 50 percent, 75 percent or 100 percent of the amount awarded by DEED, depending on the size of the business.

Through Renewable Energy for Greater Minnesota, CERTs offers custom project assistance and tools to those interested in pursuing renewable energy projects.