The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) invites proposals for the second round of Main Street Economic Revitalization Program funding. This $80 million statewide economic redevelopment program will award grants to partner organizations to establish programs targeting specific main streets and commercial corridors in their regions that will, in turn, fund economic development and redevelopment projects. These projects will address the greatest needs that have arisen in our communities since March 15, 2020, and spur economic revitalization across Minnesota.  

Proposals are accepted from eligible partner organizations, which include foundations engaged in economic development; community development financial institutions; and nonprofit organizations engaged in housing and commercial development. The request for proposals (RFP) is open, and proposals are due by 4 p.m. on February 28, 2022. The February 8 information session is available for viewing. 

“In the second round of this program, we are looking to expand on the efforts to help Minnesota recover from the crisis of the last two years,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “Not only will these investments create jobs, they will also help energize economic revitalization throughout communities across Minnesota.” 

Partner organizations selected for grants will then launch programs within their communities to provide grants and loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations and developers – funds which can be used for the demolition, repair, renovation and construction of eligible projects. 

“These investments will jumpstart the rebuilding process in Minnesota,” said Maureen Ramirez, Director of Economic Opportunity at DEED. “Strong small businesses make our communities stronger, and these investments help build economic wealth.” 

A total of $80 million is available in grants to partner organizations. $38 million was awarded in the first round, and up to $41 million is available in this second round. It is expected that at least half the funds in the second round will be awarded to partner organizations serving communities outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area. 

Main Street Revitalization Program partner organizations will be publicly announced in the spring of 2022. Each partner organization receiving a grant will be responsible for conducting outreach and soliciting requests for assistance from property owners, businesses and developers. 

Eligible recipients will not apply directly to DEED for funding – only to the partner organizations. Once selected, the list of partner organizations will be publicly available along with their contact information and instructions on how to request assistance for a specific eligible project. 

For more information visit the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program section of DEED’s website. If you have additional questions about the Main Street Economic Revitalization grants, please email MSERP.DEED@state.mn.us.