Announcing Round 2 of Promise Act Grants for Small Businesses

Promise Act Grant Program providing second round of grants up to $50,000 each for small businesses

Northland Foundation is accepting applications from northeastern Minnesota-based businesses through February 20th

The Northland Foundation announces a second round of the Promise Act Grant Program, making available $1.1 million for grants to eligible northeast Minnesota businesses and nonprofit organizations. Funding and eligibility guidelines were established in law during the 2023 Minnesota legislative session.

Competitive grants from $10,000 to $50,000 from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will be awarded. Funds may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, equipment, and other similar expenses that occur in the regular course of business.

This is the second round of Promise Act Grants; the first round was held in 2024. Businesses that applied in 2024 but did not receive a grant are welcome to reapply. Those that received a 2024 grant, however, are not eligible.

“We are pleased to be on-the-ground partners to DEED to help scores of small businesses in our region that have faced, and continue to face, major ecosystem challenges,” said Michelle Ufford, Vice President of Grantmaking at the Northland Foundation.

The Northland Foundation will accept applications now through 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2026, from small businesses with annual gross revenues between $10,000 and $750,000. Applicants’ primary location must be in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County or the Tribal nations of Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake (District I), or Mille Lacs (District II). Some nonprofit organizations located in the region may also apply provided they meet specific eligibility guidelines.

Those interested in learning more should visit the Northland Foundation website at https://northlandfdn.org/grant-funding/special-grant-opportunities/ for details about the program, eligibility, and to apply.

Confidential and no-cost technical assistance is available from the Northland Foundation, in partnership with the Northland Small Business Development Center, for those needing help with the application process. Go to https://northlandsbdc.org/promise-act/ to find:

• A helpful recorded webinar about the grant program and application.
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Promise Act Grants.
• The form to request one-on-one assistance with the application process.

Funding decisions will be made by the end of May 2026.