CURRENT GRANTS

Child Care Economic Development Program Request for Proposals

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Child Care Community Partnerships Office, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to receive grants to be used to implement solutions to reduce the childcare shortage in the state including but not limited to funding for childcare business start-ups or expansion, retention of current child care programs, training, facility modifications, direct subsidies or incentives to retain employees, or improvements required for licensing, and assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements.

Farm to School and Early Care Programs

Farm to School and Early Care programs support Minnesota school districts, early childhood education (ECE) centers, and family child care providers that want to buy and serve Minnesota agricultural products.

In fiscal year (FY) 2025, up to $1,051,875  is expected to be awarded to reimburse school districts, ECE centers, and family child care providers for buying Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used in federal meal programs.

To receive help in applying for funding for local food purchases through one of the available programs, please contact the East Central Regional Development Commission at 320.679.4065.

Minnesota Grow Your Own Grant
Grow Your Own (GYO) programs are partnerships between educator preparation programs, school districts or charter schools, and community organizations that recruit and prepare local community members (e.g., parents, paraeducators, non-certified school staff, high school students) to enter the teaching profession and teach in their communities

LENDING ORGANIZATIONS

East Central Regional Development Commission
Providing gap financing to local businesses.
Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine Counties
100 Park Street South
Mora, MN 55051
(320) 679-4065
ecrdc.org
Michelle Thomas: Michelle.Thomas@ecrdc.org

First Children’s Finance
Providing financing to child care businesses.
Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine Counties
111 N 3rd Ave #220
Minneapolis, MN 55401
507.829.9920
firstchildrensfinance.org
Mark Hanson: MarkH@firstchildrensfinance.org

Women’s Business Alliance
Financing for female-owned businesses.
Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine Counties
309 1st Street NE, Suite 103, Little Falls, MN 55345
(218) 735-6033
efund.org
Sandy Voigt: SandyV@efund.org |218.735.6033

Initiative Foundation
Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine Counties
405 1st St SE
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-9255
ifound.org
Dan Bullert: DBullert@ifound.org

WomenVenture
Financing for female-owned businesses.
Chisago & Isanti Counties
165 Western Ave N, Suite 8, Office #100, St. Paul, MN 55102
612.224.9540
womenventure.org
Deb Brown: DBrown@womenventure.org
LeeAnn Rasachak: LRasachak@womenventure.org

Entrepreneur Fund
Providing financing to childcare businesses.
Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine Counties
202 W. Superior Street
Suite 311
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 623-5747
efund.org

US Small Business Administration (SBA)
Offering a variety of business financing programs.
Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine Counties
330 2nd Ave S #430, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 370-2324
sba.gov/mn

East Central Minnesota Cities and Counties
Please check with your city and county for child care programs, loans and grants. Each entity operates independently and many offer one-time and/or continuous child care provider assistance such as the waiving of license fees, business expense reimbursements, etc. See page 2 for county licensor contact information for assistance.