Through this Request for Proposal (RFP), DEED is seeking to support a network of designated Launch Minnesota Regional Partners that will partner with Launch Minnesota to help navigate start-ups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.
Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/14/2023
Size of the Grant: $150,000
Grant Duration: 12 months
Details:
The Launch Minnesota statewide network supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their startup journey. The goal is to simplify the process and reduce barriers for entrepreneurs navigating the wealth of resources across the state. They also hope increasing regional coordination and density will increase the efficiency, equity, and impact on entrepreneurs, startups and small business.
Launch Minnesota’s Education Grants are designed to help begin the formation of partnerships that will, in turn, enhance the visibility of each region, of their vibrant startup community, and of their state as a national leader in innovation.
The Network is organized in a hub-and-spoke model that allows each region to customize its offerings while still enabling entrepreneurs to access statewide resources and best practices.
The objectives of the Launch Minnesota Education Grants are the following:
- Increase new business formation by actively recruiting and supporting entrepreneurs and new business ideas
- Grantees will bring together organizations across their regions and build on each other’s strengths
- Improve coordination and capacity across the state’s innovation ecosystem while creating easier navigation for all entrepreneurs.
- Grantees will look beyond their city and organization to create a collaborative environment by bringing together people from different sectors, organizations and cities to streamline startup services and support the full life-cycle of start-ups
Funding Information
- Total Funds: The total amount of funds available from this program is $1,000,000.
- Maximum Award: Interested parties may apply for a maximum of $150,000.
- Funding awarded through is this RFP will be for November 1, 2023 –October 30 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
- Any organization – including higher education institutions – having experience and success in providing educational programming to entrepreneurs; providing outreach to and collaboration with businesses, federal and state agencies, institutions of higher education, trade associations and other organizations working to advance innovative, high-technology early-stage businesses throughout Minnesota is eligible to apply.
- Priority will be given to proposals that seek to serve business owners or entrepreneurs who are women, veterans, or minority group members or businesses, entrepreneurs with disabilities and/or located in greater Minnesota.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements in order to be fully considered for this grant opportunity. Applicants must be an organization or public entity that provides business development and assistance services to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Minnesota.
For more information, visit DEED.
