Applicant Help Center
This page helps you find answers about the MN PROMISE Act application. Click a button below to view help articles on that topic, or use the search bar to look up specific information.
To search the content in the help articles below, type a word or phrase in the search box above and hit enter.
How can I apply for a Twin Cities Metro grant
If your business is located in an eligible area within the Twin Cities Metro (North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, Uptown, or St. Paul), you may be eligible to apply for a grant through Neighborhood Development Center (NDC).
Here’s how to apply:
✅ Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Review the updated Round 2 eligibility guidelines
✅ Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Learn about the program and what documents you’ll need by attending an information session
Ask questions before the application opens
➡️ Link to documents labs (coming soon)
✅ Step 3: Apply When the Portal Opens
Round 2 is expected to open in Fall 2025
You’ll fill out a Stage 1 eligibility form, and if eligible, move on to upload required documents in Stage 2
You’ll receive emails with next steps as you move through the process
What is on the application?
The application is designed to confirm your eligibility and determine how your business will be prioritized for funding.
Before the application portal opens, we encourage you to:
Attend an information session to better understand the application process
Get familiar with the documents you’ll need to complete the application
➡️ Click here to view the Application Checklist
This checklist outlines the information and documents you’ll need so you can be ready to apply when the portal opens.
How can I prepare to submit my application?
Preparing early can make the application process smoother. We encourage you to review the Applicant Checklist and take advantage of both Information Sessions and Support with technical assistance options:
👉 Click here to view the Applicant Checklist
🗓️ Information Sessions
These sessions are designed to help you understand eligibility, required documents, and what to expect during the application process.
Prepare for PROMISE sessions (virtual): Hosted by Neighborhood Development Center
Tax information sessions to help applicants understand documentation needs
Community events hosted in partnership with Community Partners
➡️ Click here to view the full event calendar here
All future outreach events will be added to this page.
🤝 Support Sessions
📄 Document Labs (anyone attending an info session can register)
These small group labs offer hands-on support with your required documents.
Only available to attendees of a Prepare for PROMISE session.
Labs are offered before the Round 2 application window opens.
Space is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
🧾 Application Labs (open to all applicants who apply for Round 2 and proceed to Stage 2 of the application)
These labs provide one-on-one in-person help with submitting your application.
Labs are offered after the application window opens.
Space is limited and labs operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
➡️ Click Here to View Application Lab Dates (coming soon)
All future application labs will be added to this page
What is the timeline for the application? How long will the application take to process?
Round 2 of the MN PROMISE Act Grant Program is expected to open in Fall 2025, and the application window will remain open for about two months.
Here’s what to know about timing and what to expect:
Apply early. Even though you have two months to apply, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. Early applicants have more time to correct mistakes and receive support if needed.
Your application will be reviewed after it is complete and correct. If anything is missing or inaccurate, we’ll contact you with instructions and support.
You are in control of how quickly your application moves. Some applicants complete all stages quickly, while others take longer depending on how prepared they are and whether corrections are needed.
If approved to receive an award, it may take a minimum of 12 weeks from the time you submit a complete and correct application for funds to be deposited into your bank account.
➕ This does not include any extra time needed if we request changes to your application or documents.
📌 Tip: The best way to avoid delays is to prepare ahead of time.
➡️ Click here to view the Application Checklist
Do I need a Social Security number in order to apply?
No, you do not need to have a social security number to apply, however, if you do not have a TIN or EIN (you are a sole proprietor), you will need to use your Social Security Number.
How will you verify my business address?
Click here to check out the article “Am I in an eligible area?” to learn how we will verify your business address.
Please note: Only PDF documents will be accepted.
How will you verify my identity?
A platform called Plaid will be used to verify your ID. ID can be either Government or State. Your ID MUST match before you can proceed with the application. While this is an extra step, please understand we want to avoid any fraud that could take grant dollars away from deserving businesses.
You, the applicant, must complete the Plaid identity verification yourself.
Can a business apply for more than one round?
If the business applied and was not awarded in Round 1 and meets all the eligibility criteria for Round 2, then yes, they can apply again. Please make sure to use the same email address you used when applying in Round 1.
Can someone help me submit an application for this grant?
Yes! Our official community partner organizations offer free support to help you complete and submit your application.
Other individuals or organizations can assist you with filling out your application, but you, the business owner, must be the one to submit it.
Click Here to View our Community Partners
⚠️ Please note: No one affiliated with the MN PROMISE Act or any official community partners will ever charge a fee for application help. If someone is asking for payment, contact us right away so our team can investigate.
State or Government-Issued Identification
See Application Questions: #23-25, Page 10
The name on your 🪪 identification document ◾◾MUST MATCH the name entered as the primary applicant applying on behalf of the business or organization.
Acceptable identification must be a current (not expired):
Driver’s license
State, federal, or local government-issued identification
Federal-issued Passport
Federal-issued Passport card
⬆️ UPLOAD your ID as a 🗎 SCANNED PDF or PNG document.
Be sure to include the entire 🪪 ID in the scanned image.
Scan the 🪪same ID you used in your Plaid verification.
💾 SAVE your changes after every session on your application. Be sure to finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅ SUBMIT.
Voided Check
(see Application Questions: #3
The Business Name, bank name, routing number, and account number on your voided check ◾◾ MUST MATCH with what you enter on your application.
Create a 🗎 SCANNED PDF copy of your voided check.
Verify that your check is a paper check and pre-printed with your Business Name and address.
If you are a Sole Proprietor, we will accept your first and last name as the Business Name.
🚫 WE CANNOT ACCEPT direct deposit forms, starter checks, or other documents
If you do not have a pre-printed checkbook:
You may request counter checks printed by your bank.
If you have an online bank, you will need to order checks.
Ensure your routing and account numbers ◾◾ MATCH the routing and account numbers entered in the profile section of your application.
UPLOAD the 🗎 SCANNED PDF copy of your voided check to the “Financial Information” section
Scan both the front and back of the physical check
The routing and account numbers entered on your application in the Financial Information section ◾◾MUST MATCH the information on your uploaded voided check.
💾 SAVE your changes on your application, finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅ SUBMIT.