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 provide feedback on the geographic boundaries?
You, as a constituent, can advocate for yourself and your business by contacting your State Representative and State Senator to let them know you are not eligible for a MN PROMISE Act Grant. They need to hear from YOU as their constituent. Check out our instructions and steps for self-advocacy by clicking here.
What if I have multiple businesses with numerous locations in the eligible areas? Can I apply for each of the businesses?
No, you can only apply for one grant under one business. Here's what that means for different situations:
🏢 If you own multiple businesses:
You must choose only one business to apply under.
Even if more than one of your businesses operates in eligible areas, only one can be submitted.
You will be required to disclose all owners who hold 20% or more of the business you apply for.
If you own 20% or more of multiple businesses, only one of those businesses is eligible to apply.
📍 If your business has multiple locations:
You must only apply for one business location, even if you operate in more than one eligible area.
Do not submit separate applications for each location.
👥 If your business has multiple owners:
Only one application per business can be submitted.
Multiple owners cannot each apply separately for the same business.
Decide which owner will complete and submit the application.
⚠️ Important:
Submitting multiple applications may delay processing or result in denial.
All applications are reviewed for duplicate ownership and duplicate business entities.
How long do I need to be in the geographic area?
Your business location must meet eligibility as of the date you apply for the grant.
If you recently moved, make sure your business documentation is updated with the new address.
Moving from one eligible area to another may affect your application, as the funding amounts or availability differ between areas.
Your address must be clearly listed on the required documents you submit (like your tax return, lease, or utility bill).
To avoid issues, confirm that your business address is correct and eligible before applying.
Are downtown Minneapolis or Brooklyn Center considered eligible areas?
Some areas of Brooklyn Center are considered eligible. However, downtown Minneapolis and any other locations outside the specified program geography are not eligible. Your business must be located in an eligible area to apply.
Click here to view the eligible areas as defined by the law.
You can also click here to view the eligibility map. The map highlights eligible areas and includes instructions on how to check if your business address is eligible.
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
Are P.O. Boxes and virtual mail services considered eligible addresses?
To be considered as “located in” an eligible community, the business must have a physical location within that community. If the business does not have a fixed location outside the owner’s home, then the business “location” would be the primary owner’s home address.
Under Minnesota law, a P.O. Box and virtual mail service does not count as a physical location for a business. Click here for more information.
In Minnesota, if a business must be registered with the Secretary of State (such as an LLC or S-Corp), the law requires a physical address within the state as the registered office. A PO Box and virtual mail service alone is not acceptable as a registered office address.
Note: Not every business is required to register. For example, sole proprietors using their legal name do not need to register. However, for the MN PROMISE Act grant program, “location” refers to a real, physical place, not a P.O. Box or virtual mail service.
Additionally, for fraud prevention purposes, P.O. Boxes and virtual mail services are not accepted.
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.
What are the requirements for the grant money, will I have to report anything after being approved?
Yes. If you are awarded a grant, you will sign a grant agreement that outlines your responsibilities. According to that agreement:
You must use the funds only for eligible business expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, equipment, and other regular operating costs for your Minnesota-based business. You cannot use the funds for personal expenses, paying back taxes, purchasing land or buildings, or acquiring a business.
You are required to keep documentation of how the funds are spent. Upon request, you must provide this documentation to the administrator or the State within 10 business days.
You must return any funds that are not used for eligible business purposes.
You must participate in follow-up reporting. NDC may check in with you during or after the grant period to better understand the impact of this program. Participation in these follow-ups is required.
The grant is considered taxable income. As stated in the agreement, the funds may be subject to federal and state taxes and must be reported on your tax filings.