Applicant Update: Sept 20th, 2024
Hello friend!
Thank you for your patience as we work through the review of all grant applications. We understand that waiting can be difficult, so we want to provide you with an update on where we are in the process.
We received an overwhelming number of applications – over 6,000! And we have been working diligently to carefully review each one. Our goal is to ensure that every applicant has a fair chance and to provide extra support to those who need help with documentation or application submission.
One of the guiding principles for this program is an equitable distribution of resources. We know that many grant programs have favored more well-resourced applicants and missed the very populations they mean to serve. After working for three decades with entrepreneurs, NDC knew a typical first-come, first-serve process would put those who need additional support completing their applications at a disadvantage. While our process is different than the ones used by many grant programs in the past, we are confident that it is the most equitable way to distribute these funds.
About 80% of the eligible applications that we received required additional support on their grant documents.
Our team, along with community partners, have been providing 1:1 assistance and ongoing communication to applicants who need help, ensuring that everyone has had the opportunity to complete their application correctly for the first stage of review.
This process took a substantial amount of time but was necessary for us to gather all the information that we needed for the next step in the process – identifying those who would be moving forward, based on their preference score, according to the law.
Status notifications are being communicated on a rolling basis. We expect that all applicants will be notified soon about whether or not they will be moving to this next stage.
Thank you for your continued understanding and patience. We are working hard to ensure this process is thorough, fair, and mindful that these funds reach the businesses that most need them.
Many thanks,
MN PROMISE Act Team