Round 2 Application Questions
Stage 1
READ EVERYTHING BEFORE STARTING YOUR APPLICATION
You are starting Stage 1 of the Round 2 application for the MN PROMISE Act Grant Program. Please note that eligibility does NOT guarantee a grant award.
Filling out this form begins your official application for the grant. The information you provide will help us determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria and allow us to guide you through the next steps in the process. Meeting the eligibility criteria allows you to apply for the grant but does not guarantee that you will receive an award.
You will not be asked to submit any documents during the Stage 1 application. If you move forward in the process, you will be asked to provide the required documents.
Please complete this form only once and do not change the email address you provide. This email address will be used for all communications related to your application.
By applying, you agree to:
Use only one email address throughout the entire process.
Check that email address regularly, as all updates and next steps will be sent there.
Understand that missing an email does not exempt you from deadlines.
Take responsibility for monitoring your email. If you do not check this email or choose to monitor a different one, you may miss important updates that could affect your application.
Please note: any text that is blue and underlined is a link that you can click on
1. Please choose the option that applies
☐ I am completing this for myself
☐ I am helping someone else complete this Stage 1 application Please enter YOUR information in the section below.
i. Advocate First name
ii. Advocate Last name
iii. Advocate Mobile number
iv. Advocate Email address
v. Advocate Organization*
2. It is important to use only one email address when completing the application, or to ask questions about your application. The use of multiple different email addresses will cause substantial delays in processing or reply. Updates and communication about your application will be sent to the email address you enter next.
☐ I understand
☐ Email address for all grant communication. Please do not edit or change this field.
3. Mobile phone number
4. Do you agree to receive text message alerts when you have a new email about your grant application?
☐ Yes. I would like a text notification when I have a new email about my application
☐ No. I will check my email directly to receive any communication updates
Applicant Information
5. If you apply for a MN PROMISE Act grant, you will be asked to provide a Government or State-issued ID. This will be verified for authenticity, and that it matches the application information. If awarded, this person must have the legal authority to sign the Grant Agreement Letter.
☐ I understand
6. First Name This must be your legal name and must match your submitted application
7. Last Name This must be your legal name and must match your submitted application
8. Date of Birth
9. Home street address
10. Is this a multi-unit building? (e.g., apartment, condo, duplex)
☐ Yes
i. Please provide the Unit/Apartment/Suite number:
☐ No
11. Home City
12. Home Zip Code
14. Business Street Address
If the physical location of your business is your residence, your business address should match your home address. This is the address that must be in the eligible MN PROMISE Act geography.
15. Business City
16. Business Zip Code
☐ Is your business address different than your home address? If you proceed to the next stage, you will be asked to provide a document to prove your home address.
☐ Yes
☐ No
17. Is this the address of a PO Box or virtual mail service?
☐ Yes
☐ No
18. You will be required to provide documentation to prove your physical business address. The document must be uploaded to the grant portal in PDF form. Only the four types of documentation listed below will be accepted. Which form of documentation will you submit?
☐ Most recent year of filed tax returns
☐ Utility bill (phone, TV internet, electric, gas, water, insurance)
☐ Current business lease or mortgage (signed, dated)
☐ Business or professional (not personal) licensure
19. What type of physical space does your business primarily operate from? Please note that your current business location must be in an eligible MN PROMISE Act geography. Physical space means the principal place of business where the individuals who manage the business's day-to-day operations spend most working hours. Select the option that best describes your current business location.
☐ Home-based (operating from a residence)
☐ Retail storefront (open to the public)
☐ Office space (private or shared, not open to the public)
☐ Co-working space (shared workspace with other businesses)
☐ Commercial kitchen (shared or private kitchen space used for food production)
☐ Industrial or warehouse space (used for manufacturing, storage, etc.)
☐ Agricultural, including homesteads (farms or agricultural properties with a homestead classification)
☐ Online only (this must match your home address)
☐ Mobile or non-fixed location (transportation service provider, onsite professional services)
☐ Other (please specify): ____________
If selected "Home-based," "Mobile," or "Online"
20. Have you claimed a home-based business deduction with the federal IRS for expenses related to the use of your home for business purposes under Section 280A(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code? Click here for more information.
☐ Yes
☐ No
21. Please provide a brief description of your business, including the services or products you offer, and your primary goals.
22. If you have a business website, please enter the URL here.
23. How is this business/nonprofit structured?
☐ Sole Proprietor
☐ Single Member LLC
☐ Limited Liability Company filing as a corporation
☐ Business Corporation
☐ Cooperative
☐ Limited Liability Partnership
☐ Limited Partnership
☐ Nonprofit Corporation
If selected "Nonprofit Corporation"
☐ Does your nonprofit meet one of these criteria?
Definition A: A nonprofit organization that earns 30% or more of their revenue on an ongoing basis through a non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model similar to for-profit businesses.
Definition B: A nonprofit organization that earns 10% or more of their revenue on an ongoing basis through a non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model similar to for-profit businesses AND demonstrate they maintain ongoing customer-facing operations at a permanent physical location at which some of those sales take place.
i. Definition A
ii. Definition B
iii. Neither
☐ Will you be able to upload IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ? A 990 postcard will NOT be accepted
i. Yes
ii. No (give a notification, not eligible)
24. Are at least 50% of your business’s employees based in Minnesota?
☐ Yes
☐ No
25. What is your Minnesota Secretary of State Registration File Number? Click here to look up your registration file number.
If you are a sole proprietor, please type “N/A” as this question is not applicable.
26. Did your business or nonprofit’s name change at any point in the last four years?
☐ Yes (You will have to provide the appropriate forms from the Minnesota Secretary of State)
☐ No
According to the law, preference for funding will be given to businesses or nonprofits that were in operation in 2021. Please note that preference does not guarantee an award.
27. Did your business or nonprofit file taxes in 2021? If you proceed, you will be asked to submit your 2021 tax return.
☐ Yes
☐ No
28. Did your business or nonprofit file 2024 taxes? If you proceed, you will be asked to submit your 2024 tax return.
☐ Yes
☐ No
i. Did your business or nonprofit file for a tax extension for your most recent tax year? (For example, IRS Form 7004 is commonly used by businesses.) If you proceed, you will be required to submit your tax return.
☐ Yes
☐ No
29. Was your gross annual revenue $750,000 or less in your most recently completed tax year?
☐ Yes
☐ No
30. Will your business or nonprofit maintain operations throughout 2025?
☐ Yes
☐ No
According to the law, preference for funding will be given to businesses or nonprofits that have experienced financial hardship, defined as a year-over-year decrease in gross revenue or net revenue. To be considered, you will need to upload your most recently completed tax return and the return from the prior year. For example: If your most recently completed tax return is for 2024, you must also upload your 2023 tax return. Please note that preference does not guarantee an award.
31. Did your business or nonprofit lose revenue or net income between your two most recently completed tax years? We will verify this information by reviewing your submitted tax returns
☐ Yes (lost revenue and/or net income)
☐ No (did NOT lose revenue or net income)
32. Did your business receive a total of more than $10,000 from any combination of the following programs: Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan Program, Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants, Minnesota County Relief Grants to Local Businesses, or Minnesota Movie Theater and Convention Center Grant?
Click here to visit the Previous Assistance page to see how much funding you received.
☐ Yes, my business received more than $10,000 from these programs listed
☐ No, my business did NOT receive more than $10,000 from these programs listed
☐ I'm not sure / I don't know
33. Does the business name on this application match the name listed on your taxes?
If you are a sole proprietor, the name on your tax return should match the first and last name listed on your application. If you are not a sole proprietor (e.g., LLC, corporation, partnership), the business name on your tax return should match the business name on your application.
☐ Yes
☐ No
34. Did you receive a MN PROMISE Act Grant in Round One?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ I'm not sure / I don't know
35. Looking at all the documentation you will need to provide, do you anticipate needing support to complete your application?
☐ Yes
i. What is your preferred language support in?
☐ English
☐ Somali
☐ Spanish
☐ Hmong
☐ Oromo
☐ Other
☐ Enter other language
☐ No
36. How did you hear about the grant?
Stage 2: Eligibility Verification
Please note that eligibility does NOT guarantee a grant award. Note: Applicants will be able to make changes to their Stage 2 application, and their responses will be mapped from HubSpot Stage 1 application.
Please click the ➕ to see additional details.
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Please choose the option that applies
☐ I am completing this for myself
☐ I am helping someone else complete this Stage 1 application Please enter YOUR information in the section below.
i. Advocate First name
ii. Advocate Last name
iii. Advocate Mobile number
iv. Advocate Email address
v. Advocate Organization*
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If awarded, Primary means you have the legal authority to sign the Grant Agreement Letter.
Please list the primary business owner who lives in Minnesota and who owns at least 20% of the business. For a nonprofit, list an executive director. This person should be the one connected to the email and phone number listed on the pre-app. This should be the same information you enter here.
1. First name (this should be the same name that was listed on the Stage 1 application)
2. Last name (this should be the same name that was listed on the Stage 1 application)
3. Contact Email (this should be the same email listed on the stage 1 application, and the one where you received this application link. Please do not edit this field.) 4. Date of Birth
5. Mobile Phone Number
6. Home address
7. Suite/Apt number
8. Home city
9. Home zip code
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10. How is this business/nonprofit structured?
☐ Sole Proprietor
☐ Single Member LLC
☐ What is your TIN?
☐ Limited Liability Company filing as a corporation
☐ Business Corporation
☐ Cooperative
☐ Limited Liability Partnership
☐ Limited Partnership
☐ Nonprofit Corporation
i. What is your Minnesota Tax ID?
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11. Full Legal Name of the Business *Enter the complete legal name of the sole proprietor, business, or organization. This must match the name on the application and business checking account where an award would be deposited.
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12. Operating name or DBA (Doing Business As), if applicable
13. Business address. This is the address where you operate and is listed on the organization's tax documentation or other legal licensure. We will confirm that this is located in the eligible MN PROMISE Act geography.
14. City
15. Zip Code
16. Is this the address of a PO Box or virtual mail service?
☐ Yes
☐ No
17. What type of physical space does your business primarily operate from? Please note that your current business location must be in an eligible MN PROMISE Act geography.
Physical space means the principal place of business where the individuals who manage the business's day-to-day operations spend most working hours.
☐ Home-based (operating from a residence)
☐ Retail storefront (open to the public)
☐ Office space (private or shared, not open to the public)
☐ Co-working space (shared workspace with other businesses)
☐ Commercial kitchen (shared or private kitchen space used for food production)
☐ Industrial or warehouse space (used for manufacturing, storage, etc.)
☐ Agricultural, including homesteads (farms or agricultural properties with a homestead classification)
☐ Online only (this must match your home address)
☐ Mobile or non-fixed location (transportation service provider, onsite professional services)
☐ Other (please specify): ____________
18. Please provide a brief description of your business, including the services or products you offer, and your primary goals.
19. Tax Identification Number (TIN)
20. Minnesota Secretary of State Registration File Number *Registration look-up https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us/Business/Search
21. Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN) *Please use the nine-digit number format: ##-#######
22. Minnesota Tax ID
23. Are there additional business owners who own at least 20% of the business? *If you have business partners, you must upload form 1065 with your taxes
☐ Yes
i. Please specify all additional owners who own at least 20% of the business.
ii. And their date of birth
☐ No
24. Using the NAICS codes below, please select the code that best describes this organization. If you believe this organization falls into more than one category, please select the category that generates the majority of the organization revenue.
☐ Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (Code 11)
☐ Mining (Code 21)
☐ Utilities (Code 22)
☐ Construction (Code 23)
☐ Manufacturing (Codes 31-33)
☐ Wholesale Trade (Code 42)
☐ Retail Trade (Codes 44-45)
☐ Transportation and Warehousing (Codes 48-49)
☐ Information (Code 51)
☐ Finance and Insurance (Code 52)
☐ Real Estate Rental and Leasing (Code 53)
☐ Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (Code 54)
☐ Management of Companies and Enterprises (Code 55)
☐ Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (Code 56)
☐ Educational Services (Code 61)
☐ Health Care and Social Assistance (Code 62)
☐ Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (Code 71)
☐ Accommodation and Food Services (Code 72)
☐ Other Services (except Public Administration) (Code 81)
☐ Public Administration (Code 92)
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If awarded, Primary means you have the legal authority to sign the Grant Agreement Letter.
Primary Applicant First Name
Primary Applicant Last Name
25. Please provide identification for the listed primary applicant. Document must be current. We will only accept a Driver’s License or ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies, or a Federal-issued passport or passport card. If you proceed to the next stage of review, you will be required to verify this identification. This MUST be the same identification. (PDFs only)
26. What form of ID are you submitting?
☐ Driver’s License or State ID
☐ Federal-Issued Passport or Passport Card
27. Select File (PDF only)
28. Is your business address different than your home address?
☐ Yes
☐ No
29. Upload proof of address for their home address (PDFs only)
30. I confirm that I reside at the address provided, and that this location is my primary place of residence, in accordance with applicable regulations.
☐ I attest
31. Please upload a formal document showing that this business operates at the address listed on your application. Acceptable forms include Entire and filed 2024 taxes for your business Utility bill (phone, TV, internet, electric, gas, water, insurance) - Must be within 45 days of application submission.* Current business lease or mortgage (signed, dated) Business or professional (not personal) licensure Bank statement - Must be within 45 days of application submission.
☐ Most recent year of filed tax returns
☐ Utility bill (phone, TV internet, electric, gas, water, insurance)
☐ Current business lease or mortgage (signed, dated)
☐ Business or professional (not personal) licensure
32. Upload proof of address documents (PDFs only) + Select File
33. I confirm that the business is located at the address provided and that this is the main place where we conduct our work, in accordance with applicable regulations.
☐ I attest
34. Did your business file taxes in 2021? If you proceed, you will be asked to upload your 2021 tax return. According to the law, preference for funding will be given to businesses or nonprofits that were in operation in 2021. Please note that preference does not guarantee an award.
☐ Yes
☐ No
35. Upload entire filed 2021 tax returns (PDFs only) + Select File
36. Did you file for an extension for your most recent tax year (for example IRS form 7004 is for businesses)?
☐ Yes
i. Upload IRS Form 7004
ii. Upload IRS Form 4868
iii. Upload IRS Form 8868
☐ No
37. Did your business or nonprofit lose revenue or net income between your two most recently completed tax years? According to the law, preference for funding will be given to businesses or nonprofits that can demonstrate a 10% loss of gross annual revenue or any loss of net income from the previous filed tax year. Please note that preference does not guarantee an award.
☐ Yes
☐ No
38. Upload your business’ entire 2022 tax return
39. Upload your entire filed 2023 tax returns?
40. Upload your entire filed 2024 tax returns?
41. I hereby attest that the information provided regarding these tax returns is accurate and complete, and that all necessary filings have been duly submitted in accordance with applicable regulations. Please type your full legal name to sign and confirm your acknowledgment.
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Important Note: The following questions will not impact your award amount. However, your answers will show how the grant would help your business confirm that you will use funding in the manner the legislation dictates
42. MN Promise Act was passed to help underinvested businesses – and their surrounding communities in key neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul -- thrive. How will these funds help the ongoing success of your business and revitalization of your community? How will they help you achieve your long-term goals? (under 500 characters)
43. What percentage of the grant funds do you expect to use for each of the following? Grant funds must be used for working capital. You must enter a value, even if it's 0. Individual percentages should add up to 100%. Use total should add up to the estimated grant award entered above.
☐ Payroll / Estimated use
☐ Rent/Mortgage / Estimated use
☐ Utilities / Estimated use
☐ Equipment / Estimated use
☐ Other / Estimated use
44. Please add additional details if you chose “other”
45. If I am awarded a grant, I understand that I must keep supporting documentation of expenditures of grant funds. Upon request, I will provide satisfactory documentation, as determined by the Administrator and the State, detailing expenditures of Grant Funds for Permitted Use. Requested documentation must be provided within 10 business days of the request
☐ I agree
46. NDC and the State of Minnesota reserve the right to follow up with the Grantee in an effort to collect impact stories for this grant program.
☐ I agree
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The following questions are optional and will not affect your ability to receive an award. They are for statistical or informational purposes only. Answers do not factor into the award process, however, we will use this information to identify areas where additional support could be offered and to advocate for future expansion of the law
47. How was your experience completing this application?
48. Check all that apply
☐ At least 51% of the business is owned by individuals who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color
☐ African (Oromo), African (Other), African (Somali), African American, Asian (Hmong), Asian (Other), Indigenous, Latinx
☐ At least 51% of the business is owned by individuals who are veterans
☐ At least 51% of the business is owned by individuals who are women
☐ At least 51% of the business is owned by individuals with a disability
☐ At least 51% of the business is owned by individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+
49. Age Group
☐ 18-24
☐ 25-34
☐ 35-44
☐ 45-54
☐ 55-64
☐ 65-74
☐ 75-84
☐ 85 years and over
50. Has your business community been adversely impacted by any of the following? Check all that apply
☐ Structural racial discrimination
☐ Civil unrest
☐ Lack of access to capital
☐ A loss of population
☐ An aging population
☐ Lack of regional economic diversification
☐ None of the above
51. Please provide a brief description (1-2 paragraphs) about the barriers to growth and success you or your business have faced.
52. If application support is required, would you prefer to receive assistance from one of the Community Partners listed below?
☐ No Preference
☐ Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
☐ West Broadway Business and Area Coalition (WBC)
☐ West Bank Business Association (WBBA)
☐ Lake Street Council (LSC)
☐ Mni Sota Fund
☐ East Side Neighborhood Development Co (ESNDC)
☐ African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS)
☐ Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
☐ Hmong American Partnership (HAP)
☐ New American Development Center (NADC)
Thank you for submitting the first section of your application. Your information will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the next steps.
· If changes are needed to your application, you will be directed to applicant support for assistance.
· If you are determined ineligible based on your documentation, you will be informed accordingly.
· If you proceed to the next stage, you will be required to submit additional financial and verification documents. For more details, please refer to the application checklist [add the link].
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Financial Information
While you are being asked to submit this information for accuracy and verification, please note that your application is still under review, and a decision regarding the award has not yet been made. We collect and review these documents at this stage to ensure the process moves as efficiently and quickly as possible.
1. Enter name of financial institution
2. What type of account is this?
a. Checking
b. Savings
3. Upload the front of your businesses' voided check
a. Help text:
i. Starter checks are not accepted
ii. The organization's name on the check must match the organization's name in this application
iii. Unless you are Sole Proprietor or a Single member LLC, the business name on your voided check must also match the business name listed on your submitted taxes.
iv. We cannot deposit funds into international accounts
v. The uploaded voided check must include the account owner’s name, routing number and account number, which must match the information you enter in the fields below.
vi. If the uploaded check is not clear, appears to be altered, edited, or contains any irregularities such as missing information, mismatched details, or signs of tampering, we will not be able to accept it
4. Upload the back of your businesses' voided check
5. Account Information
a. Routing Number
b. Account Number
6. I hereby attest that the financial information provided is accurate and complete. Please type your first and last name to sign and confirm your acknowledgment of this statement.
☐ Verification Documents
You must complete these as part of your application, but they will only be used if your application is determined to receive an award. Your application has not yet been determined to receive an award.
1. Download and sign this personalized Grant Agreement Letter
a. Unsigned Grant Agreement Letter
b. Signed Grant Agreement Letter
2. Certificate of Grant Recipient
a. Unsigned
b. Signed
3. ACH Document
4. W9
☐ ¨ I hereby attest that the information provided in this section is accurate and complete. Please type your first and last name to sign and confirm your acknowledgment of this statement.
Thank you for submitting this information! This information will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the next steps:
It will be sent to the State of Minnesota for final review and determination.
If changes are needed, you will be directed to applicant support for assistance.
You will be notified that we are unable to verify your information and cannot proceed with your application.