On Wednesday, May 1, West Central Initiative, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), will launch an application for PROMISE Act Grants to support businesses and nonprofits in west central Minnesota. 

West Central Initiative will administer a total of $2.3 million in PROMISE Act Grants over two fiscal years to support economic development in west central Minnesota. Grants will range from $10,000 to $50,000. 

This initiative follows the approval of the Providing Resources and Opportunity and Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Act by the Minnesota State Legislature and its subsequent signing into law by Governor Tim Walz. DEED allocated $86.48 million statewide for these grants. 

“We’re excited to partner with the State of Minnesota again to deliver direct financial assistance to businesses and nonprofits in our region,” said West Central Initiative Director of Business and Economic Development Greg Wagner. “Small businesses and nonprofits have managed to keep their doors
open despite the impacts of the pandemic, supply chain challenges, and inflation, to name a few, but they need help. That’s where the PROMISE Act Grants come in.” 

Grant Use 

Eligible businesses and nonprofits can use PROMISE Act Grants for various operational costs, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and essential equipment purchases, among other business necessities. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for a PROMISE Act Grant, the applicant must have their primary operations located in Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, or Wilkin Counties or the portion of White Earth Nation in Becker County. An eligible entity must have filed a tax return in 2021 and/or 2022 and have a gross annual revenue that does not exceed $750,000. 

The entity must currently be operating at the time of application and registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State if required by law.  

Informational Webinars 

Potential applicants are encouraged to participate in one of the upcoming informational webinars designed to provide detailed insights into the eligibility criteria and application process and to answer questions. West Central Initiative will hold two webinars: 

Friday, May 10, 2024, at 10 a.m.  

Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 3 p.m. 

Visit www.wcif.org/promise-act-grants to learn more, register for an informational webinar, or submit an application by 11:59 p.m. on May 31.