Application open
Dec. 1 to Jan. 15 for $10,000-$50,000 grants

On December 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. This is the second and final year of the PROMISE Act Grant Program. West Central Initiative will award approximately $1.15 million in PROMISE Act Grants 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 more than $86 million statewide for these grants.

“We’re excited to again partner with the State of Minnesota to deliver direct financial assistance to businesses and nonprofits in our region,” said Greg Wagner, West Central Initiative’s Director of Business and Economic Development. “Small businesses and nonprofits have managed to keep their doors open despite the impacts of the pandemic, supply chain challenges, inflation, and tariffs, but they still 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 needs. 

Eligibility 

This is a competitive grant program. Businesses or nonprofits must meet the requirements below to be eligible for a PROMISE Act Grant.

Have 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. 

The business entity must have existed and filed taxes in 2024. 

The business cannot have had gross annual revenue of more than $750,000 in 2024. 

Priority will be given to businesses that existed in 2021 and those businesses that have a physical location. 

Informational Webinars 

Eligible businesses or nonprofits are encouraged to participate in one of the upcoming informational webinars designed to provide detailed insights into the program changes, eligibility criteria, application process, and to answer questions. 

West Central Initiative will hold two webinars: 

• Friday, Dec. 12, from 10–11:30 a.m. 

• Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. 

Visit www.wcif.org/promise-act-grants to learn more, register for an informational webinar, or to apply by 4:30 p.m. on January 15. 

About West 

Central Initiative 

West Central Initiative is a place-based nonprofit, community foundation, and regional development organization dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for White Earth Nation and Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties. Since its founding in 1986, West Central Initiative has provided funding, technical assistance, planning resources, and philanthropic services to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the region. The organization has provided more than $62 million in loans and approximately $93 million in grants to businesses and organizations. 

For more information visit www.wcif.org.