Re-imagination Resource Center Grant Solicitation for Small Business Support

Eligible applicants must:

• Have a physical business presence in the state of Minnesota.
• Have at least two years of experience assisting small business owners or entrepreneurs.
• Operate as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) with an active business filing with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

We screen all applications and organizations for eligibility.

The purpose of these grants is to strengthen business community organizations (BCOs) so they can help Ramsey County residents start or grow small businesses. This is one way we are trying to remove barriers to do business in Ramsey County. Additional benefits to this approach:

• Stronger relationships between businesses, community organizations and local governments.
• Increased access to capital for BCOs and for the businesses they serve.
• Greater support for minority, women-owned and underrepresented businesses.
• Economic resilience from job creation, investing in business infrastructure and sustainable business growth.

Grant applications must include any combination of one or more of the following areas: 

BCO capability development. BCOs may use grants to create or develop capabilities that help their own organization perform better. Grants may be used in the following areas:

• Tools, software and systems for delivering your services.
• Manuals and templates for your own business operations (finance, marketing, etc.).
• IT infrastructure to provide digital services like online or virtual training.
• Operating a startup incubator or accelerator.
• Promotion of your services and community engagement activities.
• Training your staff on relevant topics such as financial literacy, fund raising strategies, business development strategies, or sector-specific mentorship.

Providing technical support and training. BCOs may use grants to develop and deliver training to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Relevant training includes and is not limited to:

• Creating a business plan.
• Conducting market analysis.
• Developing a budget, account principles and forecasting needs.
• Resource development.
• Business coaching.
• Business regulations.
• Business marketing.

Small business financial assistance grants. BCOs may award grants to small businesses and entrepreneurs without requiring repayment. Preference must be given to participants in business technical support and training programs (see previous section.) These grants are meant to stimulate development, foster innovation and encourage job creation. BCOs interested in providing these grants must be capable of:

• Promoting the grants.
• Collecting and screening applicants.
• Evaluating and selecting awardees.
• Notifying awardees and handling grant agreements.
• Disbursing funds.
• Tracking progress and reporting how funds are used.
• Maintaining relationships with long-term checkups and continued offers of support.

Besides meeting the basic eligibility requirements, business community organizations (BCOs) are expected to have the necessary structure, technical assistance services, and relevant cultural and linguistic skills to effectively overcome barriers, train business owners and distribute funds in their community.

Reporting requirements for BCOs include and are not limited to:

• Number of startups served.
• Number of training participants.
• Number of training meetings, classes or events.
• Number of mentorship sessions.