Loans, grants, and requests for proposals
Micro Grant
The Micro Grant program helps Minnesota-based certified small businesses increase business capacity by providing financial assistance for eligible business expenses. By expanding capacity and industry expertise, small businesses can compete more effectively on MnDOT contracts.
How it works
- Applicants must meet the minimum requirements outlined in the RFP to be considered for this grant.
- Expenses must be preapproved. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis.
- Reimbursement maximum: $3,500 per certified small business.
Eligibility
- Certified small business firm with a principal place of business in Minnesota - must be a certified DBE or certified as TGB/ED/Vet-owned
- Firm must have bid or proposed on a MnDOT project in the last two state fiscal years
- Applicant must complete the Micro Grant Program online training module or attend a training session prior to submitting an application for review
- Interested firms must submit a completed application with all required supporting documentation
Qualifying expenses
- technical training, workshops, conferences, or coursework
- individual business development needs such as training in accounting methods, project management, management/leadership coaching, personnel management
- technical certifications in areas related to the firm's area of business
- software programs or subscriptions
- website development
- books or educational materials
- professional services that directly benefit the firm's ability to bid on MnDOT projects/contracts or that provide direct support for the firm's operational capacity
How to apply
- Review the RFP
- View the Micro Grant Program online training module OR
- Attend a group or one-to-one training session (register here)
- Complete the Micro Grant Program training acknowledgement form
- Submit completed application and all required supporting documentation to: ocrgrantinvoices.dot@state.mn.us
- Submit questions by email to: nicole.k.larson@state.mn.us