Minnesota Department of Transportation

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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.
  • Funding available until April 30, 2025 or until funding is exhausted.

Eligibility

  • Certified small business firm with a principle 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 (July 1, 2022 - present)
  • Applicant must attend a Micro Grant Program group training session or one-to-one session with the program manager prior to submitting an application for review. Sign up for applicant training.
  • 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

Fiscal Year 2023 Certified Small Business Micro Grant recipients

Number of Micro Grant recipients by race in 2023: Hispanic American, 2. Black or African American, 13. Asian or Pacific Islander, 3. White or Caucasian, 12.

Number of Micro Grant recipients by gender in 2023: Female-owned, 18. Male-owned, 12.