English | 
Español | 
Somali | 
العربية | 
ភាសាខ្មែរ
We are no longer accepting applications for the Main Street Grant Program.
Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency has been awarded funding through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Main Street Economic Revitalization Program to provide no-cost grants for current or future businesses in the southeast Crossroads to Bear Creek Area and the Northwest Design District and Northgate Area for capital improvement projects.
Projects that result in improvements to any permanent structure or other asset added to a property that adds to its value are eligible. Business operational expenses are not eligible. Acceptable capital investments include:
Grant Details
- Grants will be available to all businesses and organizations in the approved areas, but priority will be given to diverse population-owned businesses
- Applicants must secure 70% of the project cost
- Maximum reward of $750,000 per project
Prior to starting your application, you will need:
- Estimate of project expenses – examples: estimate from a General Contractor; estimates from many contractors (plumbing, design, etc.)
- Documentation of the secured 70% — examples: letter from lender(s); bank statement showing the amount needed; letter from investor; grant award letter(s); a combination of any
We’re Here to Help
Need help with the application? We have ‘navigators’ who are dedicated to assisting your business.
Need Help Financing?
We have partners ready to help you finance your next “Main Street” project.
Main Street Grant Co-designers
Dina Abo Sheasha
Amgad Hassan Elnaseih
Jose Torres Miller
Chad Poitra
Manasseh Kambaki
Tiffany Alexandria
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant Program?
This is a state-funded initiative intended to provide grants for capital improvement projects in central business districts across the state.
Projects that result in improvements to any permanent structure or other asset added to a property that adds to its value are eligible. Business operations expenses are not eligible. Applicants must also have other sources of funding to match any funds given by this program.
- Who is administering the grant program in Rochester?
The grant is administered by Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency located in downtown Rochester. The DMC EDA applied for and secured the grant award with the support of the City of Rochester and Rochester Area Economic Development Initiative (RAEDI).
Eligible projects must be within the approved areas.
- Who may apply for funding?
Any person or company planning to invest in eligible capital projects in the approved areas may apply. Priority will be given to businesses and organizations that represent Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), veteran, disabled, Black, Indigenous, or people of color whose projects will build wealth, create jobs, and stabilize communities in the district.
- What organizations are not eligible for grant funding?
- A business manufacturing, distributing, selling or conducting related activities of sexually explicit materials.
- A business that derives income from passive investments without operational ties to operating businesses.
- A business whose activities are primarily focused on speculative activities that develop profits from fluctuations in price rather than through the normal course of trade.
- A business that earns more than half of its annual net revenue from lending activities.
- A business engaged in pyramid sales, where a participant’s primary incentive is based on the sales made by an ever-increasing number of participants.
- A business engaged in activities that are prohibited by federal law or applicable law in the jurisdiction where the business is located or conducted.
- A business engaged in gambling enterprises unless the business earns less than 50% of its annual net revenue from lottery sales.
- What investments may be funded by the grant?
Capital investments, such as:
- Repair or renovation of property, including expansions and additions
- Demolition, site preparation, and building construction
- Landscaping, streetscaping and related site amenities
- Engineering, pre-design and design work
- Infrastructure
- What are the primary objectives?
- Revitalizing properties harmed by the events of the past two years.
- Elevating opportunities for BIPOC, veteran, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, or disabled business and property owners.
- Creating and retaining permanent jobs.
- Enabling existing businesses to strengthen and diversify their products and services.
- Are funds available for projects already completed?
No. Only construction expenses that occur after the grant has been awarded are eligible.
- What if I have already started the project?
If you have already started your project, you may submit eligible project expenses for consideration for reimbursement through the grant program.
- What investments may NOT be funded by the grant?
The purchase of real estate is not eligible, nor are business operations or business operating expenses, such as inventory, wages, or working capital.
- How much is the DMC EDA’s grant award?
The DMC EDA will be distributing up to 3 million dollars in grants in the DMC District and approximately $950,000 in phase 2 (southeast Crossroads to Bear Creek, and the Northwest Design District and Northgate Area) with a minimum award of $3,000 and a maximum of $750,000 per award. These grant awards can cover up to 30% of the project cost. The remaining funds must come from other sources.
For example, a $100,000 capital project can be awarded up to $30,000 in Main Street Grant funds. The remaining balance must be funded through other sources.- What can be used for the matching funds?
Loans, equity, and local government funding not derived from state or federal sources can be used for the match.
- When can interested applicants apply for funding?
Applicants can apply for funding immediately.
- Who is providing the grant funding?
Funding is provided by the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
- Why did the State of Minnesota initiate this program?
The grant program is intended to help central business districts physically rebuild and reposition themselves in the face of a substantially changing downtown economy.
Crossroads to Bear Creek Park Map
Northwest Design District and Northgate Area
Approved Grants as of 9/21/23
| 1910 Fresh Mexican Kitchen | $15,000 |
| Anderson Wheelchair | $88,548 |
| ANK Property | $24,000 |
| Art Heads Emporium | $50,500 |
| Baheya, LLC | $4,100 |
| BGD5 Mall DBA: Galleria at University Square | $16,590 |
| Bonana, LLC DBA: Uni Uni Tea | $38,812 |
| Chabad of Southern Minnesota | $59,900 |
| City Walk, LLC | $500,000 |
| Eastwood Plaza | $9,000 |
| Everyday 365 Clothing, LLC | $4,500 |
| Gaming Bizaar, LLC | $3,000 |
| Guerin Studio, LLC | $3,510 |
| Healing Touch Spa, LLC | $35,000 |
| Hiro | $187,500 |
| Interiors By J.Curry, LLC | $1,220 |
| Ironton, LLC | $85,000 |
| Jack’s Bottle Shop | $15,000 |
| Kahler Inn & Suites | $15,000 |
| La Michoacana Purepecha 3, LLC | $52,500 |
| Low Income Fam Apartments (Parker) | $1,700 |
| Marrow Restaurant | $133,919 |
| Neighborly Group | $20,000 |
| New Spin Bicycle Shop | $32,090 |
| Nucleus RadioPharma | $150,000 |
| Orange Rose Distribution DBA: Popus Gourmet Popcorn | $25,500 |
| Pasquale and Friends | $7,500 |
| People’s Food Cooperative | $22,500 |
| Roasted Bliss, LLC | $181,500 |
| Rochester Art Center | $5,100 |
| Rowan International Grocery Store, LLC | $15,000 |
| Ryan Companies Sargent’s On Second Seto Bakery Tap House The Landing MN The Well Tinos, LLC True Queens Boutique Well Living Lab, Inc. Wendland Utz Zastro Photography Zumbro Lutheran Church Zumbro Valley Health Center | $25,000 $34,289 $119,040 $45,000 $200,000 $186,000 $48,000 $10,500 $10,000 $26,355 $15,000 $6,000 $200,000 |