PROMISE Act Grant Program: Status and Updates
Applications for the PROMISE Act Grant program are currently closed. The second round of applications are anticipated to open January 2026.
- Sign up to be notified when we have more information about PROMISE Act Grant opportunities.
- Visit the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) PROMISE Act Grant program website to view eligibility and additional details.
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) will administer the PROMISE Act Grant program for small businesses in southwest Minnesota located within its service area, which includes 18 counties and two Native nations. Funding and eligibility guidelines for this competitive grant program were established in law during the 2023 Minnesota legislative session.
Competitive grants range between $10,000 to $50,000 from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to organizations that have been adversely affected by lack of access to capital, loss of population or an aging population, structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, and/or lack of regional economic diversification. The most competitive applicants have experienced economic hardship and did not receive significant COVID-19 relief funding of more than $10,000 from the State of Minnesota.
This program is not first-come, first-served; apply any time by the deadline. These grants will be competitive as grant funds are limited and not all businesses can expect to receive one.
Additional Partners for PROMISE Act Grants
The PROMISE Act Grant is a statewide program with multiple partners accepting applications throughout the Minnesota. SWIF is one of six Minnesota Initiative Foundations (MIFs) that will accept applications through this program, in addition to the Neighborhood Development Center, which will accept applications in certain areas of the Twin Cities metro.
For businesses that are not located in our region, please consult the following website to determine who to contact for this program: Visit the DEED website to find your local PROMISE Grant contact.