Small Business Networking Group 

The Small Business Networking Group was created to provide a space for Plymouth-based organizations and entrepreneurs to authentically build connections and provide feedback on how the city can better support local businesses. The group has a strong focus on strengthening relationships and building a vibrant and accessible environment for all businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.

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Elevate Hennepin 

Elevate Hennepin is a resource hub connecting local entrepreneurs to trusted resources, lending, grants, and technical assistance from expert advisors at no cost. From marketing, finance, legal matters, business consulting, tech, and more, you’ll find an expert that can help you meet your goals. View the Elevate Hennepin webpage.

Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program 

The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP) supports the growth of businesses owned and operated by minorities, low-income persons, women, veterans and/or persons with disabilities. DEED provides grant funds to a network of nonprofit lenders which use these funds for loans to startup and expanding businesses throughout the state. Learn more about Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program.

Launch Minnesota Grants 

Launch Minnesota is a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation. The resources will focus on innovative scalable startups. The Innovation Grant reimburses business expenses, incurred in Minnesota, for research and development, direct business expenses (including wages of employees) and the purchase of technical assistance and services. Learn more about Launch Minnesota Grants.

Elevate Hennepin 

Elevate Hennepin is a resource hub connecting local entrepreneurs to trusted resources, lending, grants, and technical assistance from expert advisors at no cost. From marketing, finance, legal matters, business consulting, tech, and more, you’ll find an expert that can help you meet your goals. View the Elevate Hennepin webpage.

Next Stage 

NextStage business advisors provide individual and small group consulting for entrepreneurs at every stage of business development at no cost. Learn more about NextStage.

CEO Next 

Advanced research and CEO resources for established businesses. CEO Next Business Institute is a regional county partnership program that provides practical tools and techniques for CEOs and is designed specifically for growing regional second stage businesses. Learn more about CEO Next.

Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF)

The Minnesota Investment Fund provides financing to help add new workers and retain high-quality jobs on a statewide basis. The focus is on industrial, manufacturing, and technology-related industries to increase the local and state tax base and improve economic vitality statewide. Learn more about the Minnesota Investment Fund.

Minnesota Job Creation Fund (JCF)

The Job Creation Fund provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. Companies deemed eligible to participate may receive up to $1 million for creating or retaining high-paying jobs and for constructing or renovating facilities or making other property improvements. In some cases, companies may receive awards of up to $2 million. Learn more about the Minnesota Job Creation Fund.

Other Resources

• Innovative Business Development Fund (job creation for qualified innovative business)
• Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative (creation of apprenticeship programs)

 

Underutilized Business Program 

The Metropolitan Council Underutilized Business (MCUB) program is designed to engage and promote businesses that are vying for Met Council projects and procurements and are owned and operated by women; Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian people; veterans; and people with disabilities. Learn more about the Underutilized Business Program.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program 

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program helps level the playing field for women, Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian-owned businesses, ensuring that they have the opportunity to compete for federally funded contracts. Learn more about the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. Learn more about the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.