How can I apply for a Twin Cities Metro grant?

If your business is located in an eligible area within the Twin Cities Metro (North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, Uptown, or St. Paul), you may be eligible to apply for a grant through Neighborhood Development Center (NDC). 

Here’s how to apply: 

✅ Step 1: Check Your Eligibility 

• Review the updated Round 2 eligibility guidelines 

• ➡️ Click here to check if you are eligible 

• ➡️ Take the Eligibility & Readiness Quiz to see if you may qualify 

✅ Step 2: Prepare Your Documents  

• Learn about the program and what documents you’ll need by attending an information session

• Ask questions before the application opens 

• ➡️ View upcoming info sessions and support events 

• ➡️ Link to documents labs (coming soon)

✅ Step 3: Apply When the Portal Opens 

• Round 2 is expected to open in Fall 2025 

• You’ll fill out a Stage 1 eligibility form, and if eligible, move on to upload required documents in Stage 2 

• You’ll receive emails with next steps as you move through the process 

• ➡️Click here to learn more about the grant process 

What is on the application?

The application is designed to confirm your eligibility and determine how your business will be prioritized for funding. 

Before the application portal opens, we encourage you to: 

• Attend an information session to better understand the application process 

• Get familiar with the documents you’ll need to complete the application 

➡️ Click here to view the Application Checklist 

This checklist outlines the information and documents you’ll need so you can be ready to apply when the portal opens. 

How can I prepare to submit my application?

Preparing early can make the application process smoother. We encourage you to review the Applicant Checklist and take advantage of both Information Sessions and Support with technical assistance options: 

👉 Click here to view the Applicant Checklist 

🗓️ Information Sessions 

These sessions are designed to help you understand eligibility, required documents, and what to expect during the application process. 

• Prepare for PROMISE sessions (virtual): Hosted by Neighborhood Development Center 

• Tax information sessions to help applicants understand documentation needs 

• Community events hosted in partnership with Community Partners 

➡️ Click here to view the full event calendar here 
All future outreach events will be added to this page. 

🤝 Support Sessions 

• 📄 Document Labs (anyone attending an info session can register) 

• These small group labs offer hands-on support with your required documents. 

• Only available to attendees of a Prepare for PROMISE session. 

• Labs are offered before the Round 2 application window opens. 

• Space is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• 🧾 Application Labs (open to all applicants who apply for Round 2 and proceed to Stage 2 of the application) 

• These labs provide one-on-one in-person help with submitting your application. 

• Labs are offered after the application window opens. 

• Space is limited and labs operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

➡️ Application Lab Dates (coming soon)

All future application labs will be added to this page 

What is the timeline for the application? How long will the application take to process?

Round 2 of the MN PROMISE Act Grant Program is expected to open in Fall 2025, and the application window will remain open for about two months. 

Here’s what to know about timing and what to expect: 

• Apply early. Even though you have two months to apply, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. Early applicants have more time to correct mistakes and receive support if needed. 

• Your application will be reviewed after it is complete and correct. If anything is missing or inaccurate, we’ll contact you with instructions and support. 

• You are in control of how quickly your application moves. Some applicants complete all stages quickly, while others take longer depending on how prepared they are and whether corrections are needed. 

• If approved to receive an award, it may take a minimum of 12 weeks from the time you submit a complete and correct application for funds to be deposited into your bank account. 

  ➕ This does not include any extra time needed if we request changes to your application or documents. 

📌 Tip: The best way to avoid delays is to prepare ahead of time. 
➡️ Click here to view the Application Checklist 

How can I request support for my application?

Click here to view how to request support for your application

Do I need a Social Security number in order to apply?

No, you do not need to have a social security number to apply, however, if you do not have a TIN or EIN (you are a sole proprietor), you will need to use your Social Security Number.

How will you verify my business address?

Click here to check out the article “Am I in an eligible area?” to learn how we will verify your business address. 

Please note: Only PDF documents will be accepted. 

How will you verify my identity?

A platform called Plaid will be used to verify your ID. ID can be either Government or State. Your ID MUST match before you can proceed with the application. While this is an extra step, please understand we want to avoid any fraud that could take grant dollars away from deserving businesses. 

You, the applicant, must complete the Plaid identity verification yourself. 

How do I know my data won’t be shared publicly?

Click here to read our privacy policy. 

Can a business apply for more than one round?

If the business applied and was not awarded in Round 1 and meets all the eligibility criteria for Round 2, then yes, they can apply again. Please make sure to use the same email address you used when applying in Round 1. 

What is the grant review process?

Click here to view the grant review process. 

Can someone help me submit an application for this grant?

Yes! Our official community partner organizations offer free support to help you complete and submit your application. 

Other individuals or organizations can assist you with filling out your application, but you, the business owner, must be the one to submit it.  

Click Here to View our Community Partners 

⚠️ Please note: No one affiliated with the MN PROMISE Act or any official community partners will ever charge a fee for application help. If someone is asking for payment, contact us right away so our team can investigate. 

Automated Clearing House (ACH) Document

1. Click the “Award Documents” section of your application. 
   

2. Ensure each section of the ACH Form is filled in completely. 
   

3. ⬇️ DOWNLOAD the blank ACH document. 
   

4. Banking Information:
   

   • EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) to:  Business Name  
     

   • Beneficiary: Business Name, unless a Sole Proprietor.  

     • If you are a Sole Proprietor, enter the Primary Applicant’s first and last name. 
       

   • Bank: [bank associated with voided check information] 
     

   • Bank Address: [business banking location applicant typically visits for in-person banking support] 
     

   • Routing #: [◾◾ MATCHES voided check] 
     

   • Account #: [◾◾ MATCHES voided check] 
     

   • Bank Account Owner:  

     • Name: [applicant first and last name] 

     • Date: [date ACH Form is filled out] 
       

5. UPLOAD your completed ACH document as a 🗎 SCANNED PDF
   

6. 💾 SAVE your changes on your application, finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅ SUBMIT. 

Grant Agreement Letter

1. Click the “Award Documents” section of your application. 
   

2. ⬇️ DOWNLOAD the unsigned Grant Agreement Letter.
   

3. Make sure the Business Name on the letter matches your application (first line of the letter). 
   

4. This is a legal document—read it fully and agree to the terms before signing.
   Signing does not guarantee a grant award.
   

5. How to fill out the Grant Agreement Letter

   • “By” line – ✍️SIGN (handwritten, or typed) your full name (◾◾ MATCHES name in your application)  

   • “Its” line – Your role in the business (i.e., Owner) 

   • Leave the last two lines blank (for NDC to complete if approved by DEED).  
     

6. ⬆️ UPLOAD all 5 pages, including signature page, as a 🗎 SCANNED PDF to the “SIGNED” section. 
   

7. 💾 SAVE your changes on your application, finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅ SUBMIT. 
   Note: This document will be finalized by NDC and MN DEED if your business is awarded a grant. 

State or Government-Issued Identification

1. The name on your 🪪 identification document ◾◾MUST MATCH the name entered as the primary applicant applying on behalf of the business or organization. 
   

2. Acceptable identification must be a current (not expired): 

   • Driver’s license 

   • State, federal, or local government-issued identification 

   • Federal-issued Passport 

   • Federal-issued Passport card 
     

3. ⬆️ UPLOAD your ID as a 🗎 SCANNED PDF or PNG document. 

   • Be sure to include the entire 🪪 ID in the scanned image. 

   • Scan the 🪪same ID you used in your Plaid verification. 
     

4. 💾 SAVE your changes after every session on your application. Be sure to finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅ SUBMIT. 

Voided Check

1. The Business Name, bank name, routing number, and account number on your voided check ◾◾ MUST MATCH with what you enter on your application. 
   

2. Create a 🗎 SCANNED PDF copy of your voided check. 

   • Verify that your check is a paper check and pre-printed with your Business Name and address. 

   • If you are a Sole Proprietor, we will accept your first and last name as the Business Name. 
     

3. 🚫 WE CANNOT ACCEPT direct deposit forms, starter checks, or other documents 

   • If you do not have a pre-printed checkbook: 

• You may request counter checks printed by your bank. 

• If you have an online bank, you will need to order checks. 
  

4. Ensure your routing and account numbers ◾◾ MATCH the routing and account numbers entered in the profile section of your application.  
   

5. ⬆️UPLOAD the 🗎 SCANNED PDF copy of your voided check to the “Financial Information” section 

   • Scan both the front and back of the physical check 
     

6. The routing and account numbers entered on your application in the Financial Information section ◾◾MUST MATCH the information on your uploaded voided check. 
   

7. 💾 SAVE your changes on your application, finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅ SUBMIT. 
   

Certificate of Grant Recipient

1. Click the “Award Documents” section of your application. 
   

2. ⬇️ DOWNLOAD the unsigned Letter of Grant Recipient and complete the following fields:
   

   • Date 

   • Business name 

   • ✍️ SIGNATURE (handwritten, or typed) 

   • Name of applicant 

   • Title 
     

3. Ensure you ⬆️ UPLOAD the 🗎 SCANNED PDF to the “SIGNED” section.
   

4. 💾 SAVE your changes on your application, finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅ SUBMIT
   
   Note: This document will be finalized by NDC and MN DEED if your business is awarded a grant. 

How to Scan Documents

ALL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS MUST BE IN PDF FORMAT.  

1. If you are primarily working from a mobile phone, please reference 🔗this document to create a 📄SCANNED PDF 
   

2. Ensure your scan includes all pages and edges of your document, and is a clear, non-blurry scan.  Be sure to include the entire 🪪 ID or document in the scanned image
   

3. Use an app such as Turbo Scan, Cam Scanner or 🔗this tutorial for Google Drive to scan your document

TIN or EIN Number

1. Enter your TIN if the 1099 should go to your business taxes

   • TIN / SSN is only applicable to Sole Proprietors and Single Member LLCs
     

2. Enter your EIN if the 1099 should go to your business taxes. 

   • 🚫 WE CANNOT ACCEPT a client copy where the numbers are redacted

   • This number must ◾◾ MATCH the number entered on your most recently submitted taxes

3. If awarded a grant, you will receive a 1099 for your grant award
   

4. 💾SAVE your changes on your application, finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅SUBMIT
   

W-9

1. Click the “Award Documents” section of your application
   

2. ⬇️ DOWNLOAD and complete the IRS W-9 form.

   • Lines 1-7 

   • Part 1 (either SS# or EIN#) 

   • Part 2 (✍️ SIGNATURE and date)  
     

3. ⬆️ UPLOAD the first page as a 🗎 SCANNED PDF
   

4. 💾 SAVE your changes on your application, finish ALL needed changes before you hit ✅ SUBMIT
   
   Note: Your W-9 cannot be processed unless all necessary fields are entered.