May 4th, 2025
Mankato – Applications are now open for the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program grants through the Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG) Foundation. This program is funded by a $721,153.85 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED), the state’s principal economic development agency.
Businesses seeking to develop or redevelop property in one of three commercial corridors in Blue Earth and Nicollet County can apply for grants to cover up to 30% of the total eligible construction project costs. Applications will be accepted immediately, and anyone planning a construction project of at least $5,000 that will be completed by June 30, 2026, is encouraged to apply. Target corridors include downtown Mankato and North Mankato, the US Hwy 169/MN 60 corridor, and the US Hwy 14 corridor. Corridors are visible on this map: MN Main Street – Greater Mankato Commercial Corridors (arcgis.com)
The grant application as well as application instructions and frequently asked questions are available at www.GreaterMankato.com/MSERP. Grant applications are due by June 1, 2025.
A committee of community reviewers will review all projects and create recommendations for project funding. Region Nine Development Commission will use these recommendations to determine which projects receive funding and how much funding will be received. The Small Business Development Center is the official source of free technical assistance for grant applicants. Applicants can register for services at www.MyMinnesotaBusiness.com. Further, applicants needing assistance navigating the digital application process are encouraged to work with the Blue Earth County Library.
“The Small Business Development Center is excited to provide support applicants with technical assistance through our free business support services. Our consultants can help businesses strategize their responses, review their financials, and prepare their business plans. We can also offer support for business owners whose primary languages are Spanish or Somali,” stated Mike Hahn, Regional Director of the South Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center.
GMG would like to again thank the Cities of Mankato, North Mankato, Saint Peter, Eagle Lake, Lake Crystal, Madison Lake, Nicollet, Blue Earth County, Nicollet County, Region Nine Development Commission, HACER, the SBDC, and the St. Peter Chamber of Commerce for their letters of support during the application process and their ongoing support through outreach regarding grant availability.
For more information, visit the local Minnesota Main Street Economic Revitalization Program page.
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About Greater Mankato Growth
Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG) is comprised of four business units: Greater Mankato Growth, the regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization; Visit Mankato, the local destination management organization; Downtown Partnership, a downtown development organization; and GreenSeam, which utilizes agriculture to build on the region’s extensive agribusiness assets to develop the ag economy.