State Incentives

Data Centers Incentive

Companies that build new data or network operation centers of at least 25,000 square feet and invest $30 million, or refurbish an existing center of at least 25,000 square feet and invest $50 million, qualify for sales tax exemptions for 20 years on computers and servers, cooling and energy equipment, energy use and software, and they pay no personal property tax ever. Companies have 48 months to complete a new center and 24 months to complete a refurbished center.

Category: State, Industry Incentives

More State, Industry Incentives

Businesses headquartered in Minnesota with fewer than 25 employees and engaged in the research or development of qualifying high-technology can qualify for up to $1 million in angel tax credits. Learn More
The program provides production payments to encourage commercial-scale production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and thermal energy production from biomass. Learn More
The Border-Cities Enterprise Zone Program provides property tax credits, debt financing credit on new construction, sales tax credit on construction equipment and materials, and new or existing employee credits to qualifying businesses in the border cities of Breckenridge, Dilworth, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, and Ortonville,... Learn More
Companies that build new data or network operation centers of at least 25,000 square feet and invest $30 million, or refurbish an existing center of at least 25,000 square feet and invest $50 million, qualify for sales tax exemptions for 20 years on computers and... Learn More
The DBE program is a project for increasing the participation of women- and minority-owned businesses in the award of federally assisted contracts. See current contracting opportunities at the Council. The Council has established goals for contracts for fiscal years 2017-2020: 15% overall DBE... Learn More
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Citizenship and Immigration Services division (USCIS) administers the Immigrant Investor Program, also known as EB-5. The program is intended to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by offering foreign investors a permanent resident visa... Learn More
DEED's Emerging Entrepreneurs Fund primarily supports micro- enterprises and small businesses with loans of up to $150,000 to businesses  owned by minorities, low-income persons, women, veterans, and/or persons with disabilities. Businesses located in low-income areas will be given priority.  The program will finance a variety... Learn More
Foreign Trade Zones are commerce sites (industrial sites, buildings) set up in or near U.S. Customs ports of entry where merchandise is considered legally outside U.S. Customs territory. The zones are operated as public utilities by states, port authorities, other political groups, or corporations charted... Learn More
Gopher Angels (GA) is a network of accredited investors seeking to invest capital and expertise in early stage Minnesota businesses.  GA looks for outstanding entrepreneurs who can turn their vision into a successful business. In addition to financial support, GA members will provide businesses with... Learn More
The program supports the development of Indian-owned and operated businesses and promotes economic opportunities for Indian people in Minnesota. Loans may be up to 75 percent of project costs and feature favorable interest rates and repayment terms. Learn More
Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure provides grants to local governmental units on a competitive basis statewide for up to 50 percent of the capital cost of the public infrastructure necessary to expand or retain jobs in innovative businesses and organizations. Learn More
The Metropolitan Council Underutilized Business Program (MCUB) is designed to engage and encourage the use of underutilized Minnesota-based small businesses for the Council's projects and procurements. MCUB firms can do business with the Council in two ways: Through procurements, selling products or... Learn More
The Minnesota Innovation Loans for Entrepreneurs (MILE) program provides interest-free loans to early stage businesses developing or producing high-tech products or services in Minnesota. This program is an initiative of the Minnesota Investment Fund. Learn More
Provides training grants of up to $400,000 to educational institutions that partner with businesses to develop new-job training or retraining for existing employees. A cash or in-kind contribution from the contributing business must match program funds on at least a one-to-one basis (wages paid... Learn More
Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant program awards funds to Minnesota businesses planning to grow their exports. It provides financial and technical assistance to qualifying Minnesota businesses with an active interest in exporting products or services to foreign markets.  Participants may be first-time... Learn More
This program provides interest free, business loans of up to $20,000 to businesses that are adversely affected when certain employees are called to active military duty and to individual veterans who have returned from active duty and want to start their own business. Learn More
MNvest is Minnesota’s equity crowdfunding program for small businesses.   Minnesota law now allows businesses to raise money online from Minnesota investors. MNvest offers small businesses in the state the opportunity to raise money from Minnesotans with just a few thousand dollars to invest.  Similar... Learn More
PACE is an innovative mechanism for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements on private property.  It allows a property owner to finance the up-front cost of energy or other eligible improvements and then pay the costs back over time through a voluntary assessment attached... Learn More
The tax credit for R & D expenditures is 10 percent, up to the first $2 million in eligible expenses. The credit is 2.5 percent for eligible expenses above $2 million. Individuals involved in partnerships, S-corporations and limited liability companies are allowed to claim... Learn More
SciTechsperience is a paid internship program that connects college students in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines with rewarding hands-on opportunities at Minnesota companies that need their skills. The focus is on strengthening Minnesota's STEM industries and developing an experienced and well trained workforce. Learn... Learn More
SCORE provides free, confidential business advice through volunteer business experts.  SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You can meet with one or several mentors via email, video chat, or face-to-face in the local chapter. Mentors are experienced in... Learn More
The SBDC provides free, confidential professional expertise and guidance to established businesses.   Business consultants provide relevant, realistic, and sound advice in several areas, including: access to capital and loan packaging; financial analysis and assessment; accounting systems and literacy; marketing and research; marketing plan development;... Learn More
Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure (TEDI) Program is a competitive grant program available to communities for road and public infrastructure projects that create jobs and support economic development. Learn More
Women Venture is a non-profit organization providing resources and support to help women start and grow profitable and sustainable businesses.   They train entrepreneurs, advise businesses, provide loans, and create jobs. Learn More