The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Office of Childcare and Community Services, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to receive grants to be used to implement solutions to reduce the childcare shortage in the state. This includes but is not limited to funding for childcare business start-ups or expansion, retention and long-term sustainability of current child care programs, training, facility modifications, direct subsidies or incentives to retain employees, or improvements required for licensing, and assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements.
Applications are due no later than March 17, 2026, by 4:00 p.m.
DEED’s Office of Small Business & Innovation is also offering monthly meetings for small business owners, which takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. These meetings are an opportunity for small business owners to have a conversation with business experts and their peers.
The next Small Business Call meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, and will feature a discussion on improvements to federal child care credits with Stephanie Ferguson, Executive Director of Workforce & International Labor Policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Visit the Office website for more information.
