State PROMISE Grants Offer $1.3M for Beltrami Small Businesses

On Jan. 1 the Northwest Minnesota Foundation opened applications for PROMISE Act grants, a one-time $1.3 million allocation from the state legislature aimed at bolstering recovery and investment in small, rural and minority-owned businesses across the Foundation’s service region, which includes Beltrami County. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 30, 2026.

Awards may be made up to $50,000 per organization to cover working capital, payroll, rent or mortgage, utilities, equipment and similar operating needs. Based on the total appropriation, the fund could distribute as many as 26 maximum-size awards if grants are granted at the $50,000 cap; in practice award sizes may vary as the Foundation evaluates applications. Eligible applicants must have a primary business location inside the Foundation’s service region and report gross annual revenue in 2024 between $10,000 and $750,000.

For local employers and nonprofit operators, the grant window represents a targeted source of short-term liquidity. Many Beltrami County firms still face thin margins, seasonal revenue swings and higher fixed costs; funds to cover payroll and rent can reduce the risk of layoffs or closures during slow periods. For minority-owned and rural enterprises that historically receive less capital from traditional lenders, one-time grants can make the difference in maintaining operations while pursuing longer-term recovery strategies.

The Foundation noted demand is expected to exceed available funds, making the application process competitive. Applications will be evaluated using the Foundation’s selection and scoring process to determine award recipients. Applicants should be prepared to document 2024 revenue and identify how grant proceeds would be used to sustain or grow operations.

Beyond immediate relief, PROMISE Act awards aim to leverage additional local investment by stabilizing businesses so they can pursue hiring, inventory purchases or equipment upgrades. For Beltrami County, even a modest number of grants could have outsized local effects: preserving payrolls, keeping commercial leases occupied and supporting supplier relationships that ripple through the community.

Businesses and nonprofits in Beltrami County that meet the revenue and location criteria should consider applying before the Jan. 30 deadline to be considered in this competitive round of funding. The program’s limited funds mean timely, clear applications that demonstrate operating need and community impact will be crucial in the selection process.