ACER INC. Grant

ACER INC. Grant

Organization: African Career Education & Resources in Minnesota

Purpose: Essential funding to help local entrepreneurs scale their operations, modernize equipment, and improve their business infrastructure to drive long-term success.

Program Objectives

The overarching goal is to catalyze local economic development by offsetting the high costs of capital improvements:

• Enhance Operational Efficiency: Transition businesses from manual or legacy systems to modern, digital workflows
• Standardize Service Quality: Equip businesses with professional-grade tools to compete with national franchises
• Revitalize Commercial Corridors: Improve the physical "curb appeal" and safety of local business districts

Geographic Scope

State of Minnesota — Primary business operations must be within Minnesota

Target Population

• Special focus on entrepreneurs from BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
• Small and micro businesses
• Underserved entrepreneurs

Eligibility Requirements

Business Identity & Location:

Must have a legal business name with evidence of operations

Primary business operations must be within Minnesota

Business Stage & Paperwork:

New Businesses (Startups): Must have a clear business plan

Existing Businesses: Must provide financial records or tax filings

Mission Focus:

Small and micro businesses in Minnesota

Underserved entrepreneurs

Eligible Use of Funds

• Technology & Automation: POS systems, inventory management software, high-speed hardware, cybersecurity upgrades
• Professional Equipment: Commercial kitchen appliances, specialized medical/salon equipment, trade tools
• Infrastructure & Aesthetics: Interior build-outs, HVAC upgrades, professional signage, exterior facade improvements
• Marketing Infrastructure: Professional photography for digital storefronts, website development, branded environmental graphics

Ineligible Uses

Grant funds typically cannot be used for:

Payroll

Existing debt service

General operating expenses

Technical Assistance Requirement

Grant recipients are integrated into the Business Resource Hub, which includes:

Financial Literacy Coaching: Guidance on bookkeeping and tax preparedness

Procurement Assistance: Help vetting vendors for equipment and construction to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness

Strategic Marketing: One-on-one sessions to leverage new infrastructure to attract customers

Contact Information

Business Analyst: Emmanuel Fru Nwi

Email: efrunwi@acerinc.org

Address: 6096 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Phone: 763-657-7711