Make it Minnesota Cost-Share Program Grant

Make it Minnesota Cost-Share Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Amount: Up to US $4,000
Last Updated: March 21, 2026

Summary

The Make it Minnesota Cost-Share Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, offers financial assistance to Minnesota-based consumer packaged goods companies. By reimbursing 50% of eligible marketing investments, the program supports businesses in enhancing their market presence. Eligible entities can receive up to $4,000 annually for Minnesota-manufactured brands and $3,000 for those made elsewhere. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the deadline or funds are exhausted, with the final application date set for July 10, 2026.

Overview

NOTE: We process applications as they come in (first-come, first-served) until the application deadline or the funds are gone, whichever is first. If funds remain through the end of FY26, the final application deadline is July 10, 2026. Our AGRI Make it Minnesota Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota consumer packaged goods (CPG) food, beverage, or pet food company, cooperative, or Tribal entity grow by matching your investments in a variety of high-impact marketing activities. The cost-share program "matches" (reimburses 50% of) eligible investments, with the exception of store demos that are executed by founders or staff; booth space at Minnesota Pavilion events; and “Walk the Floor” mentorships, which are reimbursed as outlined below. The maximum annual reimbursement per eligible entity in FY26 is: $4,000 for brands manufactured in Minnesota $3,000 for brands who otherwise qualify but manufacture elsewhere Minnesota Pavilion booth space discounts and “walk the floor mentorship” reimbursements do not count towards annual cost-share program limits, and reimbursement for those eligible activities may take priority over other reimbursements as resources are allocated at the end of the state fiscal year. Entities that win awards at MDA-sponsored events may exceed annual reimbursement limits by the amount of that award.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible, you must: Be a Minnesota-based company or cooperative, registered with the Minnesota Secretary of StateOffer a branded CPG food, beverage, or pet food productBe a small-to-medium enterprise, which we define as an entity with fewer than 500 employees (grower cooperatives are exempt from this qualification)Be a current holder of an MDA Food License (either your own or that of a Minnesota co-manufacturer that you use).Eligibility rule exceptions:If you hold a municipal food license or permit and if the MDA has given delegated authority to the municipality, you may be exempt from eligibility rule #4 above.Minnesota Tribal entities may be exempt from eligibility rules #1 and #4 above.Participation in Minnesota Pavilion events is allowed for Minnesota entities who do not meet eligibility rules #3 and #4 above; however, entities larger than 500 employees are not eligible for reimbursement with the exception of Minnesota grower cooperatives.

Ineligibility

Costs that are not eligible for this program include: Expenses that are reimbursed by another state or federal entity Equipment, hardware, and supplies Print advertising and printing Electronic payment equipment General business management software Merchandise and merchandise processing fees Retailer and other re-seller web marketplace platforms (e.g., Walmart.com, Target.com) Shipping fees and expenses Staff payroll expenses