Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program Grant

Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Amount: Up to US $3,000
Last Updated: March 27, 2025

Summary

The Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides up to $300,000 in funding for Minnesota-based food, beverage, or pet food companies. This program supports high-impact marketing activities aimed at promoting branded products. Eligible small-to-medium enterprises can apply for reimbursements on various marketing expenses from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, until funds are exhausted. This initiative aims to enhance market growth opportunities for local manufacturers.

Overview

Make it Minnesota Cost-Share Program Our AGRI Make it Minnesota Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota-manufactured consumer packaged goods (CPG) food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of growth opportunities through a variety of high-impact marketing activities. Funding We have up to $300,000 available for cost-share program reimbursements in fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025). We will process applications as we receive them, until we run out of funds.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To apply for this program, your business must be:A Minnesota-based food, beverage, or pet food company offering a branded product and registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, ANDA small-to-medium enterprise, which is an entity with fewer than 500 employees (grower cooperatives are exempt from this qualification), ANDA current holder of an MDA Food License (either your own or that of a Minnesota co-packer that you use).If you hold a municipal food license or permit, you may be eligible if the MDA has given delegated authority to the municipality and your business is manufacturing a CPG product. This also applies to food businesses operating under tribal jurisdiction.Note:If you hold a Minnesota Grown license, Minnesota Grown now has a separate E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share program. If you're eligible, you may apply to both programs, but you cannot submit the same expense twice.Eligible investmentsThese high-impact marketing investments are eligible for reimbursement:In-store demo costs (this demo log can help you keep track)Must be a retail product demonstration in a store where your product is sold (this does not include sales at consumer events like farmers’ markets, festivals, fairs, etc.)May include labor for an employee or owner at a flat rate of $20/hourMay include mileage at $0.50/mile up to a maximum of $200 per demo(mileage is only available if owners or employees execute demos, not contractors)For contracted demos, 50% of your total investment qualifies (up to the annual $3,000 limit)2025 Minnesota Pavilion eventsDoesn't require MDA licensingFor more information on Minnesota Pavilions, visit the Minnesota Pavilions web page.“Walk the Floor” mentorship at a Minnesota PavilionOnly for approved participants in our Minnesota Pavilion Mentorship ProgramOne-time reimbursement per company;maximum $500Includes costs such as airfare, hotel, car rental, education sessions, and badge for entryBusiness-to-business (B2B) tradeshow costs (not associated with a Minnesota Pavilion)Booth rentalBadge scanner and lead retrieval servicesVirtual B2B tradeshow registrationAssociation membership, if required to participate in an eventNote: FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace and Tradeshow both qualify for reimbursement as they are AGRI-sponsored events.Wholesale and retail activitiesSyndicated data expensesSubscriptions to consumer packaged goods (CPG) syndicated market data or consumer insights from providers such as SPINS, Nielsen, IRI, or IbottaTailored category data from larger retailers or distributorsBrand strategy consulting for sales or expansion strategy across various channelsConsultants must be registered business entities and you must submit an invoice as well as an overview of services provided.Logo design, label design, or rebranding contracts with marketing or design professionalsIn-store promotion costs, such as off-shelf displays (end cap, point-of-sale displays, or signage)E-commerce and digital marketing activitiesThird-party e-commerce marketplace or platformIncludes registration and sign-up fees, monthly subscription fees, and fees for premium positioning Digital, email, and social media advertising that drives traffic to e-commerceIncludes advertising on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media and investments in email marketing formats such as Constant Contact, HubSpot, and MailchimpPhoto or video editing software subscriptionsMonthly subscriptions must include all monthly invoices and you must be able to show proof of use in e-commerce or digital marketing upon request.E-commerce, digital marketing, or social media consulting or management contractsConsultants must be registered business entities and you must submit an invoice as well as an overview of services provided.E-commerce, digital marketing, or social media training and educational event attendanceWebsite design and setup contractsIncludes photography or videography, website extensions such as store locators, and other web store utilitiesDesigner or developer must be a registered business entity and you must submit an invoice as well as an overview of services provided.

Ineligibility

This program is not for brokers or distributors, retailers, or other re-sellers. Cottage food producers are also ineligible for this program.Ineligible expensesCosts that are not eligible for this program include:Expenses that are reimbursed by another state or federal entity (for example, those reimbursed by the Minnesota Grown E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share)Equipment, hardware, and suppliesPrint advertising and printingElectronic payment equipmentGeneral business management softwareMerchandise and merchandise processing feesRetailer and other re-seller web marketplace platforms (e.g., Walmart.com, Target.com)Staff payroll expensesThe following reimbursements are above and beyond the annual cost-share limit:Winter Fancy Food Show, January 19-21, 2025, Las Vegas ($1,500)Natural Products Expo West, March 4-7, 2025, Anaheim ($2,500)Sweets & Snacks Expo, May 13-15, 2025, Indianapolis ($1,500)National Restaurant Association Show, May 17-20, 2025, Chicago (not eligible for cost-share reimbursement; discount applied on booth purchase from the MDA is as follows: $1,500 for 10'; $2,500 for 20'; and $3,500 for 30' booth.)Label printing is not eligible.Shipping fees are not eligible for reimbursement.