Start-Up Event Grant

Overview
The Start-Up Event Grant funds new events, fresh ideas, and exciting programs that encourage community and business engagement in downtown Rochester. This is a partial reimbursement-based grant where funding is distributed half upfront and half post-event.

Award Amount

• Up to $5,000 per grant award

Geographic Scope

• Events must take place at indoor or outdoor venues within the Downtown Rochester Special Services District (SSD)

Eligibility

• Any individuals, businesses, community groups, and organizations may apply
• No cap on how many years an applicant can receive funding
• First-year recipients: May use RDA grant as sole source of funding (includes events previously done but never funded by this grant)
• Second-year and beyond recipients: Must demonstrate ability to find matching funds to their RDA grant

Focus Areas & Priorities (2025)

• Interest in partnering with RDA in event execution
• Events that engage/support current downtown businesses by increasing foot traffic and driving commerce
• Activations of unique and unused spaces
• Events anticipating large attendance with high community impact
• Events taking place on evenings and weekends
• Events kept free and open to the public
• Winter month events

Evaluation Criteria

• Does your event meet grant requirements?
• Is the budget achievable and realistic to the timeline?
• Does your event align with RDA grant priorities?
• Do you demonstrate interest in partnering and evidence of capacity to execute the event?
• Is your event unique/new that adds variety to downtown?
• Does your event drive foot traffic and increase commerce downtown?
• Does your event involve, represent, or invite a range of cultures, ages, and backgrounds?

Timeline & Application Cycle

• Rolling application cycle - no deadline; apply anytime
• Applications recommended 3-6 months prior to event for adequate planning time
• Grant team meets once a month
• 10 business days for application response
• 72 hours post-interview meeting for award notification

What's Supported

• New events and fresh ideas
• Community engagement programs
• Public-facing activations

Contact Information

• Email: info@downtownrochestermn.com
• Phone: 507-216-9882
• Address: 311 Broadway Ave South, Suite A2, Rochester, MN 55904

Additional Resources

• Application Guide available
• Event Planning Guide for new planners
• RDA Grant Mentorship/Education program
• Past recipients list available

Application Process

The application has two stages:

Stage 1: Online Application Submission

Submit the following required documents:

1. Event Budget
   • Show both expenses and anticipated revenue
   • Include in-kind contributions
   • Include requested amount from RDA
   • Include permitting expenses
2. Marketing Plan
   • Outline how you'll promote the event
3. Visual Materials
   • Inspiration photos
   • Site plan or drawing of event layout

Stage 2: RDA Grant Team Interview

• Selected applicants invited to in-person interview
• Meet with RDA Grant Team to discuss event proposal
• Private conference room setting with organizer team and RDA team
• Panel asks follow-up questions about event details

Timeline for Review

1. Application received
2. Grant team reviews (meets once a month)
3. Allow 10 business days for application response
4. If selected, invited to in-person interview
5. Within 72 hours post-interview, receive award notification

Recommendations

• Apply at least 3-6 months prior to your event
• Include professional rendering from licensed design firm (highly recommended)
• Demonstrate clear partnership interest with RDA
• Show realistic budget and timeline
• Highlight how event serves underrepresented communities