CORE Grants Power Meaningful Capital Improvements for Local Businesses
The Saint Paul Port Authority is proud to partner with the State of Minnesota to administer the Capitol Outreach for Revitalization & Expansion (CORE) Grant Program. In the 2025 legislative session, $870,000 was awarded to launch this program focused on revitalizing the Capitol Area by providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 to local businesses for capital improvement projects.
Who Can Apply?
New, Existing or relocating for-profit business in the Capitol Area are encouraged to apply.
Please Note: Mobile businesses, home-based businesses, nonprofits, schools and government entities are not eligible to apply.
How Can Grant Dollars Be Used?
CORE Grants are for capital improvement projects, such as:
- Facade Improvements
- Energy Upgrade
- New Equipment
- Accessibility Improvements
- Safety Upgrades to the building
Please Note: Capital improvement projects that are already complete are not eligible for the grant program.
When and How to Apply
There are two rounds of grant funding. First-round applicants that were not selected may reapply.
ROUND 1 APPLICATIONS DUE 3/31/26
ROUND 2 APPLICATIONS DUE 8/31/26
What You Need to Apply
- Business and Project Description: Briefly describe your business, the project, and its goals.
- Two Bids: Include at least two vendor bids for proposed work or purchases.
- Project Budget: Provide a detailed budget showing all funding sources and uses.
- Proof of insurance.
- Financial Information
- Established businesses: Submit 3 years of financial statements or tax returns.
- New businesses: Please indicate whether you have a lead bank financing any portion of your business plan or related project costs and include a pro forma with 3-year cash flow projections.
How Will Projects Be Selected?
The applications will be reviewed, scored and awarded by the Saint Paul Port Authority. Grant awards will be reviewed through a point-based, competitive process that prioritizes projects that support employment, tax base expansion, and economic and community vitality.
| Category | What is being evaluated | Weight |
| Employment | Measures on how a project will affect job creation and job quality. | 14% |
| Property Tax or Sales Tax Value | Measures the project’s impact on the property or sales and its potential contribution to local economic development. | 14% |
| Grant Alignment | For new or existing for-profit business making capital improvement in Capitol area supporting economic development. Measuring economic development by jobs, tax base, or sales. | 7% |
| Economic Vitality | Evaluates the financial strength, structure, and sustainability of the business. | 29% |
| Community and Capitol Area Benefit | Measures on how the project contributes to community engagement and enhances the broader capital area. | 22% |
| Inclusion | Measures support for historically underrepresented groups. | 14% |
Other Details:
- Capital improvement projects must comply with prevailing wage and American Disability Act standards, as well as all applicable permitting process and state contractor requirements.
- Grantees will submit reimbursement requests to obtain grant funds. Progress reports will be included with reimbursement requests to track progress and impact.
Learn More
Join us for a virtual information session on Thursday, February 5 at 9 a.m. to learn more, ask questions, and get help with your application.
Application Open January 5, 2026
Additional Resources for your Reference:
Contact Us with Questions
651-204-6224
651-204-6216