Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant

The Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant program, operated by the Destination Medical Center (DMC) in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provides matching grants to businesses and property owners in designated areas of Rochester, Minnesota. The goal is to support the revitalization of commercial corridors by assisting with building improvements, site preparation, and infrastructure investments, thereby promoting a vibrant and welcoming environment for residents, workers, and visitors. Grant funds may be used for a variety of eligible project types, including property repair or renovation, building construction, landscaping and streetscaping, demolition, site preparation, design and engineering services, and development of non-publicly owned infrastructure or related site amenities. All funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis after the completion of eligible work and submission of appropriate proof of payment. The program offers a total of $721,153 in funding, split evenly between two application rounds. Individual project awards may be up to $175,000 but must not exceed 30% of total project costs. Matching funds are required and must not originate from state or federal sources. The program is open to both property owners and business owners or tenants. To qualify, applicants must be located within the DMC District or the Lowertown Neighborhood of Rochester, with priority given to those near the future Link Bus Rapid Transit corridor. Applications must demonstrate secured matching funds, a clear and realistic project plan, budget, and timeline. Applications must be submitted online during one of two application rounds in 2025. For Round 1, the application window is April 1–April 16, 2025, with funding recommendations by May 12, 2025, and final approval by DEED within 3–5 weeks. Round 2 runs from August 4–August 25, 2025, with notifications by September 22, 2025. All project expenses must be incurred by June 30, 2026, to be eligible for reimbursement. For questions, applicants may contact Allison Bowman, Grant Program Manager, at [email protected] or (507) 216-9720.