MN Grant Update: What's currently available through the MN OCM, DEEDs, etc.

Need to gain Social Equity Status? Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management now allows SEA approvals (typically takes 2-3 business days currently)? Visit Qualifications / Office of Cannabis Management. For the OCM programs, visit mn.gov/ocm/businesses/grants, and for DEED programs, visit mn.gov/deed.

Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Grant Programs - LINK

CanGrow (OCM-SEA approved status) — Currently Open

Primarily focused on farmers/cultivators, so it has limited direct relevance to other licenses such as Manufacturing/Wholesale/Transport/Delivery licenses. However, if you have any cultivation component or are working with farming partners, this may apply.

• Technical assistance grants: $10,000–$50,000 for training and education

• Farmer loan financing: $2,500–$50,000 per individual (up to $150,000 with matching funds)

• Current deadline: June 1, 2026 at 4:30pm CST.

• Applications go through OCM's online portal

CanRenew (OCM-SEA approved status) — Next Round TBD (Mid to Late 2026)

Provides community restoration grants in areas disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. Important caveat: CanRenew funds cannot be used for cannabis business operations or revenue-generating activities — it funds community-oriented projects (economic development, youth programs, violence prevention, civil legal aid).

• FY2026 allocation: $10.9 million total

• Tier 1: $2,500–$10,000 for smaller/newer organizations

• Tier 2: $50,000–$2,000,000 for larger projects

• The FY2026 application window was Nov. 2025 – Jan. 12, 2026 (now closed); watch for the FY2027 cycle updates (mid to late 2026).

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Grant & Loan Programs - LINK

CanNavigate (DEED) — Active, Service Providers Selected

DEED partnered with community-based organizations to provide free technical assistance to cannabis entrepreneurs navigating OCM's regulatory structure. As an SEA, you can access services from a CanNavigate provider (rather than apply as a provider yourself) at no cost.

• Total program funding: $2 million

• Priority is given to SEAs and disproportionately impacted communities

• Contact DEED or OCM to be connected with a local CanNavigate partner organization

CanStartUp (DEED) — Active Loan Program

This is one of the most directly relevant programs for you. DEED awards grants to nonprofit lenders, who then make loans to new cannabis microbusinesses, with priority given to SEAs.

• Program funding: $6 million allocated

• Priority given to social equity applicants.

• Limitation: Technically written for microbusinesses — consult DEED to confirm eligibility for other license types

• Access through DEED-selected nonprofit lenders, not directly from DEED

CanTrain (DEED) — Workforce Development

Grants to organizations providing cannabis workforce training. Directly relevant if you need to hire and train staff.

• Grants up to $500,000 per organization

• Next deadline listed as December 2, 2026

• You would work with a CanTrain-funded organization for workforce development

DEED Veteran-Specific Programs

Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program - LINK

Specifically designed for veterans starting businesses. Directly relevant to you as a veteran SEA.

• Interest-free loans of $5,000–$20,000

• For veterans who were on active duty on or after September 11, 2001

• Must have separated under honorable conditions after 181+ consecutive days of active duty

• Apply through DEED directly

Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP) - LINK

One of the most flexible programs for veteran-owned businesses.

• Loans of $5,000–$150,000 for businesses at least 51% owned by a veteran (among other qualifying categories)

• Can fund startup costs, equipment, inventory, working capital, renovation, and site acquisition

• DEED provides funds through certified nonprofit lenders statewide

• Interest rates capped (not to exceed 4% over Wall Street prime)

• Available through lenders like Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, RAEDI, and others.

What's Not Available to You

• SBA/USDA federal loans are unavailable for state-legal cannabis businesses due to federal prohibition — these apply only to hemp businesses with under 0.3% THC.

• Iron Range Resources (IRRRB) loans explicitly exclude transportation and retail cannabis operations from eligibility.

• Minnesota Department of Revenue does not offer grants for cannabis businesses; their cannabis-related programs focus on local government aid, which was actually repealed by the 2025 Legislature.

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Recommended Action Plan

Grant Priority	Program	What to Do
Immediate	CanGrow	Apply by June 1, 2026 if you have a farming/cultivation angle.
Now	CanNavigate	Contact DEED to connect with a free CanNavigate service provider for regulatory guidance.
Now	Veteran Business Loan	Apply through DEED for 0% interest startup loan up to $20,000.
Now	ELP (Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program)	Apply through a certified nonprofit lender for up to $150,000.
Ongoing	CanStartUp	Work with a DEED-selected nonprofit lender for microbusiness loan access.
FY2027 Late	CanRenew	Watch OCM for the next application cycle (community-focused projects only).

Need help navigating the grant process? Reach out to us at info@carpfishcreative.com.