Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is accepting applications for its economic development incentive grant program, according to a press release. The grant opportunity is available to nonprofits, units of government and other public agencies throughout SMIF’s 20-county region. Requests of up to $20,000 will be considered.

SMIF’s economic development grants are designed to support new collaborative initiatives that support entrepreneurs. Projects which provide specialized training to new and expanding entrepreneurs and businesses, create new collaborations, develop new business resources or create new opportunities for entrepreneurs will be considered. Examples of projects include business incubators, coworking spaces and business training programs.

“Building resilient economic development processes to enhance business growth is essential to creating sustainable economic prosperity,” said Pam Bishop, vice president of economic development at SMIF. “We are excited to see the new ideas and innovative projects submitted from southern Minnesota communities which result in expanding and starting new companies as well as boost collaborations and partnerships.”

Applications for this grant round are due to SMIF by May 15. Awardees will be notified in June.

For more information or to apply, visit www.smifoundation.org or contact Jennifer Heien at 507-214-7040 or jenniferh@smifoundation.org.

Previous grant projects include the Red Wing Innovation Incubator and the Albert Lea Entrepreneurial Advancement Program.

SMIF is simultaneously seeking applications for the FEAST! Smart Start grant and the Paint the Town grant.