The Job Creation Fund is administered by Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The program is available to businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, technology-related industries, and other eligible activities. Companies must work with the local government (city, county or township) where a project is located to apply to DEED to receive designation as a Job Creation Fund business. To be designated as a Job Creation Fund business, a business must at minimum:

• Be engaged in an eligible business activity;
• Obtain local government support for their project via council resolution;
• Invest at least $250,000 in real property improvements within one year of becoming a designated Job Creation Fund business;
• Create at least 5 new full-time permanent jobs within two years of becoming a Job Creation Fund business while maintaining existing employment numbers;
• Pay at least $14.68 in wages and benefits in 2023, adjusted annually based on 110% of federal poverty guidelines;
• Have other location options outside of Minnesota;
• Cause no undue harm to Minnesota business competitors;
• Certify that the project would not occur without Job Creation Fund assistance.

To learn more about the Job Creation Fund, or begin the process, please reach out to the Port Authority and our staff can assist you.