DMC opens third round of Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant program
Apr. 1—ROCHESTER — A third round of of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant funding opened Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
The Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is expected to award more than $720,000 in funds to local businesses in the DMC district and Lowertown Neighborhood.
"Investing in our Main Street businesses strengthens the fabric of our community," Patrick Seeb, executive director of DMC EDA, said in a statement announcing the grant opportunity. "This grant program has already helped revitalize Rochester's business corridors, and we look forward to supporting even more projects that enhance our city's economic vitality."
Grants of up to $175,000 are available per project, covering up to 30% of total project costs.
Awards will be determined based on demand, and applicants may receive less than requested.
Eligible businesses must be located in the two defined areas, with DMC district businesses near the planned Link Bus Rapid Transit corridor given priority, along with businesses in the Lowertown Neighborhood north of the downtown core.
Funds can be used for property improvements, such as building repairs, renovations, new construction, landscaping, streetscaping, demolition, site preparation, design and engineering work, and non-public infrastructure.
All awarded funds must be spent by June 30, 2026.
Applications for the state funding must be submitted by April 16, and interested property owners and business tenants must demonstrate secured matching funds, which cannot come from other state or federal sources. The second and final funding session will open Aug. 4.
For full eligibility details and to apply, visit the DMC Main Street Grant webpage at dmc.mn/main-street-grant.
In the first two rounds of Main Street grants, the DMC EDA reported distributing nearly $4 million to more than 70 businesses and organizations. The program is linked to creating 300 permanent jobs and helping to fill 22 vacant spaces in Rochester.
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