The Growth Fund
The Growth Fund supports Minnesota artists and creative business owners with funding for specific business needs and growth opportunities to sustain or scale their work and strengthen local economies.
Funder: Springboard for the Arts
Due Dates: October 22, 2026 (Fall consultation requests) | October 31, 2026 (Fall applications) | April 30, 2027 (Spring applications)
Funding Amounts: One-time $2,000 grants; 20 recipients per cycle
Summary: Supports Minnesota artists and creative business owners with funding to sustain or grow their businesses.
Key Information: Applicants must have operated a Minnesota creative business for at least 12 months and completed a consultation during the applicable cycle.
Description
The Growth Fund is an ongoing Springboard for the Arts program supporting Minnesota artists and creative business owners. It addresses a funding gap for creative businesses whose work may fall outside traditional business development programs or whose capital needs may not fit bank or community development financial institution investments. Its goal is to help sustain or scale these businesses while investing in vibrant, just, and equitable communities and local economies.
The fund combines an Artist Career Consultation requirement with direct financial support for a specific business need or growth opportunity. Funding can support needs such as legal protections, branding, inventory, equipment, staffing, or participation in trade shows and fairs. The program runs spring and fall cycles, with recipients selected randomly from eligible applicants.
