The City of Shakopee works with many partners to help foster business growth, expansion, and redevelopment in Shakopee. Here are some local and national resources that can help your business grow:
NextStage for Entrepreneurs
Flourishing economies need a range of business types and sizes, and we realize that starting and growing a small business isn’t easy! We brought the NextStage for Entrepreneurs program to Scott County as a collaboration between the CDA and NextStage to offer tailored technical assistance based on different stages of business growth, helping local businesses solidify their future potential.LEARN MORE
Other CDA Resources
CEO Next
Developed in partnership with Hennepin, Carver, Dakota, and Ramsey counties and the Edward Lowe Foundation, this cohort-based program supports second-stage businesses. Participants benefit from peer-to-peer roundtables and learning opportunities as well as time with dedicated research specialists on topics such as market trends, understanding competitors, and finding potential customers.LEARN MORE
Center for Entrepreneurship
The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) is the centralized hub for entrepreneur and small business resources in Scott County! Conveniently located in Shakopee off Hwy 169, the CFE is part of the Dean Lakes Education Center campus and offers unique partnerships, resources, mentoring, support programs, and networking opportunities for emerging businesses.LEARN MORE
145 1st Avenue E., Shakopee, MN 55379 | 952-445-1660 | www.shakopee.org
The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit business organization that supports member businesses by providing programs and opportunities that support their prosperity. The Shakopee Chamber connects local businesses, service organizations, and all levels of government to create an environment where people want to live, work, and play.
As an active, problem-solving organization, the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce focuses on economic development, workforce development, legislative advocacy, and membership services. The strength of the Chamber lies in its membership, including small businesses, large corporations, home-based businesses, and professional men and women, working together to enhance the quality of life in Shakopee.
The Chamber’s staff and volunteers work diligently to connect your business with opportunities to succeed by working closely with the City of Shakopee and neighboring communities, Scott County, and local service organizations to promote the economic health of our community. The Shakopee Chamber is the primary source for businesses and individuals seeking information on the business climate in our community.
220 South River Ridge Circle, Burnsville, MN 55337 | 952-890-7020 | www.southmetro.score.org
The South Metro Chapter of SCORE is part of a national nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of the nation’s small businesses. The Chapter provides free and confidential business mentoring in starting a new business, buying or selling a business, and managing an existing small business. SCORE also sponsors workshops on a number of business topics and more.
370 Wabasha St N, Suite 1900, Saint Paul, MN 55102 | 855-287-5941 | www.greatermsp.org
GREATER MSP is a private-public partnership with the mission to accelerate job growth and capital investment in the Greater MSP Region. It partners with economic development organizations throughout the region to develop strategy, brand and market the region, and serve as a one-stop shop for business retention, expansion, and recruitment projects. GREATER MSP can provide information on financial programs and incentives, supply resources, community data, trade opportunities, strategic partners, and venture partners. We will coordinate across a variety of agencies, authorities, counties, and municipalities, providing, not limited to, services in permits, planning, and incentive packages. GREATER MSP and its partners value the businesses that operate in the region. Let us know how we can help you prosper.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development offers a variety of business financing programs:
The Minnesota Investment Fund provides financing to help add new workers and retain high-quality jobs on a statewide basis. Local government entities apply for the loans on behalf of expanding businesses. All projects must meet minimum criteria for private investment, number of jobs created or retained, and wages paid. There is a maximum of $500,000 per project. A government entity may only be awarded one MIF grant a year.The Minnesota Job Creation Fund provides up to $1 million in grants to approved businesses after specified job creation and capital investment goals are achieved (10 jobs and $500,000 capital investment are minimum levels for participation).
The Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure program provides grants to local governmental units on a competitive basis statewide for up to 50 percent of the capital cost of the public infrastructure necessary to expand or retain jobs. The projects must be of publicly owned infrastructure related to a development project that supports innovative business.
American Express and Main Street America’s Backing Small Businesses grant program has awarded millions of dollars to small-business owners across the country, and will increase the total amount it has dished out over three years to $5.7 million. In 2024, the two organizations plan to award $10,000 to 500 small businesses across the United States and its territories.
Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos Edition.
The program will target food and beverage businesses that can apply to the accelerator. Those selected will receive a $20,000 grant and join a five-month mentorship program centered around business challenges. One company will receive an additional $100,000 grand prize.
To apply, businesses need to be Hispanic-owned and operating within the United States and have earned between $100,000 to $2 million in revenue in the last financial year.
LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in partnership with the NBA and WNBA, will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small-business owners and $1.5 million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.
Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for the individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.
Jobber, which provides operations management software for home service businesses, announced a grant program in which 15 businesses could receive $10,000 each. Business owners can apply for and use the grant however they want, whether it's purchasing new equipment, marketing, or training their team.
The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant is giving out $25,000 to 25 moms who own businesses. To be eligible, the business’s annual revenue should not be more than $5 million, and it should have between two and 100 employees. All founders must identify as mothers.