Business Resources and Incentives

Please click on the program title for details.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade, workforce development, and community development.

New Business Incentives:

Business Subsidy Policy

The purpose of the Farmington Business Subsidy Policy is to establish criteria for the granting of business subsidies, including financial assistance, through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Tax Abatement, or other programs that may become available through the city or the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).

This policy will be used as criteria for providing subsidies, in addition to the requirements and limitations set forth by provision of Minnesota Statutes Section 116J.993 through 116J.995, as amended, the Business Subsidy Act.

The criteria set forth in this Business Subsidy Policy shall be used as a guide in processing and reviewing the application and will be used in conjunction with other relevant policies of the city. The city reserves the right to approve or reject projects on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration current polices, project criteria, and demand on city services or infrastructure in relation to the potential benefits from the project.

Business Subsidy Policy

Please reach out to City Administrator Lynn Gorski at 651-280-6800 or [email protected] to learn more about qualifying and applying for a business subsidy.

Open to Business

open to business logo

Farmington partners with the Dakota County CDA and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers to offer the Open to Business Program. Business Advisor Elle Khang offers one-on-one business counseling and personal assistance for entrepreneurs and business owners at no cost. Elle will work with you to develop a strong business plan, identify challenges and opportunities for your business, and tailor solutions to your business questions. She can also help determine financial needs and identify and apply for financing that will meet those needs.

Open to Business Advisor

Elle Khang
612-712-1065
[email protected]
www.opentobusinessmn.org
Office Hours Sign-Up

Current Business Assistance:

Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program - Closed for 2022

This grant program is now closed for the remainder of 2022. Please inquire for 2023.

In coordination with the 2022 EDA Workplan, the EDA is offering a Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program for business properties within the City of Farmington.

The program was created with the intent of helping spur investment on commercial and industrial properties to foster property improvements, redevelopment growth and increase the productive use of existing infrastructure within the city. Eligible projects focus on property, building and code improvements which are permanent and anchored to the site. Projects utilizing this grant money must go towards a project which helps redevelop, maintain and/or expand the variety of business use on site.

Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to:

Building demolition costs in a project which will redevelop the property.
Construction, renovation or expansion of buildings.
Contamination remediation.
Correcting code violations (city, building and/or fire code).
Installation and connection to city sewer and/or water.
Permanent electrical, plumbing or mechanical work.
Preventing and/or fixing deterioration and blight of structure(s).
Property upgrades to comply with ADA requirements (e.g. install an elevator).
Reconfiguration of interior space to suite a new user or provide lower cost space.
SAC and/or WAC credits.
Sprinkling a building.

Completed applications will be accepted from March 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022. All applications must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 30.

The EDA will award grants at their July 18, 2022 Regular Meeting.

Forms:

Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program Guidelines

Redevelopment and Property Reinvestment Program Application

Submit completed applications along with bids to [email protected] or bring it to City Hall. Questions? Call 651-280-6825.

Façade Improvement Program - Closed for 2022

This grant program is now closed for the remainder of 2022. Please inquire for 2023.

In coordination with the 2022 EDA Workplan, the EDA is offering a Façade Improvement Program for business properties along MN Highway 3 and within downtown Farmington.

The program was created to encourage businesses to improve their curb appeal by helping finance exterior façade improvements.

These improvements must be visible from public streets and sidewalks and include, but are not limited to:

• Art or murals
• Awnings, canopies or marquees
• Decorative fencing
• Dumpster enclosures or utility screening
• Exterior lighting
• Exterior paint and re-siding
• Masonry repairs and tuckpointing
• Permanent landscape improvements
• Permanent patios
• Repair and restoration of windows and doors
• Signage

The initial program deadline of March 31, 2022 has passed.

Submit completed applications along with bids to [email protected] or bring it to City Hall. Questions? Call 651-280-6825.

Schedule a Ribbon Cutting

The city offers new Farmington businesses the opportunity to host a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking event free of charge. In addition, the city would love to help celebrate business milestones and anniversaries. Anyone interested in connecting on these opportunities should reach out to Community Development Specialist Kalley Swift at 651-280-6825 or [email protected].

Business Community:

Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce

The city is a part of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is committed to building a stronger business community in Dakota County. They proudly serve the cities of Eagan, Farmington, Lilydale, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Rosemount, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. We're proud to contribute to the outstanding quality of life our businesses enjoy every day. Visit them on the web to learn of the many ways they’re helping make the Dakota County area the best possible place to live and work.

Housing Assistance:

Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA)

The CDA is a local government agency administering over 30 programs and managing over 2,100 units of affordable workforce and senior housing serving the communities and residents of Dakota County. They can assist you with buying a home by creating a plan to include credit repair, creating a household budget and identifying mortgage loan products.