We are happy to offer cost-share programs to support Minnesota Grown members with marketing costs. Follow the links to learn more about these opportunities. Not a member? Learn more about joining.
Labeling and Signage Cost-Share
If you are developing product labels, packaging, or permanent signs and add the Minnesota Grown logo in your design, you may be eligible to receive partial reimbursement of design and printing costs, up to $1,000 per entity in the current fiscal year (July 1-June 30).
This program reimburses 75% of the first $400 you spend on eligible labels, signs, or packaging and 25% of your investment from $400-$2,800, while funds last. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis until our funds for the fiscal year run out. You can submit multiple applications per fiscal year until you reach the $1,000 maximum.
Examples
Who is eligible?
To apply for this program, you or your business must be:
- The holder of a current Minnesota Grown Labeling License
- -AND- A small or medium business (under 500 employees)
We reserve the right to deny claims from entities not in good standing with the State, or those who do not comply with program requirements.
What expenses are eligible?
Contact us before you make purchases if you have questions about eligibility: mngrown.mda@state.mn.us or 651-201-6140.
Eligible expenses include payments to third-party vendors for design and printing of product labels, packaging, or weatherproof signage. Here are some examples in each category:
- Product labels: custom printed PLU stickers; custom printed sticker labels for produce clamshells, meat items, egg cartons, cheese, yarn, etc.; custom-printed tags for Christmas trees, wreaths, nursery items, etc.
- Product packaging: custom printed produce boxes, plant pots, shopping bags, shipping boxes, etc.
- Weatherproof signage: custom-printed vinyl or fabric banners, tablecloths, tent toppers, or feather flag signs; weatherproof farm or market signs; custom decal wraps of delivery vehicles, trailers, or coolers, etc.
All eligible items must include the Minnesota Grown logo in the design and meet the following requirements:
- Products being labeled, packaged, or promoted must meet Minnesota Grown labeling requirements. In general, this means 80% grown or raised in Minnesota. See program statute and rules for more details.
- Logo must be large enough to be reasonably legible for the size of the item.
- License holders are welcome to change the color of the logo to match their design, but the logo should otherwise be unaltered, including aspect ratio (height to width).
Items that are NOT eligible:
- Paper items like business cards, flyers, brochures, or direct mail.
- Clothing or other apparel
- Materials for DIY built signs (lumber, metal, paint)
- Supplies for DIY printed labels or packaging (label paper, printers, ink)
How to apply
- Pick a professional printer who works best for your printing needs.
- To get logos, send a description of your project and your Minnesota Grown license number to mngrown.mda@state.mn.us. You can find your license number using MDA's Licensing Information Search. Select Minnesota Grown Labeling from the License Type box.
- If you want to confirm your design and item are eligible before spending money, send a mock-up of the design and description of the item and use to mngrown.mda@state.mn.us.
- Complete the project with your printer and have the printer include a final invoice showing proof of payment received from you for the project.
- Gather your documentation. You will need to upload the following with your application:
- Photos or mock-ups of all items included on the application. These must show incorporation of the Minnesota Grown logo on eligible items.
- Proof of payment (receipts or invoices from the vendor showing a payment and zero balance) for expenses paid during the eligible period. Stamping or writing “paid” on the invoice is not sufficient. If your invoice does not show zero balance due, you can upload in invoice AND a canceled check or credit card statement showing payment to the vendor. Please redact account and other private information.
- Apply through our online application system.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select Minnesota Grown Labeling & Signage Cost-Share (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026)
- If this is your first time applying for reimbursement or if you have changed addresses, you must also submit a W-9 (Request for Taxpayer ID and Certification): Within the application system, complete the online W-9 Power Form hosted by DocuSign, our secure signing system.
- Include all required documentation and answer all required application questions.
- You will receive an automated confirmation email when you have submitted your application. Staff will proactively reach out to you if they need any clarification on the documents you upload.
- We will process your application and contact you with the decision within 7-10 days
- You should receive a check from MDA within 30 days of an approved application.
Application deadlines
We process applications on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out or the end of the fiscal year (July 1-June 30), whichever is first. If funds remain through the end of the fiscal year, expenses must be paid for by June 30, 2026 and applications submitted by July 15, 2026 to be considered for reimbursement.
Questions?
We're here to help! Contact us at mngrown.mda@state.mn.us or 651-201-6140.