Underrepresented Minnesota businesses and non profits can now apply to receive marketing expertise and advertising credits
Minneapolis, Minn. – The Minnesota Star Tribune today announced that the Connect Grant has opened for applications for the fifth year since the program’s inception. Underrepresented businesses and non-profits across the state of Minnesota are invited to apply for the grants, with applications closing December 31, 2024. The winners will be chosen and contacted in January of 2025.
The Connect Grant, in partnership with Minnesota Public Radio, offers greater opportunity for up to six community-positive, underrepresented Minnesota businesses with a total of more than $300,000 in advertising credits to spend on the Minnesota Star Tribune owned and operated products. The grant also offers the opportunity to access free advertising and marketing consultation from experts at the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Started in 2021 to connect underrepresented Minnesota businesses with advertising opportunities, the Connect Grant has effectively helped more than 15 Twin Cities businesses, including businesses such as Sahan Journal and Marc Heu Patisserie Paris, to reach their target audiences. Using the Minnesota Star Tribune’s extensive advertising expertise and products, these businesses have been able to promote the growth of their community-positive missions to better serve their business and their customers.
“The Connect Grant has boosted our visibility, expanded our reach, and strengthened our community connection,” said Shannon Hady, Leadership Integrator of Creatively Focused; a 2024 recipient of the Connect Grant. “With this support, we’ve been able to showcase our partners and our work in building sustainable systems for educators. We’re grateful to the Minnesota Star Tribune team and community.”
Recipients of the Connect Grant are also provided with unique access to the Minnesota Star Tribune’s creative agency, Foundry425, to collaborate in creating a branded content story. Recipients also have worked with teams at the Minnesota Star Tribune to plan and fulfill a full year of the business’s marketing calendar. The grant must be used for the year 2025.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide Star Tribune’s robust advertising resources and expertise to our Connect Grant partners,” said Paul Kasbohm, EVP and Chief Revenue Officer of the Minnesota Star Tribune. “These Minnesota businesses are doing incredible work and we’re proud to play a small role in their growth and success.”
Applications for this year’s Connect Grant can be submitted at any time until December 31, 2025.
Click here for more information or to apply for The Connect Grant by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
About The Star Tribune Media Company
The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Minnesota Star Tribune boasts the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota and beyond. As the heart and voice of the north, the Minnesota Star Tribune is on a journey to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.